Entry requirements
No formal qualifications are required.
You must be at least 16 years old and hold a basic level of core skills.
Why take this course?
This is a course specifically designed for new entrants interested in exploring a maritime career.
This course covers the basic requirements of a trainee deckhand. It provides the necessary training to enter the Merchant Navy; the offshore supply and standby vessel fleet and the fishing industry.
In addition to the National Progression Award (NPA) in Maritime Studies, you may achieve STCW basic safety training and Seafish mandatory safety certificates (current COVID restrictions permitting) allowing you to work at sea.
What you will experience
- Vessel ropework, anchoring and mooring
- Vessel construction and stability
- Basic navigational watchkeeping
- Maritime sector overview
- Seamanship
- Safety training (personal survival techniques; first aid; personal safety and social responsibilities and security awareness)
What you will get
National Progression Award (NPA) in Maritime Studies which includes the SQA units – Maritime Sector Overview; Vessel Construction and Stability; Basic Navigational Watchkeeping; Vessel Ropework, Anchoring and Mooring; Securing a Vessel for Passage
Seamanship
STCW and Seafish safety certification
Funding
Fee waiver -otherwise known as remission of fees -is available for this course. This course may be free if your individual circumstances meet the requirements for fee waiver. For eligibility criteria go to our funding page or contact us.
What you will need
This course is sponsored by Peterhead Port Authority which allows all new entrants to receive Personal Protective Equipment and have access to survival equipment.
Progression & ancillary courses
Upon successful completion of this course you may be able to seek employment in the standby and supply sector and on board fishing vessels.
After 6 months sea service you will have the opportunity to undertake Efficient Deckhand certification towards Able Bodied seafarer.
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.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Scottish Maritime Academy
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Starts Jan 2025
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Duration 12 weeks
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Fees £1600
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