A minimum of four GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including:
English Language
Mathematics
Science (with a physical science element)
Pre-cadetship for the Maritime Engineering
Imagine a career where your workplace could be anywhere in the world—navigating global trade routes, working on advanced engineering systems, and being part of a highly respected profession.
This course is exciting because it takes you beyond the classroom and into the world of real maritime careers. You won’t just learn theory—you’ll experience what it’s like to work as a Merchant Navy Officer through hands-on engineering sessions, industry engagement, and exposure to professional engineering environments.
You’ll combine:
Practical engineering workshops at Andover College
Maritime-specialist input from Warsash Maritime School
Real industry insights and employer engagement
This means you develop real skills, not just knowledge.
You’ll thrive if you enjoy:
Learning by doing, not just listening, modules you will study during your time with us:
1. Maritime Industry Overview
2. Navigation at Sea
3. Seamanship
4. Health & Safety Protocols at Sea
5. Further Maritime Ancillary Enrichment
– Maritime cadetship sponsorship – delivered by Ship Safe Training Group (SSTG)
– Marine pilot & port operations introduction – Delivered by Class 1 Pilot
– Introduction to maritime renewables – Delivered by Catapult Renewables
– Visit to Warsash Maritime College Southampton
– RYA Power boat 2 qualification
– VHF Radio / GMDSS · Sea survival – life jackets, life rafts, EPIRBs
Around 80% theory, including maths, science, and written assessments
You could get into careers such as:
Deck Officer
Electro-technical officer
Chief Engineer
Officer/Master Mariner
Port operations manager
Marine surveyor or inspector
Shipping and logistics manager
Maritime safety or compliance officer
Marine renewables (offshore wind, sustainable shipping)
Maritime technology and innovation
Environmental and sustainability roles
Completing your sea survival training and industry-led maritime experiences—where you step out of the classroom and into real-life scenarios, learning how to respond in emergency situations at sea and gaining insight directly from maritime professionals.
Trips which will give you access to environments most people never see:
Meet marine pilots, engineers, and deck officers
Observe port operations and vessel movements
Understand how global shipping and logistics work in practice
Specialist Maritime equipment. Onsite facilities.