Deck Officers are vital members of a ship’s operational crew, responsible for navigating vessels safely around the world.
This programme consists of 5 phases undertaken over 3 years, and combines classroom learning at the SMA with time spent on commercial ships operating across seas and oceans worldwide.
Successful students will gain the MCA Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency and an HNC in Nautical Science.
Places on the course are sponsored by shipping companies, please contact Ch.Bell@nescol.ac.uk for further information.
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.
Applicants should have 4 National 5 passes (or equivalent) including English, Maths and one science subject. You will also be required to pass a seafarer medical test.
Please note that a criminal record may prevent applicants from being accepted onto this course due to international visa restrictions.
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.
” I can see already that there are many more female seafarers around today and hopefully my experiences at the SMA gives encouragement to others!”
“Within a month of finishing I was away on my first trip onboard the Grampian Cavalier.”
“All of the lecturers know their stuff – they are previous seagoers so they are not just teaching they are sharing.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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.
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