Trinity House has created a new joint venture with the Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) under its Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme (MNSS).
This programme aims to provide a life-changing opportunity for a young person from the local Cowes area, to take the next step towards a maritime career becoming a qualified officer in the industry.
Investing in the future of maritime careers
This new collaboration will support a cadet all the way through to an internationally recognised professional qualification, and the first step towards becoming a Captain or Chief Engineer in the Merchant Navy or private sector.
Trinity House, an approved Officer Cadet Management Organisation, will oversee the full management and administration of cadets throughout their training, ensuring a structured and professional route into the maritime industry. The programme is offered through the Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme (MNSS) and JustBeMaritime (JBM), working in partnership with CHC.
A fully funded pathway to a maritime career
The cadetship, jointly funded by CHC and Trinity House, offers a fully sponsored three-year programme, including:
- Training phases at an approved UK nautical college and practical sea placements on a variety of vessels.
- A bursary throughout the cadetship, ensuring financial support for the candidate.
- Three qualification routes: Higher National Diploma (HND), Foundation Degree (FD), or Bachelor of Science (BSc), all leading to the Officer of the Watch (OOW) Certificate.
- The option to top up to a full degree after completing the HND route.
- Official recognition as a Yeoman of Trinity House, granting career guidance and networking opportunities within the maritime sector.
Entry requirements and application process
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Have at least four GCSEs (grade 4 or higher), including Maths, Science (preferably Physics), and English.
- Or meet the UCAS entry requirements for FD (48 points) or BSc (104 points) courses.
- Pass the ENG1 medical examination.
- Ideally be aged 18 at the start of the cadetship in September 2025 (applications may be considered for those turning 18 before their first sea phase).
- Currently reside in Cowes, East Cowes or the local area, with a focus on supporting those who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities.
Candidates will undergo a selection process, including an interview with representatives from both CHC and Trinity House.
A unique opportunity for local young people
This initiative represents a significant step forward in CHC’s mission to support the next generation of maritime professionals. By providing local young people with a fully funded pathway into the industry, CHC is reinforcing its commitment to Cowes’ maritime heritage and future workforce.
Applications for the cadetship will open soon. For more information, visit Cowes Harbour Commission’s website or social media channels for updates.
Gary Hall, Chief Executive of Cowes Harbour Commission, said:
"We are delighted to partner with Trinity House to launch this fantastic cadetship opportunity, which represents a significant step in supporting the next generation of maritime professionals. At Cowes Harbour Commission, we are committed to fostering careers at sea, and this fully sponsored Merchant Navy cadetship offers a life-changing opportunity for a young person from our local community. Building on our existing support for initiatives like the UKSA SeaChange programme, this programme will provide the foundation for an aspiring officer to develop essential skills, gain invaluable experience, and take the next step towards a rewarding maritime career."
Captain Nigel Hope, Trinity House’s Director of Maritime Training, said:
“I am excited to establish this joint venture partnership with the Cowes Harbour Commission for training Officer Cadets within Trinity House’s Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme. This collaboration will provide further opportunities for those wishing to pursue a maritime career and shows the Cowes Harbour Commission’s commitment to supporting the future of UK seafaring.”
To find out more about Trinity House’s Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme—including entry requirements, study options and applications—please visit www.trinityhouse.co.uk/mnss.
Capt. Jon Kidd, Harbour Master, Jennie Smith, Deputy Harbour Master, Nigel Hope RD*MNM FNI RNR (Director of Maritime Training, Trinity House)