Deck Officers are vital members of a ship’s operational crew, responsible for navigating vessels safely around the world.
This programme consists of five phases undertaken over three years, and combines classroom learning at the Scottish Maritime Academy (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 a CertHe (SCQF Level 7) Nautical Science.
Places on the programme are sponsored by shipping companies. Please apply directly with any of the following companies:
The shipping company and SMA work closely together with training agents to approve each applicant’s suitability and place on the Cadet programme.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact SMA Centre Manager Chris Bell: Ch.Bell@nescol.ac.uk
View the Deck Officer Cadet Programme Guide
You will complete the following courses during the programme:
The Ambassadors video below provides a flavour of life as a Deck Officer.
Everything you need to know about applying for this programme.
Please note that a criminal record may prevent applicants from being accepted onto this course due to international visa restrictions.
August 2026.
Places are sponsored by shipping companies. Please contact any of the following companies to apply:
Upon successful completion of the programme you will be awarded:
If you have any questions or require more information, please contact SMA Centre Manager Chris Bell: Ch.Bell@nescol.ac.uk
Upon successful completion of the programme, along with the required sea time, you can progress to HND Nautical Science leading to the Chief Mate Certificate of Competency, followed by the full Master’s certification.
“Since joining SMA, I haven’t looked back! I’ve never doubted my decision to become a seafarer, as the opportunity for career growth has kept me motivated.”
“The lecturers’ different seafaring backgrounds and teaching styles have helped me understand the subjects better.”
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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