Entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements are 4 SQA Standard Grades or GCSE Grades A-C/1-3 or 4 National 5 passes.
Subjects must include English, Maths and one Science subject.
You will be required to pass a seafarer medical test (ENG 1).
Deck Officers are vital members of the ship’s operational team, responsible for navigating ships safely around the world.
The programme consists of 5 phases, usually over 3 years, and is a combination of Academy based learning and seatime.
Upon completion you will gain the MCA Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency and an HNC in Nautical Science.
Places are sponsored by shipping companies. In the first instance register your interest with Centre Manager Chris Bell and we can chat you through the options.
Applications are through one of our training agents whom we work closely with to approve each applicant’s suitability and place on the Cadet program.
The Ambassadors video below provides a flavour of life as a Deck Officer.
Minimum entry requirements are 4 SQA Standard Grades or GCSE Grades A-C/1-3 or 4 National 5 passes.
Subjects must include English, Maths and one Science subject.
You will be required to pass a seafarer medical test (ENG 1).
August 2025
Places are sponsored by shipping companies and further information is available by contacting Ch.Bell@nescol.ac.uk
Upon successful completion of the programme, and required seatime, you can progress to HND level in Nautical Science leading to the Chief Mate Certificate of Competency followed by full Master’s certification.
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.