Officer of the Watch Deck (Unlimited) - Advanced Certificate
Course Code: MH1HE73
Next available course:
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.
Modules and Assessment
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
Expert Tutors
All staff involved in the delivery of maritime and nautical courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant vocational and industrial experience and professional practice. .
