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).
Why take this course?
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.
What you will experience
View the full programme here
- STCW basic safety courses
- NC in Shipping and Maritime Operations
- Theoretical and practical elements of Efficient Deckhand
- Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PRCRB)
- MNTB Entry into Enclosed spaces
- HNC Nautical Science
- Ancillary courses required for Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency
- Sea phases will be undertaken and training provided as per MNTB training record book.
The Ambassadors video below provides a flavour of life as a Deck Officer.
Next cohort start date
August 2025
Application information
Places are sponsored by shipping companies and further information is available by contacting Ch.Bell@nescol.ac.uk
Progression & ancillary courses
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.
Student Stories
Lauren Farmer
Maritime
Maritime Studies – Trainee Deckhand
” I can see already that there are many more female seafarers around today and hopefully my experiences at the SMA gives encouragement to others!”
Read more about Lauren's story
Jack Smith
Maritime
Trainee Deckhand (NPA Maritime Studies)
“Within a month of finishing I was away on my first trip onboard the Grampian Cavalier.”
Read more about Jack's story
Finn Buchanan
Maritime
Deck Officer Cadet Programme (SCQF Level 7)
“All of the lecturers know their stuff – they are previous seagoers so they are not just teaching they are sharing.”
Read more about Finn's story
Murray Macpherson
Maritime
Trainee Deckhand and Deck Officer Cadet programme (SCQF Level 7)
“The Trainee Deckhand course has prepared me well for the first 17 weeks of training, I am actually surprised how much of the basics I already know.”
Read more about Murray's story
Andrew Emslie
Maritime
Merchant Navy Deck Officer Cadet programme
“The thought of a career where I can travel and see the world really appeals. After completing the programme I will be qualified as a Deck Officer and with sea time and further studying I can hopefully progress to Chief Officer and eventually Captain.”
Read more about Andrew's story
Wayne Walker
Maritime
Merchant Navy Deck Officer Cadet programme
“Once I’m qualified my aim is to be a Captain of a construction vessel in the renewables sector, or Captain of a platform supply vessel. I suppose the dream is to just push myself to be the best I can be.”
Read more about Wayne's story
Simon Allen
Maritime
HNC Nautical Science
“I would absolutely recommend studying at the SMA. The staff and lecturers are always approachable and helpful even when they are very busy juggling tight schedules. My blended learning co-ordinator deserves an award herself for her dedication to monitoring and co-ordinating my study program!”
Read more about Simon's story
Craig McGowan
Maritime
Deck Officer Class 2 (Fishing)
“I’ve attended the Scottish Maritime Academy for almost 6 months to complete my Class 2 Deck Officer Fishing course. It is a long time to be away from my family in Kirkcudbright but I have really enjoyed the course and have been given lots of help by tutors and staff.”
Read more about Craig's story
James Stephen
Maritime
ECDIS IMO Model Course 1.27
“I have just undertaken the ECDIS course and I’m hoping to return to the Scottish Maritime Academy to enrol onto the Class 1 Deck Officer (Fishing) course.”
Read more about James's story
Jamie McKeown
Maritime
Trainee Deckhand
“I’ve just completed the 12-week trainee deckhand course which is ideal for new entrants. I have enjoyed the course, the tutors are great and the course will definitely help me get my first berth.”
Read more about Jamie's story
Applications
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.
Similar courses for you
Here are some courses you may also be interested in.
