Merchant Navy Deck Cadet Programme

Study Level

Level 3

Level 4

Location

Lowestoft Campus

Duration

3 years

FT / PT

Full-time

Our Merchant Navy Deck Cadet Programme is a fully-sponsored three year course with training time both at college and at sea – all while earning a salary!

The course is split into five phases, where you will complete your MCA training record book to record your completion of key tasks out at sea. You will qualify with a Level 4 Advanced Certificate in Nautical Science accredited by SQA, MCA and the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), which will provide the underpinning knowledge for the Officer of the Watch.

You will then become a vital member of your ship’s management team and will be responsible for making decisions on steering and manoeuvring, controlling navigation and communications for the safety of the ship, crew, cargo and passengers. And at the end of the training, you will have all the skills you need to gain employment as a fully qualified Officer of the Watch on any ship type around the world.

Why study with us:

  • You will complete a 12 month combined seagoing service and training to support your learning.
  • Excellent learning facilities, including bridge and engine room simulators, ECDIS and GMDSS labs.
  • Dedicated teaching staff with extensive industry experience.

This course is fully funded by Support for maritime training (SMarT).

Requirements

To gain entry to the course you should have any of the following combinations of qualifications:

  • At least 4 GCSEs (minimum grade 4)/Scottish equivalent, to include maths, English and a science based subject (preferably physics). Most sponsoring companies are looking for higher grade achievement.
  • Pass a medical examination (ENG1 medical fitness certificate)
  • Be at least 16 years of age, although most sponsoring companies do prefer students to be 18 and over.
  • Be the holder of an EEA (European Economic Area) passport and be ordinarily resident in the UK.
  • Offers of sponsorship (training management company interview). More information about sponsoring companies can be found on the Careers at Sea website.

All candidates will also need to undertake a Merchant Navy Medical examination and gain an unrestricted medical certificate.

However, where a candidate has an existing condition which might influence the candidate’s ability to obtain an unrestricted medical certificate, our advice would usually be for the candidate to obtain a medical certificate early in the process.

Assessment

Assessments will be delivered in a variety of formats, from formal oral and written exams to open assignments completed outside the structured college environment.

An important part of the process will be ensuring you meet the stated deadlines to prepare you for your responsibilities at sea.

Progression

Upon successful completion of the programme, and required sea time, you can progress to Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Nautical Science leading to the Chief Mate Certificate of Competency followed by full Master’s certification.

There are also opportunities for students who have the academic ability and desire to study for a higher-level Honours degree award to seek to access management degree top-up programmes within the University of Suffolk or other institutions.