Each of our Cadetships are a combination of academic study and practical work experience. To qualify for a Cadetship we have the following minimum entry requirements:
Higher National Diploma Route
High grade passes at GCSE (grades A - B) / Scottish Standard level (1 - 2) or the equivalent in English, Mathematics, Physics or Combined Science and at least one other subject.
Foundation Degree Route
A minimum of 160 UCAS points (including a numerate subject) plus good grades in GCSE Maths, English and a Physical Science.
Your responsibilities and primary working areas will differ depending on your chosen cadetship, however all work is divided into shifts to ensure that areas such as the Bridge and Engine rooms are manned 24 hours a day. This may mean you are required to work through the night or in the early hours, but you will receive break periods in between.
Course programmes may vary slightly but generally adopt certain patterns, click the link below to find out more….
Phase 1 - Initial College Period
The first stage of the programme involves a residential course at a nautical college and is designed to prepare you for the new environment at sea. The course includes shipboard familiarisation, safety and survival at sea and the structure of the shipping industry.
Phase 2 - At Sea
During this period at sea, the Cadet will be under the guidance of the Staff Captain of the ship and spend many hours working alongside the Deck crew gaining first-hand practical experience in seamanship. Cadets will also understudy the Officers on the Bridge and learn the practical and theoretical aspects of keeping a safe navigational watch.
For all Deck Cadets, an important part of this phase is to spend time with other departments and gain a clear understanding of the overall operation of a cruise ship.
Phases 3 and 5 - At College
Further periods at College studying Marine Operations, Marine Transportation, Navigation, Mathematics, General & Communication Studies and Applied Sciences.
Phases 4 and 6 - At Sea
Further periods at sea interspersed with periods of leave. Practical training of a more involved nature takes place and it is expected that the Cadet will have attained the level of a competent Deck Officer at the completion of Phase 6.
Phase 7 - At College
A further course at College, with studies to complete a Higher National Diploma in Nautical Science and an NVQ Level 3 in Marine Vessel Operations. Candidates who obtain an HND, NVQ Level 3 and pass MCA orals and signals examinations will be awarded an Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch Certificate of Competency.
The Foundation Degree route consists of five phases over three years, with three phases spent at either Warsash Maritime Academy or South Tyneside College and two at sea gaining practical experience. The education and training programme consists of three distinct but complementary elements:
- Academic study at Warsash Maritime Academy or South Tyneside College in conjunction with training onboard ship which will ultimately lead to the Foundation Degree in Marine Operations.
- The practical training onboard ship includes the completion of an MNTB Training Record Book which enables candidates to develop the professional competency needed for initial certification by the UK's Marine & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
In addition to academic study, the MCA requires Deck Officer Cadets to take a number of safety and survival courses during the cadetship. These include:
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Personal Social and Safety Responsibilities (PSSR)
- Basic Fire Fighting
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)
- Medical First Aid Onboard (MFA)
- Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (CPSC)
- Advanced Fire-Fighting (AFF)
- Global Maritime Distress & Safety System Restricted Operator's Certificate (GMDSS)
- Navigation, Radar & ARPA
Phase 1 - Initial College Period
This is a residential course at a nautical college and includes the study of Mathematics, Applied Heat, Applied Mechanics, Engineering Drawing, Workshop Processes and Materials, Electrical and Electronic Principles and Marine Engineering. This phase will also include short courses in safety and survival at sea, and a basic fire-fighting course.
Phases 2 and 4 - At Sea
Periods at sea interspersed with periods of leave to accumulate the requisite sea service. The Cadet will be under the guidance and instruction of the Staff Engineer Officer as the knowledge gained during the previous College phase is applied practically in the machinery spaces on board.
For all Engineer Officer Cadets, an important part of this phase is to become involved with other Departments and gain a clear understanding of the overall operation of a cruise ship. It is expected that the cadet will have attained the level of a competent junior Engineer Officer at the end of the sea phase(s).
Phases 3 and 5 - At College
A further course at College with studies to complete a Higher National Diploma in Marine Engineering and an NVQ Level 3 in Marine Vessel Engineering. This is an integrated course where emphasis is placed on the range of skills necessary to complete a Cadetship successfully.
Candidates who obtain an HND, NVQ Level 3 and pass an MCA oral examination will be awarded a Class 4 Certificate of Competency.
The Foundation Degree route consists of five phases over three years, with three phases spent at either Warsash Maritime Academy or South Tyneside College and two at sea gaining practical experience. The education and training programme consists of four distinct but complementary elements:
- Academic education at Warsash Maritime Academy or South Tyneside College in conjunction with training onboard a ship to attain the Foundation Degree in Marine Engineering.
- Engineering workshop skills training at MNTB-approved standard.
- Practical training onboard 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 Maritime & Coastguard Agency.
- In addition to the academic studies, the MCA requires Engineering Officer Cadets to take a number of safety and survival courses during their cadetship. These include:
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Personal Social and Safety Responsibilities (PSSR)
- Basic Fire Fighting (BFF)
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- Medical First Aid Onboard (MFA)
- Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (CPSC)
- Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)
Phase 1 - Initial College Period
This is a residential course at a nautical college and includes the study of Mathematics, Applied Heat, Applied Mechanics, Engineering Drawing, Workshop Processes and Materials, Electrical and Electronic Principles and Marine Engineering. This phase will also include short courses in safety and survival at sea, and a basic fire-fighting course.
Phases 2 and 4 - At Sea
Periods at sea interspersed with periods of leave to accumulate the requisite sea service. The Cadet will be under the guidance and instruction of the Staff Electro-Technical Officer.
The Foundation Degree route consists of five phases over three years, with three phases spent at either Warsash Maritime Academy or South Tyneside College and two at sea gaining practical experience. The education and training programme consists of four distinct but complementary elements:
- Academic education at Warsash Maritime Academy or South Tyneside College in conjunction with work-based learning onboard a ship to attain the Foundation Degree in Marine Engineering.
- Engineering workshop skills training to MNTB-approved standards.
- Practical training onboard 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 Marine & Coastguard Agency.
- In addition to the academic studies, the MCA requires Electro-Technical Officer Cadets to take a number of safety and survival courses during their cadetship. These include:
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Personal Social and Safety Responsibilities (PSSR)
- Basic Fire Fighting (BFF)
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- Medical First Aid Onboard (MFA)
- Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (CPSC)
- Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)
- GMDSS Radio Maintenance and ENEM certificates
As a Deck cadet, part of your duties will include helping to oversee the safe navigation of the ship, to ensure deck maintenance and to supervise the crew. Your working area will be predominantly on the ship's Bridge as well as other external deck areas. Responsibilities will include maintaining deck areas, taking part in the 'watch' which incorporates most arrivals and departures from port, looking after the charts and logbook, maintaining accurate records of the ship's position and eventually supervised driving of the ship and negotiation of traffic situations.
If you enjoy being part of a team, are interested in technology, and have good mathematical abilities and communication skills, a Deck Officer cadetship could be the route for you.
As an Engineering cadet on the other hand, you will be working to ensure the successful running and maintenance of the ship's Engine Room and its equipment. A lot of time will be spent on watch in the Engine Room with particularly busy periods when leaving or entering port. There is also scheduled maintenance to perform, tasks to undertake in the workshop areas, and repairs to machinery or dealing with any plant breakdowns.
This role requires a good communicator, a practical, resourceful individual with a real interest in mechanical systems
Finally, as an Electro-Technical cadet, you will have responsibility for the maintenance of the ship's electro-technical equipment including the electrical generating plant, electronic/automated control systems, bridge navigational equipment and entertainment systems. Crucially your duties will involve evaluating any problems that arise, making quick and effective decisions and taking the appropriate corrective measures.
If you're looking for a highly specialist, diverse career with no two days the same, the role of an ETO could be for you.
Glasgow College of Nautical Studies
Glasgow College of Nautical Studies is situated in the heart of Glasgow on the south bank of the River Clyde. The School of Marine and Mechanical Engineering is dedicated to the delivery of high quality education and training.
Accommodation
There are catered and self-catered accommodation options available. Situated within the college campus, the Hall of Residence offers both accommodation and meals. It consists of 190 single study bedrooms and 16 shared rooms.
A new development of self-catered accommodation is situated directly across from the college offering high quality en-suite accommodation for students in single rooms and a small number of shared rooms.
Leisure & Social Life
Glasgow is a modern, multicultural city offering a wealth of cultural attractions and activities. It has a vibrant nightlife with endless restaurants, pubs, clubs and cafes and plays host to many festivals and events throughout the year. As well as the plentiful shopping, there are over 70 parks and gardens in addition to many museums and galleries.
For more information, visit the college's website at www.glasgow-nautical.ac.uk.
South Tyneside College, Newcastle
South Tyneside College, in South Shields, is a National Centre of Vocational Excellence for Marine Engineering. World renowned for the quality of its maritime training, STC provides first class teaching, extensive resources and onsite accommodation.
Accommodation
South Tyneside College offers excellent on-site accommodation in a purpose-built accommodation block. The Dr Winterbottom Hall of Residence is located just 50 metres away from the main college teaching facilities. Single and shared study bedrooms are available and all contain a sink, desk and bookshelves. Shared facilities include showers, toilets and common rooms with TVs. SKY TV is also available in the main lounge and there is also a computer suite with 24hr free internet access available to residents. You can stay on a bed and breakfast, or a bed, breakfast and evening meal basis.
Leisure & Social Life
South Shields is a coastal town located a short from Newcastle upon Tyne, a dynamic city which combines culture, countryside and coastline. The area is famed for its ship building history and well known for its award winning beaches. The vibrant nightlife on offer is second to none and with Europe's largest indoor shopping mall in addition to hosting some of the biggest international sporting events, there is something for everyone.
Warsash Maritime Academy, Southampton
Warsash Maritime Academy is part of Southampton Solent University situated on the south coast of England, providing first class education and training for the international shipping and off-shore oil industries.
Accommodation
There are three accommodation sites available for cadets studying at Warsash. Hamblemeads is situated in the centre of the campus and offers 26 en-suite study bedrooms with TV, tea and coffee making facilities. Blyth and Shackleton accommodation blocks offer single and twin bedded rooms with shared bathrooms. TV lounges are provided in both blocks and a billiard room is located in Blyth.
Leisure & Social Life
The nearby city of Southampton is just over an hour by train to London and within easy distance of Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Winchester. Southampton itself has one of the UK's busiest and most active international ports and has developed into a cosmopolitan city which boasts an eclectic mix of culture, entertainment, nightlife and shopping.