Maritime Foundation Programme

View The Isle of Wight College's standard entry requirements for full-time college courses (depending on the level of the course to be studied).

• Interest or experience in watersports, outdoor education or maritime industry
• Successful interview at UKSA
• Students who do not have a 9-4 GCSE grades in English or Maths will be required to complete GCSE’s in English and Maths, whilst attending the Maritime Foundation course?.

UKSA’s 2-year Maritime Foundation course is aimed at those who have no prior or little experience in watersports or yachting, providing you with the requirements to enter the maritime industry. If you are looking to escape the traditional classroom environment, experience time on the water in diverse areas, broaden your horizons and gain skills required to start your career then this course is for you.

This course is funded as part of a full-time 16+ further education (FE) programme, seeking a structured pathway into the industry of further training at UKSA’s.

You will be sent a career plan prior to your interview date to complete and bring along with you on the day. The interview is a two-way process which will give you the opportunity to discuss the course and suitability with the subject tutor.

Year 1

NCFE Level 2 Certificate/Diploma in Sport – Outdoors
RYA Powerboat Level 2
RYA Dinghy Instructor (subject to completing prerequisites)
RYA Safe and Fun
Paddle UK Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course
RYA Marine Short-Range Radio Certificate
Paddle UK Paddlesport Instructor
STCW Personal Security Awareness
MCA Elementary First Aid
Work Experience including rope work, anchoring and industry guidance
NCFE Level 2 Modules - Certificate
Participating in sport
Outdoor and adventurous activities
Leading an outdoor activity session
Plan, deliver and evaluate an activity session
NCFE Level 2 Modules - Diploma
Participating in sport
Outdoor and adventurous activities
Leading an outdoor activity session
Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise
Development of Personal Fitness and Training
Introduction to Healthy Exercise and Nutrition
Sports Volunteering

Year 2

NCFE Level 3 Introductory Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity - Outdoors
RYA Start Yachting
RYA Competent Crew
RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship
STCW Fire Fighting and Prevention
STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibility Training
STCW Personal Survival Techniques
RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
RYA Safety Boat
Introduction to basic deckhand skills such as splicing, wire work and varnishing
Simulator Training
Industry Guidance including CV, interview prep and careers days
Industry visits such as Southampton Boat Show, RYA Dinghy Show, Red Funnel, Royal Navy, Cowes Harbour Commission and Yacht Haven
NCFE Level 3 Modules
Exercise, Health and Lifestyle
Principles and Practices in outdoor adventure
Preparing for a career in sport and physical activity

During this 2-year programme, 60% of your training will be practical based with the remaining 40% theory

5 days a week

• Work experience at UKSA in Cowes, Isle of Wight

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

Jobs

• Watersports instructor
• Mate (Flotilla)
• Mate (tugs/yachts)
• Deckhand (Superyachts/Workboats)

Further Training at UKSA

• Super Yacht Interior
• Yachtmaster
• Crew Trainer
• Cadetship (excluding foundation degree element)
• Deck officer (merchant navy)

There may be a cost for purchasing equipment or uniform for this course. Find out about financial support available.