Course description

Training to become a Deck Officer comprises a balanced programme of academic study ashore at either Glasgow, South Tyneside or Warsash and practical experience at sea within the Carnival UK fleet, over the course of three years.

There are two training routes available - the Foundation Degree (FD) or a Higher National Diploma (HND). The minimum entry requirements differ for each option so check out the course requirements section for more information on which one is right for you.

Deck Officer Cadetship - Higher National Diploma (HND) Route

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 and 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.

Deck Officer Cadetship - Foundation Degree Route

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