The Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board (HKMPDB), together with the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, has launched the Hong Kong Outstanding Maritime Deck and Engine Cadets Recognition Scheme 2026.

The Scheme recognises Hong Kong deck and engine cadets who have demonstrated outstanding performance, professionalism and contribution while serving on sea-going vessels. It also seeks to showcase cadets’ achievements, encourage young people to join the maritime industry, and support the development of a new generation of local seafarers.

Award categories
Two awards are available:

• Outstanding Serving Deck Cadets for Sea-Going Vessels
• Outstanding Serving Engineer Cadets for Sea-Going Vessels

Eligibility
The nominee must be a Hong Kong permanent resident and must either:

• Be a deck or engine cadet serving on a sea-going vessel of a Hong Kong shipping company, with at least 12 months of sea-going service; or
• Have completed his or her cadetship within the 18 months immediately preceding the nomination deadline.

Shipping companies employing Hong Kong cadets on sea-going vessels may nominate up to five candidates for each award category.

Assessment
Nominations will be assessed by a panel comprising representatives from HKMPDB and the maritime industry. Assessment will take into account such factors as discipline and professionalism, safety awareness, self-development, adaptability, teamwork, problem-solving ability, initiative, integrity and work commitment.

Nomination procedure
Companies should complete and submit:

• Nomination Form;
• Cadet Self-Assessment Form;
• Master Endorsement Checklist; and
• Supporting documents, including relevant pages of the Seafarer’s Employment Registration Book and a Letter of Employment as Cadet.

Where a cadet accumulated the required sea-going service with more than one company, endorsements from previous masters or employers who supervised or employed the cadet between September 2025 and August 2026 are also required.

Completed nominations should be submitted by email to cadetsregscheme@tlb.gov.hk on or before 25 September 2026 (Friday).

Assessment and announcement of results are expected in October 2026. The Award Presentation Ceremony is scheduled for November 2026 during Hong Kong Maritime Week.

Further information and nomination forms are available on the HKMPDB Scheme webpage.

Members are encouraged to circulate this information within their organisations and consider nominating eligible cadets.

For enquiries, please contact Ms May FUNG, EO(TL)Manpower, at 3509 7798 or by email at cadetsregscheme@tlb.gov.hk.