A Deck Officer has responsibility onboard ship for the safe navigation and operation of the ship. If you are thinking about a career in the Merchant Navy as a Deck Officer we have a full range of courses to get you started on your career path. There are different starting points depending on your qualifications and even an Access course if you don't have the required qualifications. Please note that to join the Merchant Navy you must be able to pass an ENG1 medical examination.
Access to Maritime and STEM (SCQF 5) - This course is designed for students who have achieved National 4's at school or who would like to pursue a career at sea as an Officer, but do not yet meet the academic requirements for company selection. This college course will give you the minimum academic requirements to apply for an HNC Cadet Programme through a sponsoring company or training provider.
Cadet Entry Requirements
To stream cadets appropriately, their base level of academic attainment must be assessed. Below are the minimum requirements for each level of cadet programme. For any candidates who do not meet these requirements please discuss with us so we can recommend an alternative entry route, for example through a pre-cadetship programme or completing some online courses before starting at City of Glasgow College.
HNC & HND Cadet Programmes
- Four National 5 (grade C or above)/GCSE (grade 4 or above) in the following subjects - Maths, English, Physical Science (e.g. Physics; Engineering Science etc.) and one other subject (e.g. Geography; Computing Science etc)
- Successful completion of a Pre-cadetship at SCQF level 5.
SPD Cadet Programmes
- Higher/A-level Maths or Physics in conjunction with 4 National 5 (grade C or above)/GCSE (grade 4 or above) in the following subjects - Maths, English, Physical Science (e.g. Physics; Engineering Science etc) and one other subject (e.g. Geography; Computing Science etc)
- Successful completion of Pre-cadetship at SCQF level 6 (NC Shipping and Maritime Operations).
- NC level 6 in a relevant discipline (e.g. Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering).
Cadets should also have been successful in completing their recruitment requirements for sponsorship. Please also note that the above is a minimum requirement and we are more than happy to discuss candidates with alternative qualifications or progression routes on a risk-based process.
Company Sponsored Courses
- HNC Deck Cadet Programme (SCQF 7) - This course forms part of the Education & Training requirements to complete the Deck Officer of the Watch (OOW) training programme and is aimed at cadets who have achieved National 5's at school or who have completed an appropriate access programme. Applications for this programme should be made through an appropriate sponsor.
- HND Deck Cadet Programme (SCQF 8) - This course forms part of the Education & Training requirements to complete the Deck Officer of the Watch (OOW) training programme and is aimed at cadets who have achieved grade B National 5's at school or have completed the Access to Maritime and STEM course. Applications for this programme should be made through an appropriate sponsor.
- SPD Deck Cadet Programme (SCQF 9) - This course forms part of the Education & Training requirements to complete the Deck Officer of the Watch (OOW) training programme and is aimed at cadets who have achieved Highers at school. Applications for this programme should be made through an appropriate sponsor.
International partnerships
- HND Nautical Science (International Partnerships) (SCQF 8) - This training scheme is run in partnership with several colleges throughout the world and requires attendance at our partner colleges and completion of the HND at City of Glasgow College.