Entry requirements
You will be required to carry out approximately 3 hours pre-course reading.
Why take this course?
This certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio
What you will experience
Basics of radio operation
- Correct frequencies (channels) to be used
- Distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures
- Ship to shore telephone calls
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC) using simulators
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
Search and Rescue (SART)
The course will be examined by a practical and written test.
Application information
A £70 RYA exam fee is payable direct to RYA via online system.
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.
Please note that this service will only accept credit or debit card payment for the full course fee.
If you are eligible for Remission of Fees then you must complete this booking form and supply the relevant fee waiver documents to one of our Campuses or Centres. Some courses are not eligible for fee waiver applications. For further information please contact our Student Advice Centre.
Scottish Maritime Academy
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Starts 24 Mar 2025
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Duration 1 day
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Fees £140 + £70 RYA exam fee
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Part-time Booking Form
Waiver 1 Form
Employer Booking Form
Please note that timetabling changes can often occur after the Part-time Course Guide is published, and as a result the printed version of the guide may not hold the most up-to-date information.
We therefore advise you that all start dates and times listed on the website are at all times accurate, and should be used as your main point of reference before booking your course.
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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