RYR take DEC and cadets. As far as I can tell, they only take on DECs because there aren't enough FOs reaching upgrade
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And the fact that many are failing (around 40%) and as you say, there is now a gap in experience due to ongoing cadet hire. There are quite a few command eligible FOs who have said sod it all and are heading to Emirates - possibly more to follow over the next year as EKs appetite is huge. Doesn't seem to bother them somehow? We are still 'officially' short on Captains (for the summer anyway). Also, not every DEC who gets on to an OCC course makes it either. A number are also dropped. Maybe policy will have to be readdressed, especially if skippers start saying cheery-by!