At Anglo-Eastern, we believe in shaping the future of the maritime industry through dedicated crew management and training. In this Q&A, Ro Abbott, Marine Personnel Officer at Anglo-Eastern’s Glasgow office, shares her journey from deck cadet to looking after Anglo-Eastern’s UK cadet pool.
Ro has worked for Anglo-Eastern for about four years. Prior to joining Anglo-Eastern, she successfully transitioned from a Rating to Officer of the Watch. Her seafaring background and operational experience bring valuable insight to the company’s UK Ship Cadet Programme.
Ro Abbott, Marine Personnel Officer at Anglo-Eastern’s Glasgow Office
Thanks for joining us. To start, can you tell us about your current role and your responsibilities with marine cadets?
Ro: Absolutely. I’m Marine Personnel Officer at Anglo-Eastern’s Glasgow Office. At Anglo-Eastern, we manage a large number of cadets for various clients across the industry. My role involves overseeing the full lifecycle of a cadet’s journey — from initial recruitment and onboarding to their sea phases and eventual qualification. I work closely with shipping companies, colleges, and regulatory bodies to ensure that cadets are supported both academically and practically as they develop into competent officers.
What motivated you to take on this role and invest so much time in cadet development?
Ro: I started at sea myself as a deck cadet, so I’ve walked the same path. What motivated me then—and still motivates me now—is the sense of responsibility we all carry to maintain high standards in the maritime industry. Training cadets isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about shaping the next generation of professionals who’ll ensure the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of global shipping. Seeing young people grow in confidence and competence, and knowing I’ve played a part in that, is incredibly rewarding.
What do you see as the most important qualities to instil in a cadet?
Ro: Professionalism, resilience, and a safety-first mindset are critical. But equally important is adaptability. The maritime industry is evolving rapidly—whether it’s in terms of technology, environmental regulation, or global logistics—so cadets need to be agile thinkers. We also encourage emotional intelligence and teamwork, especially because shipboard life requires close cooperation and respect for diverse cultures.
What are the biggest challenges you face in managing cadet development?
Ro: One major challenge is ensuring consistent, high-quality training across various vessels and companies. Not every cadet gets the same type of exposure or mentorship during sea phases, so we have to work hard to fill those gaps. Mental health is another growing area of concern. The isolation of life at sea, especially for young people away from home for the first time, can take a toll. We’ve increased support and check-ins to help them cope. Finally, navigating the bureaucracy between academic providers, regulatory bodies, and sponsoring companies can be time-consuming – it requires constant communication and problem-solving.
How do you measure success in your role?
Ro: For me, success is when a cadet completes their training not just as a qualified officer, but as someone ready to take on responsibility with confidence and integrity. I also look at retention rates – how many of our cadets stay in the industry and continue to develop their careers. Hearing from a former cadet who’s now a chief officer or master is a real highlight. That’s when you know the system works.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering a career at sea today?
Ro: Be prepared to work hard and embrace a steep learning curve. Life at sea is demanding but also incredibly fulfilling. And if you’re lucky enough to have a mentor, listen, learn, and take every opportunity to grow. This is a career that will challenge you, but it will also take you places – literally and professionally – that few other careers can.
If you are based in the UK and looking to embark on a career at sea, click here to view details of our UK Ship Cadet Programme and submit your application.
We would be delighted to hear from you if you are interested in a rewarding career at sea, or if you wish to receive further information from Anglo-Eastern about our UK cadet management services. Please contact us at ukcadet@angloeastern.com.
Should you be based outside the UK, click here to learn more about our award-winning cadet programme at Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA) in India.
