Online MCA exam preparation for deck officers at every stage — from OOW through Chief Mate to Master Mariner — with live tutor support and a Foundation Degree pathway.
Book direct →Onboard Maritime is a Glasgow-based online maritime training provider specialising in MCA deck officer exam preparation. Their programmes are designed to support cadets and officers at every stage of the career ladder, from OOW Unlimited and EOOW through to Chief Mate and Master Mariner, with courses delivered through a structured e-learning portal combined with live, expert-led Zoom tutorials.
The provider's rolling, self-paced model means students can join at any time and work through the MCA syllabus at a pace that fits around sea time and cadetship phases. Live small-group oral exam preparation sessions are MCA approved and cover the OOW, Chief Mate and Master oral examinations, giving candidates the structured rehearsal they need before facing the examiner.
For officers looking to build academic credentials alongside their certificate of competency, Onboard Maritime also offers a Foundation Degree in Marine Operations — a fully online qualification providing the underpinning knowledge required for MCA management-level deck certification (STCW II/2), with up to four years' access to the programme.
Rolling online programme aligned with the MCA syllabus, designed to support study through cadetship phases 1–4 and preparation for the first oral and written exams. Delivered through Onboard Maritime's e-learning portal with live, expert-led Zoom tutorials; join anytime and learn at a pace that fits your sea time.
Book on Onboard Maritime →Rolling online EOOW Unlimited exam preparation programme aligned with the MCA syllabus, delivered through an interactive e-learning portal with live, expert-led Zoom tutorials and a modular structure for self-paced study through cadetship phases 1–4 towards the first oral and written exams.
Book on Onboard Maritime →Written exam preparation for the Chief Mate (Unlimited) Navigation and Stability examinations, with 12 months of unlimited access to the e-learning programme, comprehensive study materials and tutor support. Can be taken in combination with, or separately from, the orals preparation course.
Book on Onboard Maritime →Structured, self-paced study through the e-learning programme followed by interactive live exam-prep sessions, covering the OOW, Chief Mate (Unlimited) and Master Mariner oral examinations. MCA-approved sessions run in small groups to give candidates focused preparation before facing the examiner.
Book on Onboard Maritime →Self-paced online Foundation Degree providing the underpinning knowledge required for MCA Deck Officer certification at management level (STCW II/2), supporting progression from OOW to Chief Mate or Master. Six modules with up to four years' access and an anticipated 6–8 weeks of structured tutor contact.
Book on Onboard Maritime →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with Onboard Maritime 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 into Glasgow Central.
Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street stations are both in the city centre. Glasgow Central handles services to and from England and the south; Queen Street handles services to Edinburgh and the north. Avanti West Coast connects London Euston to Glasgow Central in approximately 4.5 hours. ScotRail connects to Edinburgh in around 50 minutes.
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates ferries from Gourock (for Dunoon) and Ardrossan (for Arran), both connected to Glasgow by ScotRail from Glasgow Central. Glasgow itself does not have a direct CalMac terminal but rail connections reach Gourock directly.
CalMac timetables →Glasgow is accessed via the M8 (the main east–west corridor through the city), the M74 from the south (connecting to the M6 from England), and the A82 from the north. Junction signs are well signposted into the city centre. Multi-storey car parks are available at Buchanan Galleries, Sauchiehall Street and the SECC. On-street parking is limited and subject to charges and restrictions.
Open in Maps →Glasgow has two main rail terminals — Central and Queen Street — a short walk apart. Glasgow Airport has no direct rail link; the Airport Express bus is the most straightforward transfer. Ferry connections to the islands and west coast operate from out-of-town ports reachable by train from Glasgow Central.