Officer of the Watch Deck (Unlimited) - Advanced Certificate

Course Code: MH1HE73

Maritime and Nautical

Next course dates

Start Date	Location	Duration / Fee
05/09/2022	Fleetwood Nautical Campus	25 Weeks/ £6,500	Apply
09/01/2023	Fleetwood Nautical Campus	25 Weeks/ £6,500	Apply
21/04/2023	Fleetwood Nautical Campus	25 Weeks/ £6,500	Apply

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Course Overview

The AdvCert in Nautical Science is designed to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for a career in the Merchant Navy as a Deck Officer.

This 26-week programme leads to the award of the Officer of the Watch (OOW) Certificate of Competency (CoC).

During the course of study cadets are not only improving their academic knowledge in navigation and ship operation, but also being supported by a shipping company or other training provider, they are also receiving training at sea and a number of safety courses.

Regarded as one of the UK’s top nautical institutions, Fleetwood Nautical Campus has cutting-edge facilities and strong shipping industry partnerships which guarantee students excellent employment opportunities.

Entry Requirements

SQA Level 3 Diploma in Shipping and Maritime Operations or an equivalent HE access course.

Experienced seafarers

This group of candidates will comprise experienced, serving seafarers who are undertaking the AdvCert in Nautical Science to progress their professional qualifications to Officer of the Watch Unlimited.

The entry requirements are fully detailed by the UK MCA in Merchant Shipping Notes (MSNs) and comprise minimum levels of relevant industrial experience and/or existing marine certification. Proof of your English Language proficiency, such as an IELTS certificate or equivalent, must be submitted if English is not your first language.

Non-seafarers

Access for this group is at the discretion of the College and consideration will be given to candidates’ past academic and employment history.

Qualification Obtained

Advanced Certificate Nautical Science

Career Options and Progression

Successful cadets will be awarded the Advanced Certificate in Nautical Science which is part of the requirements for Officer of the Watch Unlimited Certificate of Competency.

This is required to take the position of a third or second officer on board of a vessel. After gaining the required sea going service and completing appropriate educational and training programme, cadets will be able to qualify for Chief Mate and a further Master Certificate of Competency.

In addition, a variety of positions are available in the maritime industry ashore, including ship management, fleet operation, ship broking, marine insurance, finance, ship repair and shipbuilding, equipment manufacturing, port operations, maritime education and training, surveying and inspecting as well as maritime administration.

Assessment Methods

Module	Assessment (weighting)
Navigational Mathematics and Science	Examination (100%)
Bridge Watchkeeping	Examination (100%)
Marine Cargo Operations	Examination (100%)
Ship Stability: An Introduction	Examination (100%)
Naval Architecture: Ship Construction	Examination (100%)
Chartwork and Tides	Examination (100%)
Celestial Navigation	Examination (100%)
Nautical Science: Graded Unit 1	Examination (100%)
Marine Meteorology: An Introduction	Examination (100%)
Marine Law And Management: An Introduction	Examination (100%)
Marine Emergency Response And Communication	Examination (100%)

Teaching and Learning Methods

The programme is delivered through the means of interactive lectures incorporating short presentations from both tutors and students.

Students will be provided with the opportunity to work in groups to critically analyse and solve problems and apply knowledge and understanding to a range of tutor and student defined contexts.

Students will have the opportunity to work both independently and with peers in a supervised manner.

Unit	Indicative Contact hours	Self-study
Navigational Mathematics and Science	39	41
Bridge Watchkeeping	39	41
Marine Cargo Operations	60	60
Ship Stability: An Introduction	60	60
Naval Architecture: Ship Construction	39	41
Chartwork and Tides	79.5	80.5
Celestial Navigation	79.5	80.5
Nautical Science: Graded Unit 1	0	80
Marine Meteorology: An Introduction	39	41
Marine Law And Management: An Introduction	39	41
Marine Emergency Response And Communication	39	41

Industry Placement and Field Trips

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

All students will be required to purchase a scientific calculator, parallel rulers and compass. These can be purchased from any supplier therefore price may vary.

Uniform and shoes are usually provided by a sponsoring shipping company or trainer provider.

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of any courses within the College are approved to teach and/or assess the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering and/or assessing a given programme are appropriately qualified, with relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.