1. Cadet Induction
Welcome to Fleetwood Nautical Campus,
part of Blackpool and The Fylde College
Moodle –Cadet Course Information page
2. Your journey so far
• Application to shipping companies or training providers followed by interviews
and possibly assessments, maybe even a ship visit?
• You may have sought information from Careers at Sea?
• Supported to make decision on career path into Deck, Engine or ETO.
• Company and College work together to support your application.
• Entry routes onto various programmes:
• L3-HNC-HND: 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English, Maths and Science
• 3 year HND: L3 diploma or A Level equivalent, 5 GCSEs at grade C or above,
including English, Maths and Science
• FD: GCSE grade B or above in Maths, 48 UCAS points
Note – all qualifications must have at least 1 module in a relevant field.
• Received joining instructions including course details and under 18 consent
forms.
• Meet and greet on Sunday, allocation of accommodation, safety briefing and
here we are.
3. Your first week at FNC
• Monday - First day of your course:
• Meet your progress tutors
• Induction checklist overview
• Enrolment paperwork and sign up
• Merchant Navy Code of Conduct including cadet uniform and behaviour
• Tour of campus
• Meet the managers
• Review timetable of coming weeks (myday app)
• Tuesday – Cadet Development Course (CDC) day 1:
• Meet in refectory 0900 for pre-trip briefing
• Team, leadership and navigation activities. A chance to look at how a group interacts as well as build your group
• Progress tutor led guidance session
• Evening activities
• Wednesday - CDC day 2:
• Activity day – group allocation. A chance to work in tough and demanding environments and experience leadership
• Progress tutor led guidance session
• Evening activities
• Thursday - CDC day 3:
• Activity day – group allocation. This will challenge both the group and you individually to discover your limits
• Progress tutor led guidance session
• Evening activities
• Friday - CDC day 4:
• Adventure challenge. An opportunity for you to laugh whilst pushing yourself in a challenging environment
• Progress tutor led guidance session
• Completion of induction checklist
• Return to FNC approximately 1600
• Post Induction
• Ongoing support and guidance opportunities:
• Tutorial system in line with Partners for Success (P4S)
• Open door policy
• Student support team, e.g. Higher Education Learning Mentors, Senior Tutors, Student Reps.
• Cadet Course Information Moodle page
4. What will your cadetship look like?
• The purpose of the overall cadetship is to ensure you have the required
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Knowledge,
Understanding and Proficiency (KUP) as directed by the Maritime and
Coastguard Agency (MCA) and approved by the Merchant Navy Training
Board (MNTB).
• Depending on your programme there will either be 5 or 6 phases.
• Each phase will provide an opportunity to gain KUP preparing you for the next
phase.
• Phase 1 will introduce you to the industry, you will complete some academic
studies and you will undertake safety training in preparation for your first time
at sea during phase 2. You will develop your existing Maths and English
skills. You will also gain membership to a professional body.
• During phase 3 you will continue your academic studies and undertake further
vocational training courses.
• Phase 5 will see your academic studies and safety training completed, and
finally prepare you for your external exams.
• Phase 6 will be for those undertaking a HND as part of their cadetship or top-
up.
5. What makes my course unique?
• Each programme will have subject specific delivery, with modules/units across
each phase.
• Formative assessments across each of these subjects will support your
progression and identify areas for improvement, supported and guided by your
tutor.
• Summative assessments will assess the application of your knowledge and
understanding, the results of which make up part of your overall qualification
grade, considered at academic boards.
• An overview of your course and assessments can be found here: Cadet
Course Information moodle page
• Each programme must conform to College regulations but there are also some
specifics related to the awarding body Academic Regulations:
• Level 3 Diploma, HNC & HND – SQA
• FD Nautical Science – LJMU
• FD Marine Engineering – LANU
• FD Marine Electrical and Electronic Engineering – B&FC
• This will be covered again in your first few progress meetings
6. College life
• Here at FNC there are two main Curriculum Areas and you’re part of
Maritime Operations. All staff are here to support your progression and we
offer an open door policy for those times you may need to ask a question.
Safeguarding is paramount at all times.
• You will meet some of the Maritime Operations staff during this induction
week including Head of Campus, Head of Maritime Operations and your
progress tutor.
• You will receive support and guidance throughout your cadetship through
Partners for Success, in line with the Student Charter.
• During each college phase you will have weekly meetings with your progress
tutor to cover a range of subjects, including individual one-to-one Personal
Development Planning (PDP) sessions. Further information can be found on
moodle:
• Further Education (Level 3)
• Higher Education (HNC, HND, FD)
• There are also several teams across the college offering a range of student
support and wellbeing services. Further information can be found on Moodle
– Student Life.
7. College life
• Active participation in studies may incorporate a multitude of resources such
as simulation, workshops, laboratories, chart rooms, environmental tank and
fire ground. Outside of these studies you have access to a range of extra-
curricular enrichment activities.
• For those wishing to continue their studies or requiring additional support
there are a range of learning resources including subject specific clinics
which are available Mon-Thurs 1800-2000.
• Accommodation for phase 1 cadets, and anyone under 18 is arranged by the
college, such as the Halls of Residence (HoR). Phase 3, 5 and 6
accommodation is arranged by yourselves but support is available within the
college as required.
• There are expectations of you during, and after your cadetship which is in
line with the Merchant Navy Code of Conduct. This includes attendance,
behaviour, uniform & dress code, and drug & alcohol tests.
• Each class will require a student representative which will be agreed with
your progress tutor in the coming weeks. Their role will involve participating
in cross-curriculum area and cross-college quality meetings. There is also an
opportunity to join the student social committee.
8. Working together with shipping
companies
• All companies have an opportunity to be involved in the planning of cadet
programmes, both at FNC and on a National platform.
• Your Cadet Training Officer (CTO) will visit regularly. The College also sends
weekly reports about each cadet. 100% attendance is required, but if for any
reason you need to be off, this must be approved and communicated to your
company, progress tutor, subject tutors and to
cadet.absence@blackpool.ac.uk
• At the end of each phase your progress tutor will complete an end of phase
report based on your performance which may impact your progression. You
and your company will receive a copy.
• Your sponsoring company will give you a monthly allowance to support your
studies for things such as accommodation. They may also pay all of your
student fees for the entire programme in line with SMarT funding!
9. Working together with shipping
companies
• Your company will give you the opportunity to achieve your required sea going
service during phase 2 and 4, whilst having periods of time for leave. Your
company will allocate you a vessel during phase 1.
• If you’re sponsored by a training organisation, they will allocate you a shipping
company during this time also. Don’t worry if you don’t know yet.
• During your sea phases you must successfully complete the Training Record
Book (TRB) as directed by your CTO and support onboard by the Designated
Shipboard Training Officer (DSTO). It is your responsibility to ensure this is
completed to the satisfactory level during these phases and prior to phase 5.
• You will have many opportunities to represent your Company and the College
at a variety of national events.
10. What could I achieve on completion
of my cadetship?
• You will gain a range of employability skills, graduate skills and
attributes that will support your future career such as team working,
leadership, management, communication and problem solving.
• You will be awarded academic qualifications and professional
certificates.
• Receive your first Certificate of Competency.
• You may also successfully achieve exemptions for further academic
studies when progressing to Management Level, in line with STCW.
• You might be nominated for Top Graduating Student.
• You may even be eligible for MCA Cadet of the Year Nominations
and award.
11. Career progression
• Once qualified you could pursue a career at sea progressing from
Operational to Managerial Level:
• Deck Management courses
• Engineering Management courses
• Alternatively you could pursue a range of other careers in the
Maritime industry, or with experience transition to other industries.
Careers at Sea and Beyond offer support and guidance for your next
steps.
• If you wish to continue your studies then staff are available to discuss
options with you.
• The Careers Zone offer specific services upon request.
• Career and progression opportunities will be further explored during
your phase 3, 5 and 6 with advice and guidance. We will work
together to enhance any progression opportunity.
12. Post induction survey
• Do you have all of the information required to proceed with your
chosen course?
• Is there anything else we can do to support you at this stage?
• What more information, support and guidance do you require, or
would like to see as part of your induction?
• Everything covered in your induction week can be reviewed in the
next few weeks either during progression meetings or at other
specified times; please let us know if there are any specific elements
you may want.
• In around 3 to 4 weeks you will undertake a post induction survey.
This is your opportunity to let us know if the induction process met
your needs.
• Post Induction Survey questions