Chief Mate (Unlimited) Preparation Courses

How we can help 

• HND, Advanced Diploma in Nautical Science and possess an E&T (Education and Training) letter.

We offer full time courses such as the Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Nautical Science that provide the necessary underpinning knowledge required for us to issue an E&T letter. This will be used for the application of the Certificate of Competency (CoC).

• Notice of Eligibility (NOE) issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)

We can assist you with the application for the NOE. However, it is your responsibility to acquire the necessary sea time and other statutory requirements relevant for this purpose.

• SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) safety papers in Navigation and Ship Stability and Structure

If you attend any of our full-time programmes e.g. the DipHE, you will receive the preparation required to sit the external safety exams in Navigation and Ship Stability and Structure. However, if it has been a while since you studied your HND or Advanced Diploma or if you followed the Foundation Degree pathway, you will need to take an additional SQA preparation course covering both safety subjects. These courses range from three to four months of college time with us.  Please call us on 01253 504800 or email maritime@blackpool.ac.uk for more information.

• MCA oral examination

WWe offer preparation classes help you pass your MCA oral exams and have a very high success rate. These classes are conducted face to face at our campus following your external SQA safety examinations.

• Relevant short courses as listed in MSN 1865

We organise all these short courses within our programmes, whether it be a full-time DipHE programme or the SQA preparation programme followed by Foundation Degree candidates. There is some flexibility in scheduling these short courses to accommodate your work rota.

Need a longer period of revision?

If you are not academically current and require a longer period of preparation and support to successfully pass the Ship Stability and Structure and/or Navigation exams, we can support and provide what you need to prepare for success.

To find out more, contact us at maritime@blackpool.ac.uk.  Our team will arrange for you to speak to our experienced tutors to identify a programme to meet your individual needs.

Additional short courses required

In addition to the above, to apply for the Certificate of Competency you also need to complete and pass the following courses:

STCW Medical Care Aboard Ship (1 week)

Human Element Leadership and Management Course (HELM M) (1 week)

Navigation Aids, Equipment and Simulation Training at management level (NAEST M) (1 week)

Mates and Masters Orals Preparation (4 weeks)

Scholarship opportunities

The Worcester Scholarship is aimed at officers who wish to take academic qualifications such as a bachelors or masters degree in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering or Electro-Technical. In certain circumstances, it can be used for advanced professional qualifications where there is no support available anywhere else or for those who are overqualified for a Nautilus Slater Scholarship.

You can receive up to £1000. The amount awarded depends on what you are studying and the cost. You may also be eligible for an Interest-free loan – please refer to the interest-free loans page. 

You can find out more at https://www.marine-society.org/worcester-scholarship