Application process
Please contact sma@nescol.ac.uk for further information on this course.
Why take this course?
Successful completion will lead to the award of an Officer of the Watch (OOW) (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency when taken in conjunction with the required STCW short courses, SQA written and oral exams.
What you will experience
This programme consists of the following units:
- Celestial Navigation
- Marine Meteorology
- Bridge Watchkeeping
- Navigation Mathematics and Science
- Ship Construction
- Chart work and Tides
- Ship Stability
- Marine Cargo Ops
- Emergency Response and Communications
- Marine Law and Management and Nautical Science Graded Unit 1
Key Facts
This course is offered on a condensed full time basis of 25 weeks (5 days per week).
Entry requirements
Officer of the Watch (OOW) (Reg II/I Unltd) requires a minimum of 36 months sea service in an acceptable deck capacity on ordinary trading vessels, and written testimonials to demonstrate that a minimum of 6 months have been spent on bridge duties in the last 12 months of sea service.
It is the responsibility of candidates to ensure that all entry requirements for the course and the issue of a Notice of Eligibility (NoE) by the MCA are met prior to undertaking full OOW Unlimited Certificate of Competency.
Please note entry to the HNC is at the discretion of the centre.
Progression & ancillary courses
Completion of this HNC allows you to prepare for SQA external examinations leading to Officer of the Watch (Unlimited) II/1
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
Jason Thornton
Maritime
Deck Officer Class 2 (Fishing)
“I am studying for my Deck Officer Class 2 Fishing and although far from home (Orkney) and a big commitment, it’s been a good experience. Classes are small and there’s been lots of tutor support. I would highly recommend SMA to future seafarers.”
Read more about Jason's story
Stephen John Duthie
Maritime
Oral Examination Preparation
“I’m attending a preparation course for my oral exam and really appreciate having a local College on my door step.”
Read more about Stephen's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
There are no dates scheduled for this course at the moment. To find out when we plan to run this course, please email sma@nescol.ac.uk.
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.
