Cadet Programme
The Merchant Navy is a vital national industry operating a wide range of ships on Worldwide and European trade routes, carrying cargos and people, and undertaking a variety of other operations e.g. in support of the offshore oil and gas industry. The wider maritime industries include shore-based occupations, into which many seafarers move to develop their careers, and for which seagoing officer qualifications and experience are often required. Well qualified and professional seafarers are needed to operate these ships and work in related shore based occupations.
Cadet Training Programmes
The qualification structure is progressive and all aspiring officers must first attain an Officer of the Watch (OOW) Certificate of Competency. A key route to attain this certificate is to follow a Cadet programme based on SQA Higher National Certificate (HNC). These programmes must be approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Merchant Navy Training Board.