HND Nautical Science with sponsored officer cadetship

Program Overview

This maritime cadetship combines hands-on training at sea with specialized study in Southampton, UK. Sponsored by shipping companies, cadets develop essential skills and knowledge to become Deck Officers in the Merchant Navy. The program includes practical training on various vessels, academic exemptions for professional qualifications, and a range of career opportunities in the maritime industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This maritime cadetship offers extensive hands-on training at sea on real working vessels, supported and fully sponsored by one of a huge range of shipping and maritime companies. Shipping out as an officer cadet on a range of vessels owned or operated by your sponsoring company, you will develop the essential skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to become a Deck Officer in the Merchant Navy. You will acquire a strong understanding of the fundamental principles and interrelationships of the three main shipboard functional areas – navigation, shipboard operations and management – and learn to anticipate, identify and generate timely and workable solutions to a wide range of problems and issues.

Outline:

Year One

• Core Modules:
• Intro to General Ship Knowledge
• Mathematics for Nautical Science
• Intro to Navigation
• Academic Study Skills
• Intro to Ship and Port Operations

Year Two

• Core Modules:
• Coastal Navigation
• Ocean Navigation
• Ship Operations
• Ship Stability and Construction
• Bridge Management
• Maritime Trade and Transport

Year Three

• Core Modules:
• Advanced Ship Stability and Construction
• Advanced Navigation
• Maritime Law and Management
• Advanced Bridge Management
• Cargo Operations
• Technology Management

Assessment:

You may be assessed by a combination of:

• In-class tests
• Practical classes and workshops
• Practical activities
• Project work
• SQA written exams
• MCA oral exam

Teaching:

You will learn by:

• Directed learning
• Collaborative learning
• Guided learning

Careers:

As a ship’s officer you will be a key part of this, keeping vessels of all kinds, from tankers to container ships – or even ferries, cruise liners or superyachts – running effectively, efficiently and safely. Under the captain’s management, the deck department is responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel, both at sea and in port. Deck officers are a vital part of the on-board management team, taking charge of an expensive vessel and its equally valuable crew, guests, or cargo. You will take key decisions on manoeuvring the vessel and controlling its navigation, communications and security. Numerous opportunities also exist for qualified navigation officers ashore. Shipping companies often recruit shore based marine superintendents and fleet operations staff from their seagoing officers. Harbour authorities recruit experienced officers to train as pilots, harbour masters and port operations managers.

Other:

• Cadetships are fully sponsored by shipping or maritime companies.
• Warsash Maritime School has a full range of industry-leading training facilities, including a seamanship centre, fire school, and a full-function suite of networked maritime simulators.
• Study in the heart of Southampton, a major hub in the UK and European maritime and shipping industry.