Course: CertHE Nautical Science

The Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Nautical Science is a University of West London programme delivered at East Coast College. Designed for experienced seafarers, the programme combines academic study with professional maritime training to develop the knowledge, practical skills, and competence required for a successful career as a Deck Officer in the Merchant Navy.

Teaching is delivered by experienced MCA-approved lecturers and maritime professionals with extensive seagoing and industry experience. You will benefit from high-quality instruction, specialist maritime facilities, and a curriculum that reflects current industry standards, operational best practice, and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) requirements.

The programme focuses on building professional competence and developing an understanding of the relationship between the marine environment, human factors, and modern maritime technology, with the goal of preparing you to meet the standards of competence required to serve as an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OOW).

Why Study at East Coast College?

East Coast College has a well-established reputation for maritime education and training, providing students with access to specialist navigation and simulation facilities. Through delivery of the University of West London programme, students benefit from a combination of academic excellence and industry-focused training. Learning is supported by MCA-approved lecturers who bring real-world maritime experience into the classroom, helping students develop the knowledge and confidence required to progress from rating to officer level.

Course Structure

The programme has three intakes each year in September, January, and May.

Students begin with 21 weeks of CertHE Nautical Science tuition, followed by CertHE examinations and a series of mandatory short courses delivered over approximately 12 months. Individual training plans can be arranged to take account of visa expiry dates and genuine personal circumstances where appropriate.

This MCA-approved Experienced Seafarer Programme leads towards STCW Regulation II/1 Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OOW) Unlimited UK Certificate of Competency (CoC) certification. It is specifically designed for experienced seafarers, including Bosuns and Able Seafarers, who wish to progress to officer-level positions.

What You Will Study

The programme covers the essential academic and professional subjects required for deck officer certification, including:

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

Included in the Course Fee

The course fee includes:

• Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Nautical Science
• MCA Digital Assessment Platform Navigation and Stability Safety Papers examination fee (first attempt only)
• GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) course and examination fee (first attempt only)
• Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)
• Human Element Leadership and Management Operational Level (HELM O)
• Navigation Aids and Equipment Simulator Training Operational Level (NAEST O)
• Signals Examination

Professional Short Courses Included

The following MCA-recognised short courses are included within the course fee:

• GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) and examination fee (first attempt only)
• Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)
• Human Element Leadership and Management Operational Level (HELM O)
• Navigation Aids and Equipment Simulator Training Operational Level (NAEST O)