Level 3 Maritime Studies Course in Fleetwood. Classes run at Fleetwood Nautical Campus, full-time during the day. This is a sponsored route. A shipping or training company will fund your studies, so you'll need to secure sponsorship before you start. Students aged 18 or under pay no course fees. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply, though a repayable loan may be available. The course runs for 16 weeks and covers the skills and knowledge needed to work as an engineering officer in the Merchant Navy, or to pursue maritime and engineering roles at sea and ashore. Entry requires four GCSEs including English, Maths and Science at grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Sponsoring companies also require you to pass an ENG1 Seafarer Medical examination, which includes a colour-blindness test.
Who this course is for
This is a sponsored route, which means that your studies will be sponsored by a shipping/training company. Find out more about sponsorship opportunities at the Careers at Sea website. This course provides the skills, knowledge and experience to become an engineering officer in the Merchant Navy, or to pursue various maritime/engineering opportunities, at sea and ashore. It offers an exciting opportunity to train towards a rewarding career while travelling the world and earning a tax-free salary. The course is delivered during the first of five phases that constitute a three-year cadet training programme at one of the UK's top nautical institutions. You will benefit from expert tutors, a bespoke Marine Engineering Centre and strong industry partnerships that lead to excellent employment opportunities.
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs or Scottish Standard Grades including English, Mathematics and Science - Grades 9-4 (England), 1-4 (Scotland), A-C (Wales) Please be aware that sponsoring companies will require you to pass an ENG1 Seafarer Medical examination which will include testing for colour-blindness.
What you will learn
You'll develop the engineering knowledge needed for officer-level roles in the Merchant Navy.
You'll study the principles of maritime operations and seafaring practice.
You'll learn how ships' engineering systems work and how to maintain them.
You'll build the technical skills required for maritime and engineering roles ashore as well as at sea.
You'll understand the safety standards and regulations that apply to seafarers.
You'll prepare for further professional maritime training and certification.
How you will learn
You'll study in a classroom setting at Fleetwood Nautical Campus, full-time during the day. Learning combines taught sessions with practical and technical content relevant to maritime engineering. Assessment methods will be confirmed by the centre before you start. Your sponsoring company will also be involved in your training programme.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Fleetwood Nautical Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Engineering officer (Merchant Navy): officer-level role on commercial vessels
Marine engineer: maintaining and operating ship engineering systems
Maritime operations officer: shore-based or vessel operations roles
Port engineer: technical support for vessels in port
Offshore engineer: engineering work on offshore platforms and vessels
Marine superintendent: overseeing vessel maintenance and compliance
What you could study next
Officer of the Watch (OOW) Certificate of Competency: the next step toward a full Merchant Navy officer licence, issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Higher National Certificate or Degree in Marine Engineering: for those who want to deepen technical knowledge and move into senior engineering or management roles.
Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency: the senior engineering licence for those progressing through a Merchant Navy career.
