Graduate entry

We also offer a Graduate Entry scheme for those candidates who have already qualified in Engineering via apprenticeships, an HND or a degree in Mechanical Engineering. This course offers a more direct route to the role of Engineering Officer following the basic outline of a standard Engineering cadetship, but taking only 13 months rather than three years.

The Graduate programme comprises:

Phase 1 - Initial College Phase

This is a residential course at one of the three maritime colleges, which includes consolidation of workshop processes, shipboard familiarisation, and safety and survival-at-sea courses as well as a basic fire-fighting course.

Phase 2 - At Sea

A period at sea interspersed with periods of leave then follows to accumulate the required minimum of six months' sea service. You will be under the guidance and instruction of the Senior Engineer Officers as previous knowledge gained is applied practically in the machinery spaces onboard.

For all Engineer Officer cadets, an important part of this sea 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 you will have attained the level of a competent junior Engineer Officer at the end of the sea phase.

Phase 3 - Final College Phase

This final phase will include training in PSC&RB, Medical First Aid and Advanced Fire Fighting and a pre-exam course. All course work should be completed by this stage, to enable you to apply for notice of eligibility to take the Officer of the Watch written and oral examinations. Candidates who pass these examinations will be awarded an Engineering Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency.

Entry Requirements

The preferred qualification for entry into the training scheme is an HNC/HND or Mechanical Engineering Degree.