CertHE Nautical Science

Study Level

Level 4

Location

Lowestoft Campus

Duration

12 Months

FT / PT

Full-time

The Certificate of Higher Education in Nautical Science (CertHE) focuses on building professional competence, equipping you with the practical skills and academic understanding needed to navigate the complex relationship between the marine environment, human factors, and modern maritime technology.

The objective of this course is to develop your competency to the level required for you to carry out your duties as a Deck Officer in the Merchant Navy.

The following items are included in the course fee:

  • Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Nautical Science (Awarded by the University of West London)
  • MCA Digital Assessment Platform Navigation & Stability Safety Papers Examination Fee – (1st attempt only)
  • GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) and Examination Fee (1st attempt only)
  • Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)
  • Human Element Leadership and Management Operational Level (HELM O)
  • Navigation Aids and Equipment Simulator Training at Operational Level (NAEST O)
  • Signals exam

We have three intakes of this course every year – September, January and May. Your course will start with 21 weeks of the CertHE programmes in Nautical Science tuition followed by CertHE in Nautical Science exams and then short courses over a period of 12 months. The plan will take into consideration your VISA expiry date and any genuine special requests.

This experienced seafarer programme is a Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) leading to STCW II/1 Officers in charge of a Navigational Watch (OOW) Unlimited UK CoC Certification. This course is designed for experienced seafarers like Bosun and Able seafarer to join a ship as an Officer of the Watch.

You will study:

  • Operational Maritime Law and Project Management
  • Operational Naval Architecture and Stability
  • Operational Passage Planning and Electronic Charts
  • Marine Cargo Operations
  • Celestial Navigation, Maths and Science
  • Operational Bridge Watchkeeping

Short courses included in the course fee:

  • GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) and Examination Fee (1st attempt only)
  • Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)
  • Human Element Leadership and Management Operational Level (HELM O)
  • Navigation Aids and Equipment Simulator Training at Operational Level (NAEST O)

Entry Requirements

The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) regulations require a candidate:

  • To be 19+ years of age
  • Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent.
  • 36 months’ seagoing service in any acceptable deck capacity, or
  • 48 months if you have been working as a General Purpose (GP) rating.

The qualifying sea service must include six months engaged in bridge watchkeeping duties.

The college requires that you:

  • Successfully complete interview
  • Pay the appropriate fees

International students:

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are: IELTS for UKVI (Academic) band 4.0, with no component below 4.0.

Note: It is your responsibility to ensure that all entry requirements for the course and the issue of a Notice of Eligibility (NoE) by the MCA are met prior to attending the course. For sea time assessment you may log onto the MCA’s website.

It is advised that you read the MCA MSN 1856 (M+F) training and certification guidance (UK Requirements for Master and Deck Officers).