If you have a sense of adventure and you’re looking for a career that’s more than the usual ‘9 to 5’, training to become a navigating officer in the UK’s merchant navy will provide you with the opportunity to broaden your horizons and travel the world while you work.
Studying at the world-renowned Warsash Maritime Academy on a fully-sponsored three-year officer cadet training programme, you’ll combine the necessary skills and knowledge with work-based learning on board ship to leave you well-prepared to begin your career as a qualified ship’s officer in the Merchant Navy.
Officer cadet training schemes typically last for around three years and are split into five phases which alternate between academic studies, practical and safety training at Warsash Maritime Academy and seagoing periods to gain practical shipboard experience.
To enrol on an officer cadet training scheme, candidates apply directly to shipping companies, not through UCAS. This is because officer cadet training is fully sponsored by the shipping company, covering course fees and also providing the means for gaining the mandatory work-based learning on board ship. Cadets will often also receive a small salary or living allowance while they are training.
During training at Warsash, deck cadets are taught the necessary academic underpinning knowledge, allowing them to develop a detailed understanding of the safe operation of a modern merchant vessel, as well as the activities of the maritime industry, both at sea and ashore.
Officer cadet training is fully sponsored by shipping companies and candidates apply direct to shipping companies for sponsorship. The training scheme is accredited by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and administered by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB).
What does this course lead to?
This programme will lead you to employment as a certified bridge watchkeeping officer on board a commercial (merchant) ship.
This foundation degree is also a progression route for the BSc (Hons) Marine Operations Management top-up course, providing the opportunity to further enhance your career prospects with a full honours degree.
Who is this course for?
This fully-sponsored training programme is a must for those who wish to become a deck officer in the Merchant Navy. The course is suited to those who are looking for an interesting and varied career, and is ideal for those with strong mathematics and physical science skills.
