LIMITED spaces are still available on an exciting new Merchant Navy Deck Cadet training course recently launched by Banff and Buchan College as part of their Nautical – the Next Step initiative.
To offer the Deck Cadet course, the college had to satisfy both the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Merchant Navy Training Board that they had appropriate staffing and resources in place to effectively deliver their prescribed content. The first course intake is currently scheduled for August 2008.
Currently only one other Scottish mainland college offers this programme.
The Deck Cadet course combines college training interspersed with practical-based sea training on board a sponsoring company vessel over a four-year period. Upon successful completion trainees will receive a SQA HND in Nautical Science and will be accredited with Officer of the Watch Certification and will graduate as a Certified Deck Officer.
The new initiative has been developed 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 the Deck Cadet trainees throughout their course.
A structured and rewarding career path combined with generous amounts of leave and a good wage awaits those who choose to follow a career as a Deck Officer. Once qualified as a Certified Deck Officer and following further periods of seatime and college-based training candidates will be eligible to sit their Class 2 Deck Officer (Chief Mate) Certificate and could then sail as Chief Officer on a range of vessels.
Further seatime and training would enable them to sit their Class 1 Deck Officer (Master Mariner) Certificate, and successful completion would see them sailing as captain of their own vessel – the highest outcome for a seafarer.
Due to a global shortage of qualified seafarers 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, although the course is open to students of all ages.
Bob Sinclair, principal of the college and himself a qualified Master Mariner says: “This course is about offering real training opportunities and real jobs for the people of the north-east. The global shortage of trained mariners means that these programmes will offer great career opportunities with a fantastic salary, along with tours of one-on, one-off after completion of training.
“In addition, following a career at sea there are further opportunities for a career ashore as harbour masters and pilots, in marine insurance, and as maritime lecturers, all professions which traditionally relied on seafarers but which are all now facing staff shortages due to the lack of training in recent years. I would encourage any male or female, who doesn’t mind hard work and is looking for a challenging yet rewarding career to get in touch with our admissions team.”
Banff and Buchan College is holding an information event for anyone interested in the new Deck Cadet course on Monday June 16, from 3.30-8.00pm, at their main campus at Henderson Road, Fraserburgh.
The event is open to all and visitors will be able to meet with nautical lecturing staff and get more information on the course and apply directly on the night.
For further details contact the Banff and Buchan College admissions team on 01346 586100.