Entry requirements
No formal qualifications are required. You should have a genuine interest in a fishing career and a willingness to learn.
You must be aged 16 years old or over.
Why take this course?
This Seafish/EMFF fully funded course is ideal for school leavers or anyone who is considering entering the fishing sector.
The course includes all four mandatory safety courses which are legally required by any person wishing to work at sea as a fisherman plus training in the use of fishing gear, catch handling and watchkeeping.
What you will experience
- Shore-based safety training
- Gear and catch handling
- Net mending
- Rope work
- Navigation
- Boat handling
- Mandatory Seafish safety courses (Sea Survival; Health and Safety; First Aid and Firefighting)
- Basic fishing vessel stability
What you will get
Seafish mandatory certification – health and safety, first aid, sea survival, fire fighting. Introduction to net mending, watch keeping, navigation, chartwork, marine engineering, catch handling.
Progression & ancillary courses
Successful students can progress on to the Trainee Deckhand course and/ or after 6 months approved sea service on to the Efficient Deckhand course.
Student Stories
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
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
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