Getting Commercial Accreditation

The commercial shipping sector has rigorous training programmes for those wishing to work in the maritime industry. Red Ensign Maritime Training can offer you expert instructors for the MCA and IMO approved STCW95 courses which they run on a regular and modular basis.

The Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping (1995 version) issued by the MCA has a dual career path to Deck Officer or Engineering Officer accreditation.

Both career paths begin with the basic safety "Block Week" five day course which includes:

• Personal survival techniques
• Elementary first aid
• Proficiency in fire fighting and
• Personal safety and social responsibility

Career requirements for the industry diverge along passenger / bulk carriers and tankers lines.  Courses available for these areas can include, for example, "crisis management and human behaviour", or "dangerous goods and cargoes".

Many career routes will include the requirement for accreditation at Efficient Deck Hand level, or for Able Seaman. Longer term routes could be marine vessel operations, at NVQ Level 3, and Cadetships.

All of these courses are endorsed by the International Maritime Organisation, and are accredited world-wide.