Fleetwood Cadets Visit Flagship Ferry Manxman

On 31 January 2026, cadets and lecturers from Fleetwood Nautical Campus took part in a ship visit aboard Manxman, the flagship vessel of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, reinforcing Fleetwood’s reputation for delivering real world, industry aligned maritime education.

The group travelled on the 13:45 sailing from Heysham, remained on board during turnaround, and returned on the 19:15 sailing from Douglas, allowing cadets to observe live ferry operations across a full operational cycle. In total, 13 cadets and 3 lecturers attended the visit, gaining valuable insight into the day to day running of a modern, high capacity passenger vessel operating on a key Irish Sea route.

Fleetwood Nautical Campus places strong emphasis on practical learning alongside academic study, and ship visits such as this form an essential part of cadet development. By engaging directly with working vessels and professional crews, cadets are able to connect classroom learning with real operational environments, preparing them for the expectations of employment at sea.

Entering service in 2023, Manxman represents a major investment in modern ferry operations. Operating primarily on the Douglas - Heysham route, the nine deck vessel offers improved stability, typical 3 - 4 hour crossings, and a wide range of onboard facilities, including premium lounges, quiet zones, 40 cabins, dedicated pet lounges, and full accessibility throughout the ship. 

Fleetwood Nautical Campus works closely with leading maritime employers to ensure training remains relevant, current, and closely aligned with industry needs. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s commitment to training, local talent, and funded qualifications reflects the same values that underpin Fleetwood’s long standing approach to maritime education - developing skilled, work ready officers and engineers for the global shipping industry.

For cadet Katherine Kissack, a resident of the Isle of Man, the visit carried additional significance, highlighting the strong connection between local ferry services and long term maritime careers. Experiences like this demonstrate how Fleetwood Nautical Campus supports cadets from diverse backgrounds, linking education, industry partnerships, and real career pathways.

Through continued collaboration with employers and access to modern vessels such as Manxman, Fleetwood Nautical Campus remains committed to providing high quality, practical training that prepares cadets for successful careers at sea.