Cadets might want to rethink getting the vaccine so that it won't impact their sea year...
According to the latest Masters, Mates and Pilots Union 'Wheelhouse Weekly' newsletter, as of 1 October, Matson Navigation Company will require only fully vaccinated individuals on board their vessels as a crew member, port relief officer or shoregang/standby labor. Currently Matson runs 19 vessels. That's a whole lot of berths that unvaccinated cadets are going to be restricted from filling.. I would expect most, if not all MM&P contract companies, will probably follow suit and implement the same requirement in the coming months. Remember, without sea time a cadet can't sit for a license or graduate..
Another thing to consider, is even if companies don't require them, crew members may be restricted to their ship by local health authorities in foreign ports if they are unable to show proof of vaccination...