HND Nautical Science (Deck Cadet Programme)
About this course
The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nautical Science (deck officer cadetship) provides an industry‑aligned pathway for aspiring deck officers to develop the navigational competence, professional judgement, and operational readiness required in today’s global maritime sector.
Rooted in STCW standards and aligned with contemporary nautical practice, the programme blends academic study with intensive practical skills development across navigation, shipboard operations, cargo management, meteorology, bridge watchkeeping, and maritime safety.
Cadets build a strong foundation in navigation and seamanship, marine legislation, stability and cargo operations, bridge resource management, and the use of modern navigational technologies. Alongside this, you'll gain essential bridge‑simulator and practical training to ensure safe and effective performance at sea.
This is an intensive and professionally demanding programme: you will progress through modules at pace during university phases, with full working days on campus and independent study expected outside scheduled teaching.
The HND Nautical Science deck cadetship programme has five main components:
- A 10-week 'academic ramp' to support cadets to prepare for studying in a higher education environment.
- A HND Nautical Science, providing the underpinning academic knowledge requirement for the operational level Certificate of Competence (CoC).
- A minimum of 11 months' sea time with your sponsoring company to complete a training record book that evidences your professional competency at the operational level.
- A MCA-approved bridge watchkeeping course.
- A range of MCA-approved STCW short courses to provide critical knowledge in safety and operations.
Designed for a diverse cohort, the cadetship programme emphasises problem‑solving, professionalism, and operational resilience - qualities central to modern maritime careers. By the end of the programme, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to contribute to safe navigation, effective shipboard operations, and the wider maritime workforce. You will also have met the underpinning academic and training requirements to progress toward the Officer of the Watch (OOW II/1) Certificate of Competence issued by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), as defined in MSN 1856 Amendment 1.
This programme is aligned to the new UK-wide maritime officer cadetship syllabus developed by the Cadet Training and Modernisation (CT&M) Programme, led by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Effective from September 2025, the new syllabus reflects the current practices and technology used aboard modern vessels and supports the development of 'human element' skills - essential learning for today’s aspiring officers.
What you'll study
Phase 1
- 34 weeks (this is approximate and subject to change)
- Introduction to Nautical Science
- Celestial Navigation, Maths and Science
- Marine Cargo Operations
- Marine Meteorology
- Operational Bridge Watchkeeping
- Operational Maritime Law and Project Management
- Operational Naval Architecture and Stability
- Operational Passage Planning and Electronic Charts
- Bridge Watchkeeping in Lieu of Sea Time Part 1
- MCA Signals Exam
- Maritime safety training courses:
- STCW Basic Safety Training Week (BSTW)
- Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
- Cadet Cyber Awareness (CCA)
- Human Element, Leadership and Management - Operational
- Entry into Enclosed Spaces
Phase 2
- 31 weeks (sea phase lengths are approximate and subject to change)
- MNTB Training Record Book
Phase 3
What you'll study
Where you'll study
The classroom teaching for this course is delivered from Solent University's East Park Terrace campus, located in Southampton city centre. All mandatory STCW maritime safety training courses are delivered from the Warsash campus.
Facilities
Medical training centre
The medical centre uses the same type of equipment found on board ships for mandatory medical training for ships' officers.
Find out more
Simulation centre
As part of Solent's £43 million investment in maritime training facilities, the maritime simulation centre delivers the best in maritime training.
Find out more
How to apply
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C), including:
- Maths (preferably Higher Tier)
- Physical Science (e.g. Physics, Engineering Science, etc)
- English
- One other subject (e.g. Geography, Computing Science)
- Passes in four subjects in the Scottish Certificate of Education (as above)Or
- Passes in four subjects in the Northern Ireland Grammar School Senior Certificate Exam (as above).
- Or successful completion of a Level 2 Pre-Cadetship
Medical requirements
Officer cadets must be in good health and capable of passing the Merchant Navy Medical Examination (ENG1). Navigation officer cadets must also have normal colour vision and be able to pass the MCA sight test, although corrective lenses may be acceptable in certain cases.
Anyone contemplating a career as a ship’s officer would be well advised to take a medical examination and sight test as soon as possible to find out if there are any physical bars to their career aspirations.
The MCA holds a list of approved doctors throughout the UK who are able to provide ENG1 seafarer medical examinations. This list can be found here.
Nationality
British shipping companies will normally only recruit UK or European Union nationals. However, the MCA certificates of competency may be awarded to people of any nationality and the training programmes are open to all.
A potential international candidate from outside the UK and EU should secure sponsorship from a suitable shipping company that will be able to provide appropriate sea service as part of the cadetship programme.
International students should also hold a formal International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate of at least 5.5 overall and a minimum of 5.0 in each component, as a good knowledge of written and spoken technical English is required to commence the programme.
