Find accredited HND training providers worldwide. Compare courses, locations, and book directly.
HND Nautical Science (officer cadet programme) is a longer academic or cadetship route into a deck or engineering officer career, combining classroom study with structured sea time rather than a short standalone course. It's currently listed with 1 provider in the YachtSync directory, including City of Glasgow College — Faculty of Nautical Studies. These programmes typically run over multiple years and are sponsored or supported by a nautical college, so check entry requirements carefully before applying.
I went the cadetship route myself, with MSC Cruises and Glasgow College, after two years on yachts as a deckhand, and came back to yachts as an officer. OOW Unlimited in 2023, Chief Mate 3000 in 2024, and I've worked as officer and chief officer on yachts from 50m to 140m since. More on the cadetship route →
Max, YachtSync founder. 8 years on yachts and still active in the industry.
HND Nautical Science (officer cadet programme) is a multi-year academic or cadetship qualification that combines college-based study with structured sea time, leading towards a deck or engineering officer Certificate of Competency.
This route suits people starting a maritime officer career from scratch, typically straight from school or as a career change, rather than crew already partway up the ladder looking for a single top-up module.
These programmes run over several years, alternating college terms with sea phases, rather than a short course. Confirm the exact structure with the college.
The YachtSync training directory lists the nautical colleges offering this pathway, with location and contact details.
1 provider in the YachtSync directory
New to this certificate? Start with our free plain-English guides.
Browse the YachtSync directory for accredited training providers offering HND courses worldwide.
Search the Training DirectoryScan, store and share your STCW, ENG1 and every other cert. Smart reminders before anything expires.