There are clear and specific entry requirements relating to academic qualifications, medical suitability, and age.
Academic Entry Requirements
Cadet Training Programmes
Higher National Diploma Programmes
Candidates holding GCSE or SCE Standard Grade qualifications.
Candidates must hold at least GCSE's (Grades A-C)/SCE Standard Grades (Levels 1-3), or equivalent qualifications, in Mathematics, Physics (or Combined Science), English (or subject using English), and at least one other subject. These are minimum requirements and additional qualifications at this level are desirable and may be required by some companies. For these candidates additional studies are embedded within the programmes to prepare the cadet to undertake HND level studies.
Candidates holding GCE 'A'/SCE 'H' qualifications
Candidates entering with 'A' Levels/Highers, or equivalent qualifications, must hold the core subjects referred to above at either the GCSE/SCE Standard or 'A'/'H' levels, or equivalent qualifications. If the 'A'/'H' qualifications, or equivalents, include Mathematics and/or Physics then a slightly shorter programme may be undertaken, although this will depend on the availability of such programmes as they may not be offered for all intake dates.
Undergraduate Degree Programmes
Entry to a maritime related degree course, approved by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency/Merchant Navy Training Board as meeting the academic requirements for a certificate of competency, (e.g. a B.Sc. in Nautical Science or Maritime Studies for deck officer trainees or B.Sc. in Marine or Mechanical Engineering for engineer officer trainees) is in accordance with the admission requirements of the universities and colleges concerned. Typically the minimum standard will include Mathematics and/or Physics at GCE 'A' or SCE 'H' level.
Other Training Programmes Leading to Officer Qualifications
A range of previous qualifications and experience may be considered, including shore based engineering studies, relevant marine diplomas and degrees, engineering apprenticeships, marine experience with the Services, and similar. Training programmes will vary in length and content depending on previous qualifications and experience
Entry Requirements: Medical and Eyesight
All candidates must be in good health and pass a statutory Merchant Navy medical examination prior to commencement of training. Subsequently all seafarers are required to undertake a medical examination every two years (every year if under eighteen years of age).
The medical examination referred to above includes both a general and colour vision test. The specific standards vary depending on the department the candidate wishes to enter. Click here for full details of the MCA medical examination. This external link to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency will open a PDF file. If you do not have Adobe® Reader®, this application can be downloaded FREE by clicking here.
Age Entry Requirements
All applications are considered on their merits irrespective of the age of the candidate. However all candidates must be at least sixteen years of age by the date they commence training.
Most new entrant cadets who apply are between the ages of sixteen and twenty three, although applications from older candidates are sometimes received. Cadet groups at college will include candidates from across the entire age range and the SSTG has a single training allowance irrespective of age at commencement of training.
Candidates for other training programmes, offering previous qualifications and experience such as shore based engineering studies, relevant marine diplomas and degrees, engineering apprenticeships, marine experience with the Services, and similar, may cover a wide age range reflecting their previous career experience.