THE South's leading maritime training academy could be on the move.

Plans are currently being discussed to move the Warsash Maritime Academy on to Southampton Solent University's main campus.

The university insists there are currently no plans for job cuts as a result of the potential move, which is one of two moves being looked at.

University bosses have launched a business review to look at the best way to "invest in, develop and grow its maritime education and training".

And they have identified two options - firstly to invest in new facilities at the Warsash campus, and secondly to move some or all of it to the East Park Terrace site in Southampton.

The academy is a leading provider in maritime education and training and offers courses in handling ships and boats and engineering.

The options were discussed at a recent board of governors' meeting, with the preferred option being to move all or some of the Warsash campus facilities over the East Park, where a £30m new teaching complex is being built.

A spokesman for the university said: “We place great value on our maritime education and training provision. This review will bring our maritime education and training onto a long-term, sustainable footing and enable us to be equipped to meet the challenges and demands ahead, including opportunities to grow our business.

“Increased competition, an uncertain future of funding, and a need to respond to the growing demands of cadets, delegates and clients mean that we need to ensure a learning experience that consistently meets and exceeds expectations for maritime education and training.”

The spokesman added that there were "no plans to cut staff", adding: "The reason for this change is to invest in and maintain maritime education and training, ensuring the delivery of an excellent service and experience for all those who work and study at the Academy. It is not driven by cutting costs or staff."

Any potential move would need to be approved by the university's board of governors first, as well as requiring planning permission.

The university says no move will happen until 2018 at the earliest.