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Offered by South Shields Marine School in collaboration with Onboard Maritime
Formerly Advanced Dipoma in Nautical Science – Distance Learning
The are a total of 6 modules to undertake in order to complete this qualification:
Management of Navigation
Bridge Management
Ship Stability
Ship Operations
Marine Law & Management
Engineering and Structure
All of the module materials can be accessed online.
3 modules, Management of Navigation, Bridge Management and Ship Stability require attendance at South Shields Marine School for a period of time to undergo practical training and assessment.
It is anticipated the total time commitment in college for this qualification will be between 6-8 weeks.
The remaining modules are completed through assignments administered through South Shields Marine School.
Offered by South Shields Marine School in collaboration with Onboard Maritime.
Unlock new opportunities with the Foundation Degree in Marine Operations, tailored to meet the needs of aspiring maritime professionals.
Designed for those aiming to achieve their Chief Mate (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency, this programme provides the underpinning knowledge required for MCA Deck Officer certification at the Management Level (STCW II/2).
This programme is ideal for Deck Officers seeking career progression from OOW to Chief Mate or Master roles, particularly for those requiring the flexibility to study around their professional schedules.
Candidates should hold an HNC or Advanced Certificate in Nautical Science/Marine Operations or equivalent.
This module will encompass the principles of voyage and passage planning. It will develop navigational skills through the appraisal, planning and evaluation of a passage plan, including contingency plans for emergency situations. Although paper charts will be covered for use in emergency situations, the primary focus will be on electronic charts, publications and navigational resources. The module will also involve interpreting and evaluating meteorological, climatological and oceanographic data, with the objective of forecasting the weather and sea conditions that may be encountered during a voyage.
This module will provide a broad knowledge of the regulatory aspects of professional practice as required by the Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping Convention (STCW) at a management level. The module will enable the identification of sources of information that will contribute to the safe manning and safe navigation of a Merchant Vessel in all stages of its voyage, and examine the factors that determine the manoeuvrability of a ship and how a ship can be handled in a wide range of situations both routine and emergency. It will also cover the operation of a variety of marine gyro compasses.
This module will develop a knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice affecting stability, trim and structural loading for the safe operation of ships. It also covers current national and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations concerning stability and the use of ship stability software and stress calculating equipment used on board ships.
This module covers the planning and operational procedures for the safe stowage and securing of dry cargoes and the safe handling of oil, gas and chemical cargoes. It is also about the planning and operational procedures for passenger operations. The use of cargo loading software will be integral to this module.
This module introduces the link between UK legislation and international treaties applicable to the shipping industry. It will develop an understanding of the law of the sea and jurisdiction over ships in various areas of the ocean. The module also covers UK legislation in health, safety and employment law, the application of contracts, the law of torts, and the master’s responsibility for ship operations and commercial law.
This module introduces the operating principles of marine power plants, the function of a vessel’s auxiliary machinery and the concepts of control systems from the point of view of the master of a vessel. The module also introduces the legislative requirements regarding the construction of vessels, including the structural requirements for vessels with respect to the handling and carriage of cargo. It covers the ship construction features and systems that may be used to limit damage as well as the properties, construction and maintenance of materials. It also covers the methods of maintaining ship’s equipment/fittings and preparing for statutory surveys.
Assessments are administered by South Shields Marine School and include a combination of written assignments, practical training and assessments, and formal written examinations.
Most assessments can be completed online. The course consists of 7 written assignments (online), 2 written exams (on campus), 2 practical assessments (on campus). Students will only need to attend campus twice during the course for practical training and exams.
View the exam dates for 2025-2026 here.
Planning your learning is a vital step towards you successfully completing your studies. Unlike conventional courses, distance learning is not tied to the academic terms. This means that you can start to study anytime and study at your own pace with tutor support.
Get up to 4 years of access to complete all units and assessments, allowing remote study alongside sea service.
View the exam dates for 2025-2026 here.
Students can pay per module or enrol in the complete course at once.
Fees for the academic year 2025-2026 are:
Module 1: £1355 (inc. £300 UoS registration fee)
Modules 2-6: £1060 each
Total: £6655
Fill in the application form on our website below and we will be in touch.
Send us a message via the enquiry form at the bottom of this page, or email or call us directly:
A: You’ll have up to four years to complete all the units and graded assessments.
A: Absolutely. The blended learning model allows you to study at your own pace, making it perfect for working professionals.
A: The course is suitable for candidates preparing for the Chief Mate (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency. Candidates should hold an HNC or Advanced Certificate in Nautical Science/Marine Operations or equivalent.
A: The modules are self-paced, so students can progress as their time and circumstances allow. Completion depends on when they finish the required work, book their assessments, and successfully pass them.
A: There are no planned online classes. It is self-directed learning, but tutor support is readily available where students have specific questions to be answered.
A: No, the only requirement is to have passed the HNC.
A: Yes, you can study while you accrue sea time.
A: Yes, they are all required for the underpinning knowledge, but can be sat in stages.
A: The short courses can be undertaken during or after completion of the course or the SQA Chief Mate Written exams. However, the courses need to be undertaken prior to applying for the Notice of Eligibility for the MCA Chief Mates oral exam.
A: There is no predetermined minimum time. However, candidates must ensure that the required underpinning knowledge has been attained to obtain the Education and Training letter required for a Notice of Eligibility.
Remember, the Chief Mates written examinations require a thorough understanding for candidates to be able to answer challenging questions which require critical analysis.