Blended learning for Deck Officer of the Watch Unlimited and Chief Mate Unlimited
Blended learning is a form of distance learning that combines online study with college-based assessment, allowing you to qualify for a Certificate or Diploma of Higher Education (Cert HE or Dip HE) in Nautical Science, from anywhere in the world.
Ideal if you are based overseas, work full-time or prefer a flexible mode of study, distance learning facilitates experiential learning while providing you with valuable sea time. Up to three years is available to complete the programmes, but most complete in a shorter period of time.
Blended learning pathways
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) – Nautical Science
- Progression route to Officer of the Watch (Unlimited)
- Level 4 qualification meeting MCA requirements
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) – Nautical Science
- For those who already hold an OOW (Unlimited) CoC
- Progression route to Chief Mate (Unlimited)
- Level 5 qualification studied remotely at your own pace
Assessment
Our Cert HE and Dip HE in Nautical Science combine formative online assessments with practical and summative written assessments undertaken at college.
Dates for the block week mandatory attendance, practical and written summative assessments at college, are published at the start of each term.
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Life in Fleetwood
Fleetwood Nautical Campus is based in Fleetwood, Lancashire. Find out more about life in the town and surrounding area.
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Student Case Studies
Deck Officer of the Watch (Superyacht Sector – Unlimited)
Progress from deckhand to officer with an MCA‑approved OOW Unlimited Certificate of Competency. This one‑year programme prepares you to work as a deck officer on superyachts of any size, while also gaining a Certificate of Higher Education in Nautical Science.
Visit our dedicated Deck Officer of the Watch (Superyacht Sector – Unlimited) page for more information.
If you would like to study faster or dedicate a block of time to your studies, you may wish to look at our face-to-face delivery options for OOW and Chief Mate Unlimited.
The benefits of blended learning
- Teaching methods to suit different learning styles
- A vast range of up-to-the-minute interactive resources
- Round-the-clock accessibility from all over the world
- Monitor and track your progress through the course
- Full use of the college’s Learning Resource Centre through the remote desktop
- Submit assessments electronically
- Regular supportive feedback from our expert tutors
- Practical information and advice from our Blended Learning team
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Get in touch with us directly
Drop us a line at:
blearning@blackpool.ac.uk or call us on 01253 504746 to find out more about blended learning.
Scholarship opportunities
There are Merchant Navy scholarships available to serving seafarers, managed by the Marine Society.
The Nautilus International John William Slater Memorial Fund, managed by Marine Society, offers Slater Scholarships of up to £18,500, with an additional discretionary of up to £1,500 for completing the programme.
The Fund helps ratings study for their first certificate of competency, and can also help Electro-Technical Officers, Yacht, Workboat and Tug crew gain STCW certification.
Funding your Maritime Training
- Worcester Scholarship
- Hanway Scholarship
- Green Skills Bursary
- The Guild of Benevolence
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More Student Case Studies
