Maritime Foundation Programme (16-18 year olds)

About the course

UKSA’s 2-year Maritime Foundation course is aimed at those who have no prior experience in watersports or yachting. This course provides the essential skills, qualifications and knowledge required to start a career within the Maritime Industry.

On completion of this course, learners gain the experience and qualifications to apply for various job opportunities within the maritime sectors. This can include:

Watersports instructor
Mate (Flotilla)
Deck officer (merchant navy)
Mate (tugs)
Deckhand ( Superyachts/Workboats)

Who is this Maritime Foundation for?

This course is funded as part of a full-time 16+ further education (FE) programme. Ideal for students with who are looking to escape the classroom and gain valuable work experience to enable them to find a role within the Maritime Sector or want a structured pathway into UKSA’s Flagship Superyacht Cadetship or further training going into the Yachting and Watersports industry.

For further information contact UKSA on (01983 203038)

or the Student Services team at the Isle of Wight College (01983 526631)

Prerequisites

Interest or experience in watersports, outdoor education or maritime industry
Successful interview at UKSA
A minimum of 4 x Grade 3 and above including English and Maths (for students who have not achieved this, we will assess on a case by cases basis)

Benefits

Gain and develop essential skills valued by employers
Increased chance of sustainable employment
Further career progression opportunities within the maritime sector
Industry knowledge and guidance
Practical learning in a maritime centre of excellence

Job opportunities available for students on completion of the course

UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship
Superyacht industry
Tug Boats
Mate on a flotilla
Watersports Instructor
Professional Yachtmaster

Syllabus

Year 1 – work towards achieving

NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Outdoor Sports
RYA Powerboat Level 2
RYA Marine Short Range Radio
RYA Dinghy Instructor (subject to completing the skills preassessment)
RYA First Aid
RYA Safe and Fun
PSCR Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course
BSUPA Paddleboard ready to Ride
STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness
Work Experience including Rope work, anchoring, maritime sector overview and industry guidance

Modules

Participating in sport
Outdoor and adventurous activities
Leading an outdoor activity session
Anatomy and physiology

Year 2 – work towards achieving

NCFE Level 3 introductory certificate
Introduction to Yachting
MCA Sea Survival
RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship
Introduction to basic deckhand skills such as splicing, wire work and varnishing
STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
Introduction into engineering
Simulator Training and basic Navigation
Industry Guidance including CV and interview preparation
RYA Safety Boat
STCW Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention
BSUPA Level 1 Instructor
Industry visits
Work experience

NCFE Level 3 Modules

Exercise, Health and Lifestyle
Principles and Practices in outdoor adventure
Preparing for a career in sport and physical activity

Course structure

During this 2-year programme, 75% of your training will be practical with the remaining 25% theory
4 days a week minimum

How to apply?

Want to apply, why not attend a selection day?

If you’re interested in applying for the Maritime Foundation and would like to attend a selection, please contact UKSA to register your interest. Or alternatively register with the Isle of Wight College as detailed below.

Visit – https://iwcollege.ac.uk/course-areas/activities-leadership/
You can apply online by clicking the ‘+ Apply Online’ button on the Isle of Wight College Website

This course is funded as part of a full-time 16+ further education (FE) programme.

If you are aged 18+, we would advise looking at our career training courses. Or why not join us on an open day?

The Maritime Foundation: NCFE (Level 3 Introductory Certificate)

Have you finished school and would like to set the foundation for a Maritime career?