Specialists in distance learning, blended education and instruct-led courses for the Maritime Industry, in disciplines for personnel on merchant vessels, tugs, fishing vessels, support craft and in allied professions onshore, plus associated short courses offered within National Maritime Training Centre.

Distance learning professional development diplomas are offered to candidates all over the world, with over 1000 students taking these part-time each year in:

Candidates should exhibit at least a basic experience in the industry, a commitment to progress their career and a good level of written English.

These courses have been operating since 1997, are accredited by North Kent College as professional development courses and are provided and managed through a partnership between the College and Lloyd's Maritime Academy.

Our distance learning provision has been structured to meet the ever-increasing demands on industry and individuals to gain valuable qualifications without spending long, costly periods of time at college.

Time spent at college is expensive for companies and candidates alike in financial terms as well as time.  For some these barriers prevent the chance of further study and future promotion.  However, these diplomas allow students to study for professional development qualifications flexibly and at their own pace using high quality distance learning materials, supported by online tutorial, discussion and networking forums. 

Assessment is through a mix of written and online assignments and, on some courses, an exam.  Students can be in continual contact with their tutors and the course administrators via email, phone, fax or post, so students are not as distant as the miles may suggest.

The National Maritime Training Centre is one of the country's leading assessment centres for maritime qualifications in the marine industry.

Most of our tutoring and lecturing staff are time served ships' officers from deck, engineering and communications, most of whom are also accredited vocational assessors and verifiers to ensure the quality of both training and assessment.  The core staff are supported by a wide range of industry experts from the shoreside and seagoing sectors.