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Officer
Training

An officer trainee is a fully funded three year programme, which leads to both an academic and professional qualification known as a certificate of competency, issued by the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

A cadetship is sponsored by either a shipping company or charitable organisation and will cover all aspects of training, including college fees, travel costs and a monthly bursary payment towards living costs.

 

All officer trainees are enrolled on approved courses at a UK maritime college, that lead to a professional qualification as well as a nationally recognised educational qualification.

 

These include:

 

Higher National Certificate/Advanced Certificate

Higher National Diploma/Advanced Diploma

Foundation Degree (FD) or Scottish Professional Diploma (SPD)

Bachelors or Honours degree

 

Entry requirements for Officer Trainee Training are a minimum of 4 GCSEs

4-9, National 5s – A-C or Standard Grades

1-2 in Maths, English and at least one science-based subject.

 

The content, duration and timings of each of the programmes will vary according to the particular course, but the core knowledge required for MCA certification requirements for onboard training are the same for all. Cadet training in the UK is broken down into periods, commonly referred to as phases, of which there are five, alternating between college learning and sea time:

01
Phase 1
College  learning
02
Phase 2
Sea time
03
Phase 3
College learning
04
Phase 4
Sea time
05
Phase 5
College learning
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Phases at college develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required to gain a UK Certificate of Competency. The college/university learning covers specific modules as well as mandatory short courses, covering safety and technical training subjects, which are integrated into the course.

 

There are multiple colleges in the UK that provide Officer Cadetship training. You can find out more about their facilities and open days on their websites:

 

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Deck

A Navigation (Deck) Officer is a vital member of the ship’s management team – responsible for making decisions on steering and manoeuvring the ship, controlling navigation and communications, so it’s important to be a good team member, decisive and calm. This role is for those interested in technology and have good mathematical, written and verbal skills, as well as enthusiasm and self-reliance.

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Engine

Engineering Officers operate and maintain all the propulsion, power generation and distribution systems throughout the ship. Engineering Officer Cadets need to be practical, resourceful and have an interest in mechanical and electrical systems. Along with good maths, written and verbal communication skills, this role is suited for individuals who are decisive, calm, curious and are prepared to learn about new technology whilst harnessing new skills.

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ETO

The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) monitors all onboard electrical equipment – maximising the operational safety and efficiency of the vessel. ETO Cadets should be practically minded and interested in electrical and electronic control and power systems. This role work closely with the engineering department aboard, so teamwork and collaboration is key.

Individuals may become an Officer of the Watch via apprenticeship programmes. The current routes are

OOW 500gt (Near Coastal)

Small Vessel Chief Engineer 3000gt/9000kW

If you don’t have the right qualifications to join an officer programme and you want to take that route, there are pre-cadetship routes which you can explore. These courses last around a year and aim to develop your skills to get you ready for an officer level course in the Merchant Navy. You need to apply to them directly though the related nautical college.You can find a list of options available below:

Bournemouth and Poole College
Brockenhurst College work with Warsash Maritime School
City of Glasgow
Fleetwood Nautical Campus
South Shields Marine School

If you are a rating looking to study towards your first certificate of competency or have previously worked as an Electro-Technical Officer, yacht, workboat or tug crew and are looking to gain STCW certification, you may be eligible for funding through the John William Slater Memorial Fund. You can find out more on the Marine Society and Sea Cadet website Slater Scholarship – Learn About the Slater Scholarship – Marine Society.

How to apply

There are various organisation who sponsor officer cadet training, these include:

– A shipping or ship management company – cadets would be sponsored, managed and obtain their sea time directly by the company.

– A training management company (TMC) – these organisations have a broad client based and manage cadets training on their client’s behalf.

– A charitable organisation – is further option of sponsorship. Sea time can be carried out on a number of vessels belonging to a range of shipping companies.

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Sponsoring companies

There’s a broad range of shipping companies and charities who sponsor maritime training.

These are the companies that could fund your maritime training. Ready to set sail?

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Ratings
Training

Ratings’ is a general term for a wide variety of skilled seafarers in support roles in all departments, the work can involve a wide range of tasks essential to the safe operation and maintenance of the ship. There are several routes to become a Rating, depending on the area you decide to work in.

There is no minimum academic standard for entering the industry as a Rating, but some companies may ask to see a minimum of three GCSEs or Scottish standard grades. To begin a career at sea as a Rating, all applicants must pass a Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1) and complete basic STCW training to obtain the relevant certification for working at sea.

 
Below are some examples of Ratings roles on board ship:
 

Deck Ratings steer the ship, keep watch and assist the Navigation (Deck) Officer in a range of navigational, operational and cargo duties including mooring. Deck Ratings also carry out maintenance and contribute to the security of the vessel.

 

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Engine Room Ratings carry out a wide range of mechanical, cleaning and watchkeeping duties. They are essential to keeping equipment and safety regimes maintained without incident in the ship’s Engine Room.

 

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Hospitality and Onboard Services (OBS) Ratings are key service roles on every ship, from steward work in the bar and mess room to cleaning cabins and porter work. Passenger ferries and cruise ships also need a wide range of entertainment and personal service jobs, from DJing and hairdressing to nursing and photography. To apply for any roles in hospitality or other onboard services, an application must be made directly to the company or their hiring agent.

 

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You can find out more about apprenticeship via the following approved  training providers:

 

Fleetwood Nautical Campus

Marine Society and Sea Cadets

National Maritime Training Centre

Sea Regs

54North – Keeping the Fishing Industry Alive Through Training

 

 

Rating Apprenticeships are when an individual is paid to train on board ships by experienced professionals and alternating periods of study at a maritime college. Apprenticeships usually last around 18-24 months, however this can vary. The current apprenticeships available are:

 

Seafarer (deck rating) apprenticeship

Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic apprenticeship

Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember

Commercial Fisher

Becoming a commercial fisher in the UK involves several steps, and there are various training courses and qualifications required at different stages of your career. The industry offers opportunities for progression, whether you’re starting as a deckhand or working towards becoming a skipper, engineer, or even owning your own fishing vessel. Find out more here.

How to apply

Rating Apprenticeships come up throughout the year and applications are made directly to a company. Their application processes may vary, the following companies offer one or more of the apprenticeships:

 

David MacBrayne Ltd / CalMac Ltd

DFDS

James Fisher

Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Stena Line

Svitzer UK

Northern Lighthouse Board

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get more experience?

When should I apply?

How long will I spend training?

Do I have to meet academic requirements?

Am I too old to join?

What if I’ve already got a degree?

How do I apply if I am in the Royal Navy, a mechanical engineer or have similar expertise?

What are the medical requirements?

Can I apply for Officer Training sponsorship if I’m from Europe?

Can I apply if I’m not from Europe?