McLarens Maritime Academy (MMA) in Colombo offers seaman courses, marine engineering courses and maritime training in Sri Lanka. Start with a pre-sea Deck Rating or Engine Rating course, or train as a Navigation or Engineering Officer Cadet and work towards becoming a Captain or Chief Engineer.
Our marine courses combine classroom learning, practical training and onboard experience, alongside STCW short courses and professional shipping courses for people already working in the maritime industry.
Deck officer and seaman courses in Sri Lanka, with a pathway from your first pre-sea course to Ship Captain.
Marine engineering courses in Sri Lanka, with a pathway from engine department training to Chief Engineer.
Professional maritime and shipping courses for people working in the industry.
STCW short courses in Sri Lanka, covering survival, fire fighting, first aid, personal safety and security.
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Applications close 30 November 2026 · Instalment plans available
Applications close 16 November 2026 · Instalment plans available
Choose by your qualifications and goal. With O/Level results, start with the Deck Rating or Engine Rating course. With A/Level results, the Navigation or Engineering Officer Cadet course leads towards Captain or Chief Engineer. If you need to prepare for cadet entry, take a Foundation Programme. If you already work in shipping, look at our professional courses.
A rating is a crew member who works in the deck or engine department. The rating courses take 8 months and include onboard training. An officer cadet trains to become a certificated officer. The Navigation cadet course takes 25 months and the Engineering cadet course takes 37 months.
Deck and Engine Rating: age 18–24, with 6 “S” O/Level passes including Mathematics, Science and English. Officer Cadet: age 18–22, with 2 “S” A/Level passes in the Maths, Biology or Technology stream and a “C” in O/Level English. Foundation Programme: age 18–21, with 3 “C” and 3 “S” O/Level passes, and having sat A/Levels in one of those streams.
Download the Registration Form from Current Intakes or from the course page. You can also talk to a counsellor on WhatsApp at 077 189 2786 or call (+94) 112 334 627.
Life at MMA
Pre-Sea Training Course for Engine Rating
November 2026 Intake – Limited Seats
Applications close in
Final date: 16 November 2026 · Instalment plans available
Pre-Sea Training Course for Deck Rating
November 2026 Intake – Limited Seats
Applications close in
Final date: 30 November 2026 · Instalment plans available
