Course Options
No course offerings available at the moment.
Overview
This is a three-year training programme aimed at providing the necessary training and qualifications for employment as a Deck Officer of the Watch. There are a number of elements to the programme and also a compulsory sea time requirement.
The programme is structured into 5 phases:
- Phase 1 - College phase where you will complete the NC Shipping and Maritime Operations and compulsory STCW short courses.
- Phase 2 - Sea phase where you will start your MNTB training record book in addition to a work based learning course and a distance learning maths course.
- Phase 3 - College phase where you will complete HNC Nautical Science and STCW short courses and complete the theory element of the PDA Marine Management.
- Phase 4 - Sea Phase where you will complete your MNTB training record book and PDA Marine Management.
- Phase 5 - College phase where you will prepare for your OOW written and oral examinations; and complete your final STCW short courses.
There are two main entries into this programme: September and February.
- Cadet Programme Start Date: 7th September 2020.
- Cadet Programme Start Date: 8th February 2021.
Minimum entry requirements
To gain entry to the course you should have any of the following combinations of qualifications:
1. National 5/GCSE or equivalent which must include:
- English.
- Maths.
- Physical Science (e.g. Physics/Chemistry/Technological Studies/Engineering Science).
- One other subject.
2. Successful completion of Access to the Maritime Industry (SCQF level 5).
3. Alternative qualifications will be considered on an individual basis in conjunction with the sponsoring company or training provider.
Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.
Additional selection requirements
- You must have a sponsoring company in order to fulfil the sea time requirement of this programme. There are a number of UK sponsoring companies that recruit UK/EU nationals as officer cadets.
- Initial applications for this course should be submitted to a training provider or company. See Careers at Sea for more information.
What you study
During this programme, you will study the following subjects:
- Marine Meteorology.
- Naval Architecture.
- Navigational Maths and Science.
- Celestial Navigation.
- Bridge Watchkeeping.
You will also complete our Bridge room ready programme which aim to develop practical understanding and skills required on a ship to help aid your transition from college to sea.
In order to achieve your first Certificate of Competency, you will also complete short courses including:
- First Aid.
- Fire fighting.
- Sea Survival.
- Tanker Familiarisation.
- Rescue Craft.
- Personal Survival Techniques.
After the course
On successful completion of the HNC programme, Cadets can gain employment as a fully qualified officer of the watch
Continuing Study
You can progress to complete an HND in Nautical Science or onto University to study at a higher level.
How the course is taught
This course has two distinct elements – at sea and at college.
- During the college phase, you will study a range of subjects to prepare you for a career at sea. You will also have the opportunity to learn in our bridge simulators in addition to completing a number of STCW short courses at locations in and around Glasgow.
- At sea, you will work closely with the ship’s crew to understudy the Officer of the Watch to learn their roles and responsibilities, in addition to completing a training record book.
Materials
Materials will be made available to cadets through our virtual learning environment.
Dress code
As a sponsored cadet you will be expected to wear your company uniform every day into college.