Deck Cadet Training Programme!

 Do you want an exciting career at sea that involves travel, technology, responsibility,team working, structured training, generous amounts of time off and a good wage?


If the answer is ‘yes’ then you should consider training to be a Deck Cadet with Banff and Buchan College. We will teach you the basic skills and knowledge you require to work as a Deck Cadet, and you will have the opportunity to put this training into practice during regular spells at sea working for your sponsoring company.


During your 4 years of training you will attain SVQ Level 2 in Merchant
Vessel Support, SVQ Level 3 in Merchant Vessel Operations, Officer of the Watch (OOW) Unlimited Certificate of Competency, a HND Nautical Science, and will graduate as a Certified Deck Officer.

Deck Officers need to have an interest in technology, mathematical ability and good communication skills, so to gain entry to our training programme you will need Standard Grades at Grade 3 or better in Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry and English, plus any other 2 subjects, and an appropriate Scottish National Certificate. You will also need to be in sponsored employment with a shipping company, who will pay you whilst you train.

Applicants to the College will be guided to companies that sponsor cadetships.
We have developed this new course in conjunction with four Aberdeen-based emergency response and rescue vessel companies: Ocean Mainport Rescue, North Star Shipping, Vroon Offshore Services and Nomis Shipping – all of whom directly support the scheme and will provide sponsored training for Deck Cadet trainees throughout their course.


The Deck Cadet’s course comes at a time of well documented global shortages of qualified seafarers.  Consequently, there are considerable opportunities for school leavers to become fully qualified Master Mariners, and hence become captains of their own vessels by their late twenties.  There is an increasing demand for good quality deck officers and once qualified cadets can look forward to good earnings combined with leave time onshore.


There are a range of opportunities for seafarers who wish to pursue a career ashore
after having spent time at sea.  These include harbour master, vessel superintendent, marine pilot, college lecturer and insurance broker to name a few. The choice is yours.
Limited spaces are still available on the new merchant navy Deck Cadet course starting in August 2008 so to apply or get further information contact Admissions on 01346 586100.

For further information please contact the Marketing Office on 01346 586137/8

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