TRAINING SCHEMES

FOR

OFFICER CADETS

Academic year 2007/2008

 CONTENTS

SECTION TITLE PAGE

1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION 2

1.1 Warsash Maritime Academy 2

1.2 Careers in the shipping industry 2

1.3 The Merchant Navy - a brief introduction 3

1.4 Personal qualities - what makes a successful ship’s officer ? 3

1.5 The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) 4

1.6 The roles of Navigating (Deck), Engineer and Electro-Technical Officers 4

1.7 Nationality 5

1.8 Officer Cadet training programmes offered by WMA 5

1.9 Entry criteria for WMA training programmes 6

1.10 UCAS Tariff for access to Degree courses 7

1.11 Medical requirements 7

1.12 Course structures 8

2. NAVIGATING (DECK) OFFICER 9

2.1 Degree programme 9

2.2 HND programme 10

3. MARINE ENGINEERING OFFICER 11

3.1 Degree programme 11

3.2 HND programme 12

4. ELECTRO-TECHNICAL OFFICER (ETO) 13

4.1 Degree programme 13

4.2 HND programme 14

5. AFTER THE OFFICER CADETSHIP 15

6. TAKING THE NEXT STEP 16

1
1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 WARSASH MARITIME ACADEMY

Merchant Navy officers have been trained at Warsash Maritime Academy (WMA) for over sixty
years and our attractive waterside campus is equipped to provide professional and vocational
maritime training that meets all the current national and international standards.

The campus is located in the village of Warsash on the east bank of the river Hamble,
overlooking Southampton Water. The cities of Southampton and Portsmouth are within close
reach and London is easily accessible by road and rail, thus enabling our students to take
advantage of an extensive range of entertainment and activities in this southern region.

WMA is part of Southampton Solent University, which is based in the centre of Southampton
and provides a wide range of degree and other courses. Officer Cadets and other students
enrolled on courses at WMA are able to take advantage of the facilities and services offered
by the University.

In addition to the teaching facilities, our campus offers a refectory, accommodation blocks
with approximately 200 beds in single and twin-bedded rooms, licensed bar, TV lounges,
fitness suite, sports hall and water sports facilities. University staff members supervise the
pastoral care and discipline of young Officer Cadets as well as organising off campus visits
and other activities.

WMA is dedicated to the training of seafarers and, with its range of training and recreational
facilities, is ideally placed to give students the best possible start to their careers in the
international shipping industry.

1.2 CAREERS IN THE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING INDUSTRY

Seafaring offers a challenging, satisfying and well paid career to young men and women who
can accept responsibility at an early age and want more from a career than the usual nine to
five routine. A career at sea brings with it a wealth of opportunity, providing you with the
training and experience for a lifetime of rewarding challenges, which in the longer term can
be continued either at sea or ashore.

While many will aspire to reach the ranks of Captain or Chief Engineer aboard ship, others
may decide later on to move to a job ashore and pursue one of the many opportunities
available to experienced ship’s officers in the international shipping industry or elsewhere
(e.g. shipping management, port management, ship broking, maritime law, surveying etc.)

2
Britain is a major player in the international shipping industry and commercial shipping is a
significant contributor to the economy of this country. British officers with UK MCA
certificates of competency enjoy a very good reputation in the industry throughout the
world, which greatly increases future job opportunities. Technical and managerial skills
learned at sea are readily transferable and can be developed by further training.

1.3 THE MERCHANT NAVY - A brief introduction

The Merchant Navy is the name given to the UK’s commercial shipping industry. It is made up
of a large number of shipping companies who recruit their own Officer Cadets. Merchant
seafarers, both officers and ratings, are civilians employed by these companies.

Companies vary greatly in the size of ships, types of ships and areas of the world where they
operate. Types of modern merchant ship include container ships, oil tankers, gas tankers,
cruise liners, bulk carriers, cable layers, Ro/Ro ferries, car carriers, oil-rig supply vessels and
general purpose cargo ships. Their trade routes may take them to every continent and across
every ocean on the globe.

On board ship there are three main operational departments. The Deck Department is
staffed by Navigating Officers while the Engineering Department is staffed by Marine
Engineering Officers, which may also include Electro-Technical Officers. The third is the
Catering or Hotel Department, which provides the crew and any passengers with catering and
domestic services.

Officer Cadet entry is restricted to the Deck and Engineering Departments. Catering and
Hotel staff are normally recruited from applicants who have already obtained suitable
qualifications ashore.

1.4 PERSONAL QUALITIES - what makes a successful ship’s officer?

A successful ship's officer requires particular personal qualities in order to cope with the
demands of the profession. He or she will spend several months at a time away from home
living in close proximity with other crew members. The ability to cope with the stresses of
separation whilst exercising tolerance towards others on the ship is therefore essential.

Young officers must be able to accept a higher level of responsibility than would be expected
at a similar age in most other professions and possess the leadership qualities necessary to
direct the work of others, often under difficult circumstances. Self-reliance, self discipline,
initiative and the ability to work as part of a team are also required as are the commercial
awareness and management skills demanded by a competitive modern industry.

3
1.5 THE MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), part of the Department for Transport, is the
government agency responsible for issuing navigation and engineer officers’ certificates of
competency. The MCA also ensures compliance with international standards of training and
professional conduct in consultation with other national and international authorities.

1.6 THE ROLES OF NAVIGATING (DECK), MARINE ENGINEERING and ELECTRO-TECHNICAL

OFFICERS

Navigating (Deck) Officers

Navigating Officers maintain watches on the bridge at sea and about the ship in port. They
are responsible for passage planning, the safe navigation of the ship, cargo loading and
discharge, ship stability, communications and the maintenance of the hull and deck
equipment.

The ship’s Captain, or Master, is in overall command with ultimate responsibility for the
safety of the ship, cargo and crew. Only Navigating Officers can be promoted to the rank of
Master.

Marine Engineering Officers

Marine Engineering Officers are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship’s
main propulsion machinery, deck machinery, air conditioning plants, refrigeration plants, and
domestic and electrical services. Depending on the type of ship and operational
circumstances, Engineer Officers will be required to keep watches in the ship’s Engine Room.

The Chief Engineer Officer is in charge of the department and is responsible to the ship’s
Master for its efficient operation. Whilst the law demands that only one person can be in
overall command of the ship and by tradition that person is the Master, the Chief Engineer
Officer’s status and salary is very similar to that enjoyed by the Master.

Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs)

These specialist officers work within the Engineering Department where they take particular
responsibility for the maintenance of on board control engineering and electronic systems
including propulsion control, radio communications and electronic navigation aids.

Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs) may have the opportunity to develop their careers along a
similar path to that of Engineer Officers, perhaps leading to the rank of Chief Engineer
Officer.
4
1.7 NATIONALITY

British shipping companies will normally only recruit British or European Union nationals.
However, the MCA certificates of competency may be awarded to people of any nationality
and the training programmes are open to all.

1.8 OFFICER CADET PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY WMA

WMA offers three-year Officer Cadet training programmes approved by the Merchant Navy
Training Board (MNTB), which lead to professional certification by the MCA and either a
Degree qualification or a Higher National Diploma (HND).

Officer Cadets following the Degree route will initially achieve professional certification by
the MCA and a Foundation Degree in either Marine Operations (Deck Cadets) or Marine
Engineering (Engine & ETO Cadets). Successful candidates will then have the opportunity to
top-up their academic qualification to an Honours Degree, achieving either a BSc(Hons) in
Marine Operations Management (Deck Cadets) or a BEng(Hons) in Marine Engineering and
Management.

Officer Cadets following the HND route will initially achieve professional certification by the
MCA, a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 and an HND in either Nautical Science
(Deck Cadets) or Marine Engineering (Engine & ETO Cadets). With additional professional
experience, successful candidates will also have the opportunity to top-up their academic
qualification to an Honours Degree, achieving either a BSc(Hons) in Marine Operations
Management (Deck Cadets) or a BEng(Hons) in Marine Engineering and Management (Engine &
ETO Cadets).

After gaining initial MCA certification, junior officers prepare for the higher certificates of
competency, leading finally to a Chief Engineer or Master Mariner’s Certificate of
Competency, by a combination of sea service and Academy based training. Promotion to
senior officer rank depends on merit rather than simply the possession of a senior certificate.

Officer Cadets need the sponsorship of a shipping company or training agency in order
to obtain the required sea experience.

Comprehensive information on each of our training programmes is contained in the following

sections of this document.

5
1.9 ENTRY CRITERIA FOR WMA ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

PROGRAMME ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Deck Cadets

Foundation Degree in Marine Operations, A minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points, preferably
with top-up to BSc(Hons) in Marine including a numerate subject,
Operations Management Plus GCSE grade ‘C’ or above in the following
subjects:
• Mathematics (preferably Higher Tier)
• English
• Science (with significant content
of Physical Science)

HND in Nautical Science Either:

i. 4 GCSE’s, Grade C or above including:
Students will be required to complete an • Mathematics
induction/access course at WMA prior to • Science (With significant content
commencing the HND. Entry requirements of Physical Science)
for the induction course are as indicated. • English or a subject using English
(i.e. History, geography, RE)
Successful completion of a full HND may or
facilitate later top-up to BSc(Hons) in ii. Passes in 4 subjects in the Scottish
Marine Operations Management. Certificate of Education as in i. above.
or
iii. Passes in 4 subjects in the NI Grammar
School Senior Certificate Exam as in i. above.
Engine/ETO Cadets

Foundation Degree in Marine Engineering, A minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points, including
with top-up to BEng(Hons) in Marine a numerate subject,
Engineering and Management Plus GCSE grade ‘C’ or above in the following
subjects:
• Mathematics (preferably Higher Tier)
• English
• Science (with significant content
of Physical Science)

HND in Marine Engineering Either:

i. 4 GCSE’s, Grade C or above including:
Students will be required to complete a • Mathematics
induction/access course at WMA prior to • Science (With significant content
commencing the HND. Entry requirements of Physical Science)
for the induction course are as indicated. • English or a subject using English
(i.e. History, geography, RE)
Successful completion of a full HND may or
facilitate later top-up to BEng(Hons) in ii. Passes in 4 subjects in the Scottish
Marine Engineering and Management Certificate of Education as in i. above.
or
iii. Passes in 4 subjects in the NI Grammar
School Senior Certificate Exam as in i. above.

6
1.10 UCAS TARIFF FOR ACCESS TO DEGREE COURSES

The UCAS tariff, listing all 35 FE qualifications, can be downloaded via a link from:

http://www.ucas.com/candq/tariff/index.html

A précis of the document covering the most familiar entry qualifications is as follows:

UCAS GCE A GCE AS Scottish BTEC

Points Level Level Higher Nationals
(Award)

120 Grade A Distinction

100 Grade B

80 Grade C Merit

72 Grade A

60 Grade D Grade A Grade B

50 Grade B

48 Grade C

42 Grade D

40 Grade E Grade C Pass

30 Grade D

20 Grade E

The 120 UCAS points required for WMA’s maritime Foundation Degrees can be made up of any
combination of qualifications. No UCAS credit is given for GCSEs but Foundation Degree
students will be required to hold GCSE Mathematics (minimum Grade C, preferably Higher
Tier Syllabus), English and a GCSE science with a significant content of Physical Science.

1.11 MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Officer Cadets must have good health and be capable of passing the Merchant Navy Medical
Examination (ENG1). Navigating Officer Cadets must also have normal colour vision and be
able to pass the MCA Sight Test, although corrective lenses may be acceptable in some cases.
Anybody contemplating a career as a ship’s officer would be well advised to take a medical
examination and sight test as soon as possible to find out if there are any physical bars to
their career aspirations.
7
1.12 COURSE STUCTURES

Each Officer Cadet programme consists of a number of training phases, alternating between
phases at the Academy and phases at sea aboard one of the shipping company’s vessels.

At the Academy, Officer Cadets will develop the academic underpinning knowledge (UPK)
required for professional certification by the MCA, and also undertake specific safety courses
required by international convention (STCW ’95). While aboard ship, Officer Cadets will gain
practical shipboard experience and develop their operational competency as watchkeeping
officers.

In addition to their academic studies, Officer Cadets must undertake a number of safety and
survival courses during their cadetship. These include the following:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST)

• Personal Social and Safety Responsibilities (PSSR)
• Basic Fire Fighting (BFF)
• Elementary First Aid (EFA)
• Medical First Aid aboard Ship (MFA)
• Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (CPSC & RB)
• Advanced Firefighting (AFF)

In addition, Deck Cadets must complete the following courses:

• Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)

• Global Maritime Distress & Safety System General Operator’s Certificate (GMDSS)
• Navigation, Radar & ARPA Simulation Training: Operational Level (NARASO).

2. NAVIGATING (DECK) OFFICERS

8
2.1 DEGREE PROGRAMME

ACADEMY DURATION CONTENT

PHASE
Induction 3 weeks Freshers week / General induction to shipping industry
Assessment for entry to Degree programme
Basic Seamanship / STCW Basic Training – PST, BFF, EFA, PSSR

Phase 1 16 weeks Foundation Degree (FdSc) units:

Maritime Analytical Methods
Navigation
Ship Operations
Phase 2 35 weeks Work Based Learning (Operations Level)
(At Sea) MNTB Deck Record Book
Foundation Degree (FdSc) units:
Phase 3 30 weeks
Meteorology
Cargo Operations
Voyage Planning
Shipboard Management
Marine Operations
Command Management
Phase 4 47 weeks Work Based Learning (Management Level)
(At Sea) MNTB Deck Record Book

Phase 5 3 weeks Consolidation of Work Based Learning and any outstanding academic
assessments prior to the award of:
Part 1
Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Marine Operations

STCW short courses:

Phase 5 12 weeks
MFA, GMDSS, AFF, NARAS(O), PSC&RB, EDH
Part 2
MCA Orals Preparation

Successful completion of MCA Oral examination leads to award of the

initial MCA Certificate of Competency and end of cadetship.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours degree units:

Phase 6 11 weeks
Project
(Optional) Maritime Technology
Optional Units (2 of 4):
Top up to Safety Management
BSc (Hons) Financial Management
Degree Mercantile Law
Curriculum Plus
Complete self-study elements of Maritime Technology and two
Phase 7 10 months Optional Units undertaken.
(At sea/on leave)
Complete Project - Up to 18 months to complete
Blended Learning
with Successful completion of all units leads to the award of:
Tutorial Support
BSc (Hons) Degree in Marine Operations Management
(Optional)

2.2 HND PROGRAMME

9
 ACADEMY DURATION CONTENT
PHASE
Phase 1 7 weeks Freshers week / General induction to shipping industry
NVQ Level 2 UPK / Basic Seamanship
STCW Basic Training – PST, BFF, EFA, PSSR
Phase 2 25 weeks UPK Consolidation
(At Sea) NVQ Level 2 Portfolio
Academic Ramp 5 weeks Mathematics to HND entry level

Phase 3 8 weeks HND Part 1 (NVQ Level 3 / STCW II/1 UPK)

Bridge Watchkeeping
Cargo Work
Ship Construction
NVQ Level 2 Review/Assessment
Phase 4 25 weeks UPK Consolidation
(At Sea) NVQ Level 3 Portfolio

Phase 5 24 weeks HND Part 1 (NVQ Level 3/STCW II/1 UPK)

Celestial Navigation
Chartwork
Tides and Sailings
Meteorology
Emergency Response and Communications
Ship Stability
Marine Law and Management
NVQ Level 3 Portfolio review
MFA, GMDSS, AFF, NARAS(O), PSC&RB, EDH
Phase 6 26 weeks UPK Consolidation
(At Sea) NVQ Level 3 Portfolio completion

Phase 7 26 weeks HND Part 2 (NVQ level 4/STCW II/2 UPK)

Passage Planning
Bridge Management
Further Meteorology
Further Ship Stability
Structures and Maintenance
Cargo and Port Operations
Shipmaster’s Business
Shipboard Management
NVQ Level 3 Assessment
MCA Orals Preparation
Successful completion of academic assessments leads to the award of:

Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nautical Science

Successful completion of MCA Oral examination leads to award of
initial MCA Certificate of Competency and end of cadetship.

Candidates who successfully achieve a full HND should later be

eligible to top-up the academic award to:

BSc (Hons) Degree in Marine Operations Management

3. MARINE ENGINEERING OFFICERS

10
3.1 DEGREE PROGRAMME

ACADEMY DURATION CONTENT

PHASE
Induction 3 weeks Freshers week / General induction to shipping industry
Assessment for entry to Degree programme
STCW Basic Training – PST, BFF, EFA, PSSR
Phase 1 25 weeks Foundation Degree (FdEng) units:
Mathematics
Marine Propulsion System Principles
Marine Legislation and Management Principles
Marine Electrics Part 1
Marine Auxiliary System Principles Part 1
Work Based Investigation
Workshop Skills Training
Phase 2 24 weeks Work Based Learning (Operations Level)
(At Sea) MNTB Engine Record Book
Foundation Degree (FdEng) units:
Phase 3 30 weeks Marine Electrics Part 2
Marine Auxiliary System Principles Part 2
Mechanics / Thermodynamics
Ship Construction / Ship Stability
Further Mathematics
Instrumentation and Control Principles
Engineering Management
Engineering Design & Project Part 1
Work Based Investigation
Workshop Skills Training
Phase 4 23 weeks Work Based Learning (Management Level)
(At Sea) MNTB Engine Record Book
Foundation Degree (FdEng) units:
Phase 5 14 weeks Advanced Marine Electrics / Further Thermodynamics
Further Mechanics / Engineering Design & Project Part 2
Part 1
Consolidation of Work Based Learning and any outstanding academic
assessments prior to the award of:
Foundation Degree (FdEng) in Marine Engineering
STCW short courses: MFA, AFF, PSC&RB
Phase 5 6 weeks Workshop Skills Training
MCA Orals Preparation
Part 2 Successful completion of MCA Oral examination leads to award of
initial MCA Certificate of Competency and end of cadetship.
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) Honours degree units:
Phase 6 15 weeks Engineering Project
Project Management
Top up to Professional Engineering Management
BEng (Hons) Optional Subjects (2 of 4): Control Systems, Naval Architecture,
Degree Materials & Manufacturing, Curriculum Plus
Complete self-study elements of Project Management and Professional
Phase 7 10 months Engineering Management.
(At sea/on leave) Complete Project - up to 18 months to complete.
Successful completion of all units leads to the award of:
Blended Learning
Tutorial Support BEng (Hons) Degree in Marine Engineering and Management

3.2 HND PROGRAMME

11
 ACADEMY DURATION CONTENT
PHASE
Phase 1 27 weeks Freshers week / General induction to shipping industry
STCW Basic Training: PST, FP&FF, BFA, PSSR
Academic Ramp: Applied Mathematics to HND entry level
Initial NVQ Level 3 UPK (Mathematics, Applied Mechanics & Heat,
Electrics; Marine Plant)
Workshop Skills & Technology; Welding

Phase 2 24 weeks UPK Consolidation

(At Sea) NVQ Level 3 Portfolio

Phase 3 41 weeks Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 1 units:

Mathematics
Mechanics
Marine Propulsion Systems
Marine Auxiliary Systems
Thermodynamics
Marine Electrics
Marine Legislation and Management
Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 2 units:
Further Mathematics
Further Mechanics
Further Thermodynamics
Ship Stability and Construction
Preparation for Project
NVQ Level 3 Portfolio Review
Workshop Skills Training
STCW Advanced Training: MFA

Phase 4 24 weeks UPK Consolidation

(At Sea) NVQ Level 3 Portfolio

Phase 5 24 weeks Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 2 units:

Advanced Marine Electrics
Instrumentation and Control Systems
Engineering Management
Engineering Design & Project
STCW Advanced Training: AFF, CPSC & RB
NVQ Level 3 Assessment
MCA Orals Preparation
Successful completion of academic assessments leads to the award of:

Higher National Diploma (HND) in Marine Engineering

Successful completion of MCA Oral examination leads to award of
initial MCA Certificate of Competency and end of cadetship.
Candidates who successfully achieve a full HND should later be
eligible to top-up the academic award to:
BEng (Hons) Degree in Marine Engineering and Management

4. ELECTRO-TECHNICAL OFFICERS (ETOs)

12
4.1 DEGREE PROGRAMME

ACADEMY DURATION CONTENT

PHASE
Induction 3 weeks Freshers week / General induction to shipping industry
Assessment for entry to Degree programme
STCW Basic Training – PST, BFF, EFA, PSSR
Phase 1 25 weeks Foundation Degree (FdEng) units:
Mathematics Marine Propulsion System Principles
Marine Electrics Part 1 Work Based Investigation
Marine Legislation and Management Principles
Marine Auxiliary System Principles Part 1
Introduction to Electronics / Workshop Skills Training
Phase 2 Work Based Learning (Operations Level)
(At Sea) 24 weeks MNTB Engine Record Book / Electronics (Guided Studies)
Foundation Degree (FdEng) units:
Phase 3 30 weeks Marine Electrics Part 2 Mechanics
Thermodynamics Ship Construction
Further Mathematics Instrumentation and Control Principles
Engineering Management Ship Stability
Engineering Design & Project Part 1
Marine Auxiliary System Principles Part 2
Work Based Investigation
Electronic Principles & Systems / Workshop Skills Training
Phase 4 23 weeks Work Based Learning (Management Level)
(At Sea) MNTB Engine Record Book (plus additional ETO-specific tasks)
Foundation Degree (FdEng) units:
Phase 5 14 weeks Advanced Marine Electrics Further Thermodynamics
Engineering Design & Project Part 2 Further Mechanics
Part 1 Consolidation of Work Based Learning and any outstanding academic
assessments prior to the award of:
Foundation Degree (FdEng) in Marine Engineering
STCW short courses: MFA, AFF, PSC&RB
Phase 5 6 weeks Workshop Skills Training
MCA Orals Preparation
Part 2 Successful completion of MCA Oral examination leads to award of
initial MCA Certificate of Competency and end of cadetship.
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) Honours degree units:
Phase 6 15 weeks Engineering Project
Part 1 Project Management
Professional Engineering Management
Top up to Optional Subjects (2 of 4): Control Systems, Naval Architecture,
BEng (Hons) Materials & Manufacturing, Curriculum Plus
Additional units:
Phase 6 10 weeks Electronic Navigation Systems
Part 2 Navigation Systems Fault Diagnosis
Radio Communication Engineering
ENEM & GMDSS GMDSS Radio Maintenance & ENEM certificates
Complete self-study elements of Project Management and Professional
Phase 7 10 months Engineering Management..
(At sea/on leave) Complete Project - up to 18 months to complete.
Blended Learning Successful completion of all units leads to the award of:
Tutorial Support
BEng (Hons) Degree in Marine Engineering and Management
4.2 HND PROGRAMME

13
 ACADEMY DURATION CONTENT
PHASE
Phase 1 27 weeks Freshers week / General induction to shipping industry
STCW Basic Training: PST, FP&FF, BFA, PSSR
Academic Ramp: Applied Mathematics to HND entry level
Initial NVQ Level 3 UPK (A. Mechanics & Heat, Electrics; Marine Plant)
Introduction to Electronics / Workshop Skills & Technology / Welding
Phase 2 24 weeks UPK Consolidation / NVQ Level 3 Portfolio
(At Sea) Electronics (Guided Studies)

Phase 3 41 weeks Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 1 units:

Mathematics
Mechanics
Marine Propulsion Systems
Marine Auxiliary Systems
Thermodynamics
Marine Electrics
Marine Legislation and Management
Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 2 units:
Further Mathematics
Further Mechanics
Further Thermodynamics
Ship Stability and Construction
Preparation for Project
Electronic Principles & Systems
NVQ Level 3 Portfolio Review / Workshop Skills Training
STCW Advanced Training: MFA
Phase 4 24 weeks UPK Consolidation
(At Sea) NVQ Level 3 Portfolio (plus additional ETO-specific tasks)

Phase 5 24 weeks Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 2 units:

Advanced Marine Electrics
Instrumentation and Control Systems
Engineering Management
Engineering Design & Project
STCW Advanced Training: AFF, CPSC & RB
NVQ Level 3 Assessment
MCA Orals Preparation and Examination to achieve initial MCA CoC
Successful completion of academic assessments leads to the award of:
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Marine Engineering
Successful completion of MCA Oral examination leads to award of
initial MCA Certificate of Competency and end of cadetship.
Candidates who successfully achieve a full HND should later be
eligible to top-up the academic award to:
BEng (Hons) Degree in Marine Engineering and Management

Phase 6 10 weeks Additional units:

Part 2 Electronic Navigation Systems
Navigation Systems Fault Diagnosis
ENEM & GMDSS Radio Communication Engineering
GMDSS Radio Maintenance & ENEM certificates

5. AFTER THE OFFICER CADETSHIP

14
NAVIGATING OFFICERS

Newly qualified Navigating (Deck) Officers will usually join their company’s fleet as a 3rd
Officer, undertaking bridge watchkeeping duties at sea and operational duties in port, with
responsibility for the safety of the ship, cargo and crew. As their skills and experience
develop, young officers progress to higher certificates of competency, leading eventually to
certification as ship’s Captain (Master) and possibly to command of their own vessel.

Numerous opportunities also exist for qualified Navigation Officers ashore. Shipping
companies often recruit shore based marine superintendents and fleet operations staff from
their seagoing officers. Harbour authorities recruit experienced officers to train as pilots,
harbour masters and port operations managers, while Classification Societies, such as Lloyd’s
Register of Shipping, and marine insurance companies require the officers’ skill and
experience to fill such roles as hull and cargo surveyors. The MCA also require surveyors and
examiners while maritime colleges recruit lecturers and assessors.

MARINE ENGINEERING OFFICERS

Newly qualified Marine Engineering Officers will usually join their company’s fleet as 4th
Engineer Officer, undertaking engine room watchkeeping duties and having responsibility for
the safe and efficient operation of the ship's main propulsion unit and other vital services. As
their skills and experience develop, young officers progress to the higher certificates of
competency, leading eventually to the Chief Engineer Officer’s Certificate and possibly to
the position of Chief Engineer Officer.

A qualified and experienced Marine Engineering Officer has acquired a range of transferable
skills, which have many applications in jobs ashore both related and unrelated to the marine
industries. Shipping companies often recruit their shore based engineering superintendents
from seagoing staff, and Classification societies and marine insurance companies recruit
machinery surveyors from the same source. The MCA also require surveyors and examiners
while maritime colleges recruit lecturers and assessors.

ELECTRO-TECHNICAL OFFICERS

After completing the cadetship, ETOs have the choice of following a similar career path to
that of the Marine Engineering Officer (as above) or remaining within the ETO specialisation.
Job opportunities and career progression within the ETO specialisation will depend on the
shipping company concerned.

15
6. TAKING THE NEXT STEP

If you wish to undertake an Officer Cadetship and meet the requirements outlined above, the
next step is to find a company to sponsor you. Companies normally start the recruitment
process around Christmas each year for entry in the following September. Warsash Maritime
Academy keeps an up to date list of companies who recruit both Navigating and Marine
Engineer Officer Cadets and this is available on request.

The staff at Warsash Maritime Academy are happy to offer any advice or assistance that we
can. Please contact our Cadet Administrator, Mrs Sandra Petcher, at the address shown
below.
Mrs Sandra Petcher
Cadet Administrator
Warsash Maritime Academy
Newtown Road
Warsash
Southampton SO31 9ZL

Tel. 01489 556286 (Direct line)

Tel. 01489 576161 (Switchboard)
Fax. 01489 573988
E-mail. wma@solent.ac.uk
Website. www.warsashacademy.co.uk

The following websites provide additional information about Southampton Solent University,
careers at sea, training courses and/or recruiting shipping companies, and guidance to MCA
certification:

Southampton Solent University www.solent.ac.uk

Careers at Sea www.careersatsea.org.uk
Merchant Navy Training Board www.mntb.org.uk
The Marine Society www.marine-society.org
The Chamber of Shipping www.british-shipping.org
Maritime & Coastguard Agency www.mcga.gov.uk

PS/AJH/1 August 2007

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