Student Spotlight - Adam (Blended Learning)

Why did you decide to study by Blended Learning at FNC and what did you study?

Having decided a little bit later in my career that the officer route was what I wished to have taken, I was a little stuck with financial commitments that a cadetship wouldn't have been able to cover.  Blended Learning (remote study) gave me the opportunity to be able to carry on working and not worry about any financial issues due to being able to work whilst studying alongside. 

I studied my Higher National Certificate in Nautical Science over a 5 year period, which is a thoroughly enjoyable syllabus to study and learn.   

What had you previously studied, when and where?

Since leaving school in 2006, I had only really studied maritime short courses. I never thought I would be able to put myself into a study environment again and commit to something like the HNC. However here I am as a fully qualified Officer of the Watch (OOW) via Blended Learning!

Tell us about the roles you've had at sea - where you've been and what you've seen and done

I started off the love of the maritime world when I completed my landing craft course in 2010 whilst serving in the Royal Marines. I got to travel the world on the water whilst coxswaining specialist craft doing things such as migrant work in the Mediterranean, anti-piracy work in the Indian Ocean and teaching powerboat courses to militaries in Africa. 

I left in 2018 and joined the luxury world of the superyachts, having various roles such as deckhand, security and chase boat captain. In 2022 I moved again to an organisation that conducts humanitarian aid work in the Caribbean, and I have been doing that since. The latest response was to Union Island when hurricane Beryl come along in July 2024 and destroyed several islands.       

Why was the Merchant Navy your choice of career?

The work I am currently doing is giving back to the world and to people who deserve help. The Merchant Navy has given me the opportunity to be able to give back to the world and to help people when in need, which is something many people would love to do and I am lucky enough to be here doing it. Working on a merchant vessel also gives us flexibility of where we can go and can be the first response to these islands when a natural disaster has struck.

How did you find studying by Blended Learning?  

I have found the Blended Learning experience a real eye opener, in the sense that a course I never thought I could pass was easily doable in my own time and at my own pace. I didn't have rotation when starting the course so I was slower to get the exams done than I had hoped, however I was never under any pressure that I wouldn't complete the course in the 5 years given. I really enjoyed being able to learn whilst at work and being able to speak to qualified officers to get practical experience of a subject whilst learning it. I cannot find any negatives about Blended Learning, so much so I am about to start of my Advanced Diploma via Blended Learning at FNC! 

What did you learn that has had the most impact/you got the most out of?

I learnt more about myself whilst studying than I thought I would. Starting the HNC can be daunting. When I first started the end goal was so far away, but with a bit of discipline and a good routine of studying, the modules soon started to fly by and the end got closer and closer. Whilst studying I would put what I was learning into practice at work which gave me confidence in what I was doing and studying. I also learnt that taking a break from studying is a good thing. Sometimes I felt I needed to do so much in a timeframe, but this isn't the case with Blended Learning. Some subjects I flew through, some didn't but that’s okay. I had plenty of time and support throughout the course.         

What are you doing now and what are your career ambitions?

I am still currently working for the organisation conducting humanitarian aid in the Caribbean. I am hoping to gain my first OOW role here, whilst I start my study towards the Advanced Diploma. Having my OOW Unlimited now opens up the whole world of the maritime industry so who knows what is around the corner for me.

What would you say to anyone thinking studying by Blended Learning at FNC?

Absolutely go for it. If you are unsure speak to the Blended Learning team. They have been fantastic with me from the day I enquired to the day I passed my HNC. There are no hidden costs, no hidden exams and it is 100% doable if you commit to it.       

Find out more

If you think our Blended Learning approach can help you achieve your goals, find out more about studying remotely via Blended Learning - About Blended Learning | Fleetwood Nautical Campus.

You can also get in touch by dropping us a line at blearning@blackpool.ac.uk  or call us on 01253 504746 to find out more.