Frequently Asked Questions
The most basic eligibility requirements are – you must possess a minimum HSC or its equivalent level. You must be 18 years of age or 22 years old as of 31st September on the year of submission of the application.
It will prepare you for an exciting career as a highly trained Marine Cadet and provide you with all the academic background needed to pursue any Marine Management position or Operation position.
Just two years and you will be highly trained, highly sought after Marine Cadet qualified for immediate job placement.
Most of the major shipping companies prefer to get their candidates and employees trained at South Tyneside College and these include names such as Shell, Princess Cruises and Maersk Ships to name a few.
SMBI provides academic courses into merchant shipping with the added benefit of serving less time off shore and more time on shore.
Seasickness is a feeling of nausea and, in extreme cases, vertigo experienced after spending time on a craft on water. It is typically brought on by the rocking motion of the craft, but people who are particularly vulnerable to the condition can feel seasick by setting on a boat, even if the vessel is in dry dock. It is not for everyone to get it.
It is usual for most of the seafarers to have seasickness when he starts his career but everyone gets used to the sea within a short period of time.
It depends on the extent of the physical deformity and as long as the deformity form any kind of disability to perform the duties assigned on board a ship, one should be fit for sea service. However, this will be confirmed only by the Company doctor
Requirements are: 6/6 vision in both eyes (without visual aids); no colour blindness for Nautical Officer’s and for Engineering Officers use of corrective lenses permitted but the maximum permissible limits, at entry, are 6/12 in each eye or 6/9 in the better eye and 6/18 in the other eye, for distant Unaided Vision. It will be an individual’s decision to do whatever is required to meet the requirement and as long as one meets the above requirement, he will be eligible for the Merchant Navy.
Examination Q&A
You will be interviewed by the interview panel.
Yes, you have to pay for the medical. The medical test has to be carried out only by a approved doctor.
You will be following the academic curriculum of South Tyneside College, UK as approved by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) in SMBI.
The final examination of HND in Marine Engineering, Nautical Science and Business Management will be carried out in South Tyneside College, UK during the School year of the HND.