Course description

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

There are three training routes available - the Foundation Degree (FD), Higher National Diploma (HND), or Graduate Entry. 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.

Engineering Officer Cadetship - Higher National Diploma (HND)

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.

Engineering 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 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)