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Cadets training in the Environmental Training Pool at Fleetwood Nautical Campus, an instructor is in a wetsuit among them.

Maritime & Offshore at FNC

Train for a rich, rewarding future at sea or ashore at one of the UK's leading nautical colleges for the maritime, offshore oil and gas, and renewables industries.

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"I'm excited to be doing the Engineering course at Fleetwood Nautical Campus. I chose this course as I was told how good it was by a family member that had done it a few years ago. I'm hoping to find a sponsor and then proceed to go to sea with my company. After I finish my course I hope to get a job as an engineer on an oil tanker."
Charlie Gellatly, Level 3 Engineering, Shipping and Maritime Operations
"I came to an open day and decided this was the place for me. I like the hands-on bit, stripping down engines in the Marine Engineering Centre. You get first-hand experience from real second and chief engineering."
Sam Anderson, HNC Marine Engineering
"I have always been excited about a life at sea, and the course helps you to see more of what it would really be like, especially through the college simulators. The ratio of practical to theory work is about 50/50, which I think is the perfect balance."
William Clarke, Level 3 Diploma in Shipping and Maritime Operations
"The decision to start a cadetship has been the best decision I could have made. I have enjoyed every second of working at sea and feel very lucky that I have found what I want to do for the rest of my career so soon. I cannot recommend Fleetwood Nautical Campus enough to all aspiring cadets in the future."
George Odgers, Foundation Degree Nautical Science

Welcome to Fleetwood Nautical Campus
 

We offer high-quality, industry accredited courses to the maritime, offshore oil, gas, renewables and fire emergency response industries to ensure your professional development within these growing industries. With its globally renowned reputation, Fleetwood Nautical Campus is the first choice provider for international companies in a highly regulated market.

Our first-rate facilities support a varied curriculum, which we are constantly diversifying and extending to meet industry needs. We are currently the only UK nautical establishment to offer a distance learning option for our Advanced Certificate / Diploma programmes.

We enjoy strong employer relationships, and our portfolio of sponsoring companies is growing every year. Our students perform exceptionally well, evidenced through impressive success rates and recognition through prestigious national awards.

Maritime Prospectus

This brochure outlines the excellent career opportunities available and the different progression routes open to you at Fleetwood Nautical Campus.

  • 130+ years' experience of delivering maritime industry education and training

  • FNC students have won the MCA Officer Trainee of the Year Award an unrivalled 10 times in 17 years

  • Excellent purpose-built facilities, including a marine engineering centre

World Class Facilities

Fleetwood Nautical Campus has all the facilities you need to enjoy a first-rate learning experience.


Full Mission Bridge Simulator

Utilising the latest software and visualization systems.
 

Engine Room Simulator

Cutting edge simulator with a 7m touchscreen interactive 3D display.
 

Training Tower

Our working at height training tower is 17m high and is used to teach safe working and rescue at height.
 

Lancashire Industrial Fire Training

Purpose-built firefighting training facility.
 

Marine Engineering Centre

State-of-the-art facility for marine engineering skills development.
 

Environmental Training Pool

Our environmental training tank measures 18m x 12m and is 4m deep - one of the largest in the UK.

Open Event

Come and see our world-class facilities for yourself at our next Open Event.

What we offer...

  • Maritime Operations

    Regarded as one of the UK's top nautical institutions, Maritime Operations offers top-quality further and higher education as well as delivering Maritime Apprenticeships in our state-of-the-art facilities.

    Explore Maritime
  • Offshore Operations

    Fleetwood Offshore Survival Centre (FOSC) is a leading provider of safety, survival and fire training to the Merchant Navy, offshore oil and gas and renewable industries.

    Explore Offshore
  • Lancashire Industrial Fire Training (LIFT)

    Part of FOSC, LIFT provides initial and refresher training to industrial, emergency response firefighting teams.

    More on LIFT

Cadet Preparation Courses

These courses are most students' entry point to a career at sea in the Merchant Navy. The Level 3 Diploma has sponsored and direct entry (non-sponsored) routes and there are Deck (Nautical Science) and Marine Engineering pathways in both routes.

Find out more about how to get a sponsorship on the Careers at Sea website.
 
Course TitleRoute
Engineering Shipping & Maritime Operations - Level 3Non-sponsored
Engineering Shipping & Maritime Operations - Level 3Sponsored
Deck Shipping & Maritime Operations - Level 3Non-sponsored
Deck Shipping & Maritime Operations - Level 3Sponsored
Setback proves no barrier for Luka as she is announced MCA Officer Trainee of the Year 2024
  • Highly qualified tutors with lots of industry experience

  • Lots of individual support

  • An exceptionally high graduate to employment rate

Support HUB

Financial Support for Maritime & Offshore

Everything you need to know about the available financial support

International Students

Important information for International Students

Getting paid to travel the world

Since setting sail as a cadet in 2006, Karley Smith has travelled the world, picked up the MCA Officer of the Year Award and qualified at the industry's highest level - as Master Mariner. She worked for Stena Drilling and part-time for FNC, supporting the next generation of Merchant Navy Officers and now works for Brookes Bell.

"I've had great experiences working in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil and the Mediterranean but I've also experienced winters in the North Sea! Getting paid to travel the world is something most people only dream of, but for a seafarer it's just a regular day at the office."

- Karley Smith

High Quality

  • Dedicated campus for all Maritime training with state-of-the-art facilities
  • In the top 7% of colleges in England for school leaver success[1]
  • Degree Cadet Training Programmes
  • The BSc Maritime Operations Management Top-up is awarded by Lancaster University[2]
  • STEM Assured status


Employment Focused

  • Providing first-rate maritime training for over 130 years
  • Highly qualified, expert tutors with lots of industry experience
  • Excellent relationships with employers and industry bodies
  • Hands-on and class-based training.


Success

  • The Maritime and Coastguard Agency Cadet of the Year - 10 times out of 17 years
  • 100% of direct entry students who sought sponsorship were successful
  • External exam pass rate significantly higher than national average, year on year
  • Highest percentage achievement for Certificate of Competency at end of studies - 90% compared to national average of 60%


Supportive

  • An inspiring residential induction, away from the campus in the beautiful Lake District
  • High levels of ongoing support through our progress tutors
  • Fun enrichment activities, developing team building and leadership skills
  • Weekly activity-based training, including various sporting activities


Affordable

  • Lower cost of living in North West England
  • FREE parking
  • No course fees for direct entry students who have not previously attended a funded FE programme
  • FREE or discounted travel, FREE breakfast, help with childcare costs if needed[3], FREE lunch[4] and up to £1200 Guaranteed Bursary and FREE meals if you're in care or receiving certain benefits[4]

[1] National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTs) from the Department for Education & Education and Skills Funding Agency 2018/19
[2] The Complete University Guide league tables 2022
[3] Get more information about Care to Learn and apply online at GOV.uk
[4] Eligibility applies - see Financial Support for details
[5] Get more information about the Residential Support Scheme and apply online at GOV.uk

Enrichment: Supporting professional development

At Fleetwood Nautical Campus, we are dedicated to supporting students' personal and professional development.

From the moment you arrive and throughout your programme of study, you will have access to an exciting range of enrichment activities, facilitated by highly experienced and qualified instructors.

Our enrichment activities fall into three categories:

  • Cadet Development Course (CDC)
  • Activity-Based Training (ABT)
  • Evening and weekend opportunities
More on Enrichment at FNC

What's next?

Visit our Fleetwood Nautical Campus website to find your course.
Book a place at our next Open Event - a great opportunity to meet the tutors, ask questions and check out our world-class facilities.
Follow us on our Social Media platforms:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn - Maritime
LinkedIn - Offshore
TikTok

Where to find us

Broadwater
Fleetwood
FY7 8JZ
Call: 01253 504800
Email: maritime@blackpool.ac.uk / offshore@blackpool.ac.uk