Deck Cadet Higher National Diploma Programme

The Academy offers a full deck officer cadet programme by a Higher National Diploma (HND) route, leading ultimately to the award of a UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Deck Officer’s Certificate of Competency (STCW’95 II/I OOW), and the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nautical Science.

The scheme consists of five phases (usually over three-and-a-half years), three spent at the Academy and two at sea gaining practical experience. The training consists of four distinct but complementary elements:

An HE entry course at the Academy, designed to prepare new entrants for study at HND level.

Academic education at the Academy to attain the HND in Nautical Science and the Underpinning Knowledge (UPK) requirements for the MCA/SQA written examinations.

Practical training on board ship, including completion of an MNTB Training Record Book. This enables candidates to develop the professional competency needed for initial certification by the UK’s MCA.

In addition to the academic studies, the MCA requires officer cadets to take a number of safety and survival courses during their cadetship.

Duration

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Prerequisites

A) Sponsorship from a shipping company to gain sea service.

B) Holds the minimum academic entry qualifications:

Four GCSEs Grade 'C' or above, including the following subjects: Mathematics (preferably Higher Tier), English, Science (with Physical Science content).

C) A valid personal medical fitness certificate recognised by the MCA.

Approvals

MNTB, MCA