Individual shipping companies or training organisations will sponsor you to do the course. They may decide which college/university you attend and you will be placed on their ships for the sea based part of the course. Your course fees and a salary or training allowance will be paid by your sponsoring company. Click here for a list of sponsoring companies. Typical entry requirements are given below. They may vary slightly according to individual sponsoring companies.

A total of 120 UCAS points in unspecified subjects
at “A” Level or equivalent.

The example below shows how this could be made
up from “A” level passes.

> Grade A pass = 120 points
> Grade B pass = 100 points
> Grade C pass = 80 points
> Grade D pass = 60 points
> Grade E pass = 40 points

It is possible to achieve the requirements in a number of ways, for more information go to www.ucas.com

Good grades at GCSE/Standard Grades or equivalent in Mathematics, English and Physics (or Dual/Combined Science). This will generally mean having obtained passes at grades A or B/credit level.


You will also need to satisfy the relevant statutory health and eyesight requirements for seafarers in the UK. The sponsoring companies will also give you guidance on any particular requirements which they may have.

If you have any doubt about your ability to pass the statutory health and/or eyesight requirements you may find it worthwhile to take the appropriate examination before applying. You can ask the sponsoring companies or contact the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to establish the details of the requirements and how they may affect you.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency website is at www.mcga.gov.uk

You should be over age 18 to begin the foundation degree/Scottish professional diploma course.