Most Marine Colleges offer a full deck officer cadet programme by a HND route, leading ultimately to the award of a UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Deck Officer’s Certificate of Competency (STCW’95 II/I OOW), a High National Diploma (HND) in Marine Operations..
The scheme consists of five phases (usually over three years), three spent at the college for academic delivery and two at sea gaining practical experience. The education and training programme consists of three distinct but complementary elements:
- Academic education at the college in conjunction with practical skills to attain the HND in Marine Operations.
- Practical training on board 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 MCA.
- In addition to the academic studies, the MCA requires officer cadets to take a number of safety and survival courses during their cadetship.
Safety and Survival courses
Basic Safety Training Week is made up of four courses which meet the minimum STCW 2010 familiarisation and basic safety training requirements.
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
A classroom-based course covering basic induction training in safety procedures and accident prevention, it also familiarises novices with the employment conditions and working environment on board.
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
Outlines precautions for minimising the risk of fire, the causes of fires and how to extinguish them. Also practical training using fire fighting equipment and breathing apparatus to extinguish various types and sizes of fires.
Personal Survival Techniques
Teaches the actions to be taken by individuals to protect themselves in emergency situations and includes practical training using life jackets and inflatable life rafts.
Elementary First Aid
A combination of theory and practical training for basic first aid and life-saving skills.
Proficiency in Security Awareness
Providing knowledge, understanding and proficiency to personnel intending to work on ships who will not have any designated security duties.
For more information on courses, location and accommodation available, click here to find the best option for you.