There are two main departments in which you can train – deck or engineering.

Deck Officers handle

• the navigation, communications, cargo and overall management of the ship and the people on board.

Engineering Officers handle

• the operation and maintenance of the engines and all the mechanical and electrical/equipment throughout the ship.

The training for Deck and Engineer officers follow a similar pattern of college / university based and shipboard training. The actual number and duration of these “Phases” as they are called differs depending on whether you train as a Deck or Engineer officer.

The foundation degree sits within a 3 year training programme that will qualify you as a Junior Officer, giving you Officer Of the Watch (OOW) certification, the first stage of your professional seafaring qualifications.