UHI North, West and Hebrides sets sail with a new generation of seafarers in commemoration of Merchant Navy Day

UHI North, West and Hebrides has welcomed a new group of students to its maritime course in Stornoway this week as it marks Merchant Navy Day, celebrating the islands’ proud maritime heritage and inspiring the next generation of seafarers.

The new students have begun the NQ Access to Merchant Navy Cadetship, a programme designed to prepare candidates for progression towards a career as a Merchant Navy Deck, Engineering or Electro-Technical Officers. 

Their arrival comes at a fitting time, with Merchant Navy Day on 3 September providing an opportunity to recognise the contribution of merchant seafarers, past and present, and to highlight the continuing importance of maritime careers. 

For generations, people from the Outer Hebrides have built careers at sea with Island seafarers working aboard merchant ships, fishing vessels and across the wider maritime sector and travelling the world. 

The new cohort will now begin developing the academic knowledge, practical skills and qualifications needed to follow in those footsteps. 

The NQ Access to Merchant Navy Cadetship course provides a local pathway for people looking to progress towards Officer cadetships. Students develop the face to face, hands-on skills and knowledge in areas including Chartwork, Seamanship, Health and Safety, and an introduction to maritime safety and the maritime industry. 

The programme also supports candidates in achieving the National 5 qualifications required for entry into a Cadetship progression, including Maths, English and a Science. 

Alistair Macleod, Lecturer at UHI NWH Stornoway, said:

"In observation of Merchant Navy Day we remember the sacrifices of our Merchant Sailors through both World Wars, and up to the modern day. With the Access to Merchant Navy course, at our Stornoway Campus, it provides a great introduction to the Merchant Navy for all levels of student looking to get involved in any aspects of life at sea, from local industries to travelling the world.”  

Jack Buchanan, UHI NWH Access to Merchant Navy graduate, added:

"Thanks to the Access to Merchant Navy course I secured a cadetship with Northern Marine Management which is sponsored by Stena Marine Management - a great opportunity." 

Ciaran Westerman, UHI NWH Access to Merchant Navy graduate, remarked:

"I have secured a cadetship with Fischer Shipping thanks to the Access to Merchant Navy course. I would recommend it to anyone trying to get a start in the industry." 

Merchant Navy Day provides an opportunity to remember and recognise the sacrifice of merchant seafarers, past and present, while celebrating the vital role they continue to play in keeping goods moving around the world. 

The Red Ensign, affectionately known as the ‘Red Duster’, is flown on Merchant Navy Day as a symbol of the Merchant Navy and the contribution of merchant seafarers. 

Today, merchant seafarers remain essential to the UK economy, with around 95% of the UK's traded goods transported by sea. With the UK shipping industry expected to grow significantly over the coming years, there is an increasing need to attract and train the next generation of skilled maritime professionals. 

The UK shipping industry is projected to double in size over the next 15 years and relies on recruiting highly motivated people to operate and manage the wide range of ship types that trade worldwide. 

This course plays an important role in maintaining a pathway into maritime careers in the islands, helping to inspire future sailors while supporting the continuation of the Western Isles’ strong maritime tradition. 

Find out more about the NQ Access to Merchant Navy Cadetship course.

Learn more about Maritime short courses at UHI North, West and Hebrides.