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
A Merchant Navy career is much sought after because of the possibility of seeing the world and being trained while you earn a high, possibly tax free wage and get a generous amount of leave. This qualification is an entry qualification for a wide variety of maritime employment. This award is available to non-sponsored candidates looking for careers in the Merchant Navy or wider maritime industry which includes river navigation and the offshore industry. Studying at one of the UK's top nautical institutions, you will benefit from expert tutors, state of the art bridge simulators and strong industry partnerships that lead to excellent employment opportunities. Fleetwood Nautical Campus will ensure that all successful candidates get an interview with a shipping/cadet training company to obtain sponsorship to undertake a Merchant Navy cadetship. This course is suitable for anyone aged 16 or over who is interested in a career at sea.
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs or Scottish Standard Grades including English, Mathematics and Science - Grades 9-4 (England), 1-4 (Scotland), A-C (Wales). To progress and gain sponsorship with a company, you must also be medically fit and able to see clearly with colour vision.
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.
