A Silent Academy That’s Making A Positive Impact On The Industry
Set sail on
a career at sea
with the knowledge
and experience you
need to succeed
The Meridian Adventure Academy Cadet Programme is 21 months of hands-on training, that gives young cadets the best tools imaginable for a successful future in the yachting industry and life in general. The intense theory modules are integrated with practical training at sea.
The Meridian Adventure Academy was founded in 2017 by Sean Galleymore who, as a leader in the yachting field, had found the lack of permanent staff of requisite calibre had the capacity to compromise the excellence he expected from the vessels he managed and that the industry at large faced a long-term issue in the future without sufficiently well-trained candidates. Galleymore embarked on creating a world-class program in Meridian Adventure Academy that could deliver his vision of a crew that were respected for their depth of knowledge and who were skilled in delivering an impeccable level of hospitality and service on board that was revered by discerning guests exploring the unspoilt pockets of the world. Furthermore the Meridian Adventure Academy has helped contribute to the expedition company’s constant desire for positive change in the maritime industry through professional development.
The Academy teaches
a deep respect for the ocean
and principles that will guide them through life. Succeeding in the Meridian Adventure Cadetship means excelling at one of the toughest and most revered maritime academies in the world.
It is not just a sailing school, nor simply an at-sea hospitality programme. It is rigorous and intense because it has been designed to forge industry leaders who are passionate about every aspect of the ocean. Meridian Adventure wants to ensure that tomorrow’s masters of the sea know that a yachting career means taking care of the vessels, taking care of people on board and, finally, taking care of the environment.
Why enlist?
Embarking on a career in the yachting industry presents choices to new and existing seafarers. Many make their first step in the industry by dock walking or trying to find a job the traditional way. Whilst day working will provide you with some experience, a chance to prove yourself and a way to earn a small income, it is a risk as a lucrative permanent position is not guaranteed. Equally, year on year many crew are resigned to returning home due to lack of funds or expiring visas. By bridging the gap, Meridian Adventure Academy offers a fully-sponsored cadetship programme giving young people from around the world the chance to pursue their passion. With the correct qualifications, experience and commitment to long-term employment through embarking on the Meridian Adventure Academy Cadetship, combining both theoretical understanding as well as practical time working with the top level of clients, crew can have meaningful employment often at a more senior level, command greater respect in their roles and have more lucrative futures ahead of them.
- Developing future leaders at sea
- Respect
- Discipline
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Intake Dates
- There are four intake seasons throughout the year, conducted every three months. This opens up admission for a select number of successful candidates each season.
Selection Process
The Meridian Adventure Academy admissions team are looking for people with intellectual curiosity, physical ability, endurance and personal qualities to not only contribute to the industry, but also to our planet.
-
1 Complete online
e-learning course -
2 Score high
across modules
To win an interview -
3 Complete
interview -
4 Second list
selection -
5 Confirmation
call -
6 Admission
- Selection criteria
- Adaptability
- Intellectual curiosity
- Leadership potential
- Ability to contribute
- International motivation and drive
- Eagerness to grow
- The application process:
- To win an interview for a place in the cadetship, candidates must successfully complete the e-learning with a high aptitude score. The higher the test scores, the better chance they have. A candidates e-learning score is connected to their profile and passed on to the Hummingbird crew placement application for potential employers to see. Even if a candidate does not score high enough to win an interview for the cadetship, having participated in an e-learning course, where a measurable score is attached to a crew profile, is a very strong indicator of effort and interest in a maritime career.
- Submit documentation to apply:
-
- CV (required)
- Passport (required)
- Schengen visa
- STCW basic safety training
- Medical fitness certificate
- Turkish visa
The Meridian Adventure Academy offers a complete maritime based education to the highest standards with comprehensive theoretical and at sea training.
Meridian Adventure Academy
Programme Details
Training vessel:
Meridian Adventure SAIL has various sail and motor vessels that are used for cadet training. These vessels include: various power boats from 4 to 10 metres in length; 10 metre racing sail boats; and, 19 metre luxury catamarans. The range of vessels ensures that cadets gain the most experience possible to fine tune their skills.
Training material:
Each cadet is issued with a personal set of training material, including digital training material and access to dedicated applications, which provide them with every possible learning aid.
Uniform:
Cadets are all issued with a Meridian Adventure Uniform. The uniform is: designed for the specific needs of sailing; is of a high quality; is comfortable; and, cadets feel proud representing Meridian Adventure while wearing it.
Accommodation & living:
Cadets are accommodated either on board a training vessel or ashore in dedicated accommodation facilities, for the duration of the programme. All meals are provided for and cadets, that qualify to continue the cadetship after 3 months, receive a monthly allowance for recreation.
Location:
The prospective cadets undergo 3 months of intense introductory and safety training in Siğacik, Turkey. Those who qualify, will join one of the Meridian Adventure SAIL Fleets to further their training, and start their intensive practical programme.
Programme Outline
Each year only a few selected candidates are chosen to enter the Academy. After the first 3 months, the best performing cadets will be selected to continue the cadetship. The Academy pays for all the cadet’s education requirements and serves as a platform on which cadets will perfect their skills.
The Initial 3 Month Programme
-
1
Month 1 – Introduction to Culture, Safety & Vessel Principles:
Arrive in Sığacık, Turkey and undergo introduction to the programme, the culture and the integral safety principles of the boat environment, including deck and interior spaces.
-
2
Month 2 – TRAINING MATERIAL:
In the second month the training focuses on detail, as cadets learn about all critical equipment on the vessel, trouble shooting and maintenance. In this month cadets will also be exposed to the technical side of sailing, rigging and the preventative maintenance of all sailing related equipment.
-
3
Month 3 – World Class Service:
Month 3 is all about delivery of excellence. Cadets are provided with the theoretical foundation on which the following 18 months can be built upon in terms of delivering world class experiences in all aspects of guest services.
The Importance of The Drill
During the initial three months the cadets will learn that everything is done as a set drill to ensure professionalism, efficiency and safety. Cadets will learn that there are no short cuts in this profession and that following the drill is the most efficient way to complete any given task.
Continuation selection of the Best Performing Cadets
After the first 3 months in Siğacik, Turkey, qualifying cadets will join one of the Meridian Adventure SAIL Fleet’s to further their training, and start their cadetship which is an intensive practical programme.
Intensive Practical Programme
Month 4 to 21: At Sea / Practical:
The intense theory modules are integrated with training at sea, and with time committed to enhancing practical working skills.
- Industry qualifications earned
- The cadet will earn the following qualifications during the 21-month programme:
- Food Safety & Hygiene Level 2 Course For Catering
- Silver Service Certificate
- PADI Open Water Diver Certificate
- Yacht Rating Certificate
- VHF Radio Operator Certificate
- Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC 1)
- Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC 2)
- IYT Master of Yacht Limited Certificate
- IYT Master of Yacht Unlimited Certificate
- Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)
- Meridian Adventure accreditation
- Cadets enrolled in the Academy will benefit from Meridian Adventure Academy certification in:
- Certificate of Competency in Safety
- Certificate of Competency in Service & Galley
- Certificate of Competency in Sailing, Navigation, Spars & Rigging
- Certificate of Competency in Deck & Interior
- Certificate of Competency in Engineering
- Certificate of Competency in Guest Services
The six elements of the programme
Comprised of 9 courses form the learning foundation
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1 Safety
-
2 Service &
Galley -
3 Sailing, Navigation,
Spars and Rigging -
4 Deck &
Interior -
5 Engineering
-
6 Guest
Services
Safety
Knowing when and how to react in dangerous situations can save lives, cadets will learn how critical safety is at sea and come to understand why everything is done as a set drill. The programme turns safety drills into muscle memory in order preserve life at sea. Cadets will also be introduced and trained on how to use high tech and cutting edge vessel safety management applications by Ephemeris.
Service & Galley
We teach Cadets the fine details of how to prepare and present food to the highest standard. Anticipating guests needs and recognising cues and nuances will become second nature, as they learn to deliver extraordinary culinary experiences.
Sailing, Navigation, Spars and Rigging
Cadets will be trained on Passage Planning and Navigational Watch, how to do fuel calculations while navigating as well as speed, distance and time calculations. There is no margin for error in position fixing and chart plotting. It is an imperative job, which every navigating officer must master
Cadets will be taught to maintain the running and standing rigging – know where they are going, how to get there safely and what they will encounter along the way. Cadets will understand how the weather effects decisions and movements and gain spatial awareness that sets them ahead.
Deck and Interior
Cadets will learn how to maintain everything on deck and in the interior spaces of the vessel. From teak decks to fine linens, they’ll learn how to approach the vessel from a professional perspective. Correct stowage, inventorying, reporting, ordering and monitoring supplies, and the vessels accounting are all a professional skipper’s responsibility and the cadets will learn it all. Essentially cadets acquire all the skills required to run a business.
Engineering
Cadets will learn all aspects of engineering on board and will be educated in everything from plumbing to electrics. They will be fully educated in servicing a variety of engines and generators, and the basic principles of a combustion engine and how to properly care for it. Cadets will become well versed in hydraulics and reverse osmosis, how to service the different onboard equipment and gain an in-depth knowledge of how it works.
The Engineering section of this curriculum will give the cadets invaluable problem-solving skills and practical and efficient solutions to all issues that will face them in the 18 months to come.
Guest Services
Guest Services is the practical, hands-on element of the training, which shows Cadets how to use all the skills they have learned, to deliver incredible, amazing and unbelievable experiences.
Our Investment in Cadets Education
The Meridian Adventure Academy delivers a fully sponsored 21-month Cadet Training Programme to a select number of applicants
- Meridian Adventure cadet programme includes
- Uniform
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Toiletries
- Allowance
- Training
- Learning material
- Confidence and skills
- Certificates of Competence by Meridian Adventure
- 10 Internationally recognised industry qualifications
Career Opportunities After Training
At the end of 21 months cadets are given 57 days leave to visit family and friends, after which Meridian Adventure Crew Placement Services will place them in high earning positions on board professionally operated yachts.
The best candidates will be contracted with the Meridian Adventure SAIL Fleet to operate our yachts in various regions around the world. These candidates are mentored and developed into industry leaders, as the company progresses them with a career path that sees their formal education peak at Master Unlimited.
- Industry options
- Enhance your long-term career prospects when transferring to a shore-based career.
- Open up additional maritime career options across the broader maritime industry.
- Opportunity to progress to Master Mariner (Unlimited) – the pinnacle of maritime education and training.
Crew Reviews
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Hande Hayta 24 June 2021“I discovered the boundaries of my mind and body were far wider than I thought, and it also taught me to always be critically aware of my surroundings at all times. I look forward to a long and exciting career in the maritime industry.”
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Darryn Timm 02 June 2021“Everything about this programme is structured in such a way that will challenge your current perspective. You will walk away with a sense of appreciation that no detail is too small to overlook. It has changed my life dramatically and I know it will do the same for many who will make it through the ranks.”
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Anthony Reece Hyman 01 Apr 2021“Wow, what an experience. After the completion of the cadetship programme, I completed my 200GT Unlimited with ease and started my career as Master/Captain on an adventure vessel. It truly put me miles ahead of many other yachties in the industry. I highly recommend anyone to apply!”
Acceptance to the Meridian Adventure Sail Cadet Programmes provides cadets with a fully funded education and the vital experience desired by all to secure the elusive job in the highly desirable superyacht industry. Get ahead of your peers through our specialised online training modules designed to cover the coursework of all the departments of a luxury yacht, equipping you with the foundation and knowledge to accelerate into a career in the industry.
Successful candidates achieve a certificate of completion, and can gain a placement opportunity in an elite Cadet Programme. Commence the application process today by completing the online aptitude testing modules so you can be interviewed for the Cadet Programme. The Meridian Adventure Sail Academy aptitude system is a built specifically for their recruitment needs and they share an overflow of candidate applications with other Cadet Programs around the world.
Candidates not wanting to join a cadet program, but who do want to follow the traditional dock walking way of entry to the industry would do well to still complete the online education successfully, as they can use the certificate of completion that is issued from the Meridian Adventure Sail Academy aptitude system with recruitment agents and captains proving that they were not completely green, and at least have an understanding of the full scope of the industry.
The completion certificate can be shared with superyacht crew placement agencies, thus proving that the candidates who have completed this stage are committed to a career in the superyacht industry which further enhances their chances of finding the elusive job.
When you have completed your e-learning modules stay in touch with Meridian Adventure Sail on enquiries@academy.meridianadventures.com, and Academy by Ephemeris on enquiries@ephemeris.academy
Enlist Now