A maritime academy is being established in Gibraltar meaning there will be four new undergraduate degrees available from September next year.
The news about the academy, which will be based at the University of Gibraltar, has been announced by Gilbert Licudi, QC, the Minister with responsibility for Port, Maritime Affairs and the University.
Mr Lucidi made the announcement during Maritime Week Gibraltar explaining that there would be BSc (Hons) in Maritime Science (Nautical) with deck cadetship and a BSc (Hons) in Maritime Science (Engineering) with engineer cadetship. These would lead to deck offer of the watch certification or engineer officer of the watch certification, meaning participants can go directly into the industry as officers.
In addition, he said, the degrees would also be available online allowing distance learning.
All the degrees are aligned to the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s standards, as well as those of the UK Merchant Navy Training Board.
The Minister said: ‘Training of seafarers is an area which is fundamental to the shipping and maritime industries. There is a great deal that Gibraltar can offer in terms of training and qualifications.’
Captain David Graham, maritime administrator for Gibraltar said: ‘We are truly excited by the prospect of putting Gibraltar firmly on the map as a provider of world-class maritime training. We have a thriving maritime industry and we have our administration working closely with the MCA..
Richard Pellew, from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, who also co-chairs the Red Ensign Group’s technical forum said: ‘Training and caring for seafarers together with technical expertise and regulation is something that the REG sees as being fundamental to upholding and maintaining maritime standards globally. Work like this done by Gibraltar and in conjunction with the MCA, shows just how effective the REG can be.'
Notes:
The University of Gibraltar will offer four new undergraduate maritime degrees as from September 2020.
For those aiming to become professional seafarers, there will be a BSc (Hons) in Maritime Science (Nautical) with deck cadetship and a BSc (Hons) in Maritime Science (Engineering) with engineer cadetship.
These will lead to deck officer of the watch certification or engineer officer of the watch certification.
For those already working at sea who wish to gain an undergraduate degree whilst continuing to work, the University will offer the BSc (Hons) degree in Maritime Science (Nautical) and the BSC (Hons) in Maritime Science (Engineering) entirely online so that these can be undertaken through distance learning.
Importantly, and depending on qualifications and experience, current officers may be eligible for credit towards some of the degree modules through Recognition of Prior Learning.
All degrees will be aligned to the UK’s Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) and Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) standards.
Work is already being carried out on these programmes.