Scotland's leading maritime college, offering MCA-accredited officer cadet programmes, CoC preparation from OOW to Master and Chief Engineer, and a full suite of STCW and short professional courses at the Riverside Campus.
Book direct →The Faculty of Nautical Studies at City of Glasgow College is one of the United Kingdom's most established maritime training centres, operating from the Riverside Campus in Glasgow. The Faculty delivers the full career pathway for deck and engineering officers — from Efficient Deck Hand and STCW Basic Safety Training through to Chief Mate, Master (Unlimited), and Chief Engineer Certificates of Competency — all under MCA approval.
Programmes are developed in close collaboration with the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) and assessed through the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) examination route, giving candidates a recognised academic framework alongside their professional MCA certification. Engineering pathways include IAMI-approved examination preparation, whilst the RYA accreditation broadens the college's reach into the recreational and superyacht sector.
Beyond full-time programmes, the Faculty runs an extensive short-course portfolio — including GMDSS, HELM (Management Level), medical first aid, and EDH — all bookable directly through the online course portal. On-campus and distance-learning options are available for select courses, supporting seafarers who need to fit study around their sea-time commitments.
Listed among full-time programmes as the 'Experienced Seafarer to Deck OOW Unlimited' route, this programme prepares serving seafarers for the MCA Deck Officer of the Watch Unlimited Certificate of Competency. OOW Navigation and Stability examinations are also bookable separately.
Book on City of Glasgow College →Enables candidates holding an HND, SPD or Foundation Degree to achieve Chief Mate and Master certification via the SQA examination route, covering MCA/SQA examinations in Navigation, Stability & Structure, and Chief Mate oral examination preparation.
Book on City of Glasgow College →Master-level preparation delivered alongside the Chief Mate programme via the SQA examination route (Reg II/2 Post HND/SPD/FD). Availability varies — confirm current intake dates directly with the college before applying.
Book on City of Glasgow College →Prepares candidates for the IAMI Engineering Knowledge written examinations and the MCA oral examination for Engineer Officer of the Watch at III/1 level. Suitable for those holding an HND in marine engineering with the required approved sea time and a completed training record book.
Book on City of Glasgow College →A seven-week Engineering Knowledge Management Level course preparing engineers for the MCA/SQA management-level Motor and General written examinations (Reg III/2). Available on campus at Riverside or by online distance learning, taught by experienced unlimited chief engineers.
Book on City of Glasgow College →Deck Cadet Programme (Scottish Professional Diploma and HNC) and HND Nautical Science with Chief Mate/Master progression options, delivered at the Riverside Campus. Provides the academic foundation alongside sea time for officer-level certification.
Book on City of Glasgow College →A complete range of basic STCW courses for all personnel working on board, including STCW Basic Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR) and Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD).
Book on City of Glasgow College →Advanced STCW courses plus updates and refresher modules to keep certificates current, covering a range of advanced proficiency and safety disciplines aligned with the STCW Convention as amended. Confirm specific modules and dates directly with the college.
Book on City of Glasgow College →Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS) course covering radio communications procedures and equipment operation to the standards required for the MCA GMDSS General Operator's Certificate. Bookable online through the college's short-course portal.
Book on City of Glasgow College →MCA (STCW) first aid courses comprising Proficiency in Elementary First Aid, Proficiency in Medical First Aid, a five-day Proficiency in Medical Care On Board Ship, and a three-day Medical Care refresher course.
Book on City of Glasgow College →The Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) course qualifying ratings to perform deck watchkeeping duties in accordance with STCW requirements. Bookable online through the college's short-course portal.
Book on City of Glasgow College →Human Element, Leadership and Management at Management Level, bookable online. HELM Operational Level (£350–£370) also runs, covering leadership and teamworking skills for officers operating at the operational level.
Book on City of Glasgow College →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with City of Glasgow College — Faculty of Nautical Studies before booking.
Well-located 3-star chain hotel on George Square, steps from Glasgow Queen Street Station and within easy reach of the city's main attractions and transport links.
View options →Comfortable B&B on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow's West End, close to Kelvingrove Museum and Glasgow University, offering en-suite rooms with breakfast.
View options →4-star serviced apartments in the Merchant City district offering spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, ideal for longer stays, within walking distance of both main rail stations.
View options →Glasgow Airport (GLA) is approximately 8 miles west of Glasgow city centre. The Airport Express bus (Service 500) runs to the city centre in 25–35 minutes at a cost of around £8–£10. Taxis take approximately 20 minutes in normal traffic. There is no direct rail link from the terminal — the nearest station is Paisley Gilmour Street, reachable by bus, with trains running into Glasgow Central.
Glasgow is served by two main stations — Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street — both in the city centre and a short walk apart. Glasgow Central handles services to and from England and the south; Queen Street handles services to Edinburgh and the north. Operators include ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, and the Caledonian Sleeper. London Euston to Glasgow Central with Avanti West Coast takes approximately 4.5 hours; Edinburgh to Glasgow takes around 50 minutes with ScotRail.
Gourock Ferry Terminal (approximately 30 miles from Glasgow, reached directly by ScotRail from Glasgow Central) operates Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) services to Dunoon. Ardrossan Harbour (approximately 30 miles south-west, also rail-connected) runs CalMac sailings to Arran. Glasgow itself does not have a direct CalMac terminal.
CalMac Ferries →Glasgow is accessed via the M8 (the east-west corridor through the city), the M74 from the south (connecting to the M6 from England), and the A82 from the north — all well signposted into the city centre. Ample multi-storey car parks are available throughout the city centre including at Buchanan Galleries, Sauchiehall Street, and the SECC. On-street parking is limited and subject to charges and restrictions.
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