You've probably got lots of questions. That's why we've got experts on hand to help.
Our team at Fleetwood Nautical Campus is here right now to answer any of your questions about studying with us and getting ready for careers at sea. Simply click the button below to start a live chat on this website.
The world around us may be changing - but due to an ever-increasing demand for goods to be transported across the world, the maritime industry continues to grow. Which means shipping companies are still recruiting the next generation of seafarers.
Careers are available in all areas of the maritime industry. Explore this page, watch videos, and ask questions to learn more about your future at sea - and how you can get on board.
Broaden your horizons: meeting people from different cultures is fascinating and makes you both adaptable and a good team player.
Good salary potential: starting salaries for qualified Merchant Navy officers are higher than most other industries - and often exempt from tax.
Long leave: Merchant Navy working patterns mean long leave periods – on some trades you may work 2 months at sea, and you may get 2 months off.
Fantastic career prospects: this is a growing industry, with well-trained officers in big demand. There are plenty of opportunities once you're qualified.
Unforgettable experiences: a career at sea is like no other and you'll enjoy incredible experiences along the way.
Adventurous lifestyle: working at sea provides an exciting work environment, with no two days the same - very different to the normal ‘9 to 5’ office job.
Travel the world: many sea placements include the chance to visit some amazing destinations while getting paid.
Worldwide employment: you'll gain an internationally-recognised qualification so you can work anywhere in the world.
Continuous development: this is a highly skilled profession with ongoing training opportunities to develop you personally and professionally.
Transferable skills: your experience will be in demand across all industry sectors, making you extremely employable whatever you choose to do.
Wherever you live, and whatever your age, we encourage you to consider Fleetwood Nautical Campus for your training to become a cadet officer, but first you will need to decide what discipline best suits you – Navigating Officer (Deck), Engineering Officer (Engine) or Electro-Technical Officer (ETO).
Whichever discipline you choose, you'll need company sponsorship to be able to complete the necessary sea service.
With Sponsorship
Level 3 Diploma in Shipping and Maritime Operations – Deck or Engineering
Academic entry requirements: 4 GCSEs grades 9-4, including English, Maths and Science.
Successful completion of this phase of training allows you to progress into Higher Education, which is normally the Advanced Certificate (AdC) in your chosen discipline.
The Level 3 Diploma fulfils the academic entry requirements for the AdC.
The AdC qualification is roughly equivalent to the first year of university and fulfils the academic requirements needed to become a Merchant Navy officer at operational level.
Without Sponsorship
If you haven’t been able to secure a sponsorship, you can still start your qualification for a career at sea while you continue to seek a sponsor.* You’ll be able to gain skills and knowledge that help make you more attractive to sponsoring companies, whilst at the same time evaluating whether or not this career path is what you anticipated.
The UCAS points gained with the Level 3 Diploma will allow for access to Higher Education in other disciplines should you decide that a career at sea may not be for you.
Level 3 Diploma in Shipping and Maritime Operations – Deck or Engineering
Academic entry requirements: 4 GCSEs grades 9-4, including English, Maths and Science.
*You will need to find a sponsor to enable you to gain the necessary time at sea to qualify for your Certificate of Competency.
AdC
This AdC qualification is roughly equivalent to the first year of university and fulfils the academic requirements needed to become a Merchant Navy officer at operational level.
Academic entry requirements: 4 GCSEs grades 9-4, including English, Maths and Science.
Foundation Degree
The Foundation Degree is roughly equivalent to the first two years of university and fulfils the academic requirements needed to become a Merchant Navy officer at managerial level.
Academic entry requirements: 48 UCAS points (including at least one module in a relevant subject) or the Level 3 Diploma in Shipping and Maritime Operations.
Advanced Diploma
The Advanced Diploma (AdD) programme provides the academic requirements for the first Certificate of Competency (Operational Level) for a Merchant Navy Officer through the Advanced Certificate (AdC) and then progresses onto the academic requirements for the second Certificate of Competency (Management Level) for a Merchant Navy Officer through the AdD.
Academic entry requirements: 48 UCAS points (including at least one module in a relevant subject) or the Level 3 Diploma in Shipping and Maritime Operations.
Foundation Degree
The Foundation Degree is roughly equivalent to the first two years of university and fulfils the academic requirements needed to become a Merchant Navy officer at managerial level.
Academic entry requirements: 48 UCAS points (including at least one module in a relevant subject) or the Level 3 Diploma in Shipping and Maritime Operations.
Since setting sail as a cadet in 2006, Karley Smith has travelled the world, picked up the MCA Officer of the Year Award and qualified at the industry’s highest level - as Master Mariner. She now works for Stena Drilling and part-time for FNC, supporting the next generation of Merchant Navy officers.
“You get out of it what you put in. I’ve had great experiences working in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil and the Mediterranean but I’ve also experienced winters in the North Sea! Getting paid to travel the world is something most people only dream of, but for a seafarer it’s just a regular day at the office.”
“I have always been excited about a life at sea, and the course helps you to see more of what it would really be like, especially through the College simulators. The ratio of practical to theory work is about 50/50, which I think is the perfect balance. My vessel was a container roll-on/roll-off vessel with a large recreation area for relaxing, playing games and watching movies. We had a gym and a sauna and the Wi-Fi was good enough to call friends and family. I’ve enjoyed the freedom and the travelling, visiting new countries and getting to know tons of different people!”
If you’re looking for sponsorship to get started in your maritime career, you’re in the right place.
We’re proud to work with the above organisations – training partners and shipping companies.
When you’re ready to talk about sponsorship, we’ll organise a callback from shipping organisations that can help you achieve your ambitions.
