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The programme also consists of the following three short courses and MCA signals exam, although an additional fee is required:

  • Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) – A steering Certificate is also required to hold this qualification
  • Navigation Aids and Equipment Simulator Training (NAEST) Operations.  This course includes an MCA approved ECDIS Course.
  • HELM (Operational)

At the end of the programme you will attend two weeks of MCA oral preparation prior to your MCA oral exam. This course is specifically designed to cover the orals syllabus and each lecture is taught by a subject specific lecturer who will utilise our world class facilities and resources to their fullest extent.  

You will also spend half a day at our Marine Offshore Safety Training Centre. 

All of the above courses are all part of the programme so you will be automatically enrolled.

In addition to the above, candidates must be in possession of the following short course certificates before the Certificate of Competency can be issued by the MCA.

  • GMDSS General Operators Certificate
  • STCW Advanced Fire Fighting
  • STCW Medical First Aid Onboard Ship

These courses are not part of the course of study and it is recommended that you complete these courses before commencing the full programme, although these courses can be completed during your time here.

To view our world-class facilities, check out our virtual tour here.

OVERVIEW

This is MCA approved 32* week programme covering the underpinning knowledge and short courses required to qualify for an Officer of the Watch (OOW) (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency.

Delegates will study towards an SQA Advanced Certificate which will cover the academic underpinning knowledge required for certification. 

The course consists of two 12 week modules.

Module 1

  • Celestial Navigation
  • Navigational Mathematics & Science
  • Ship Construction
  • Emergency Response & Communication
  • Marine Law & Management
  • Meteorology

Module 2

  • Chartwork & Tides
  • Ship Stability
  • Cargo Operations
  • Bridge Watchkeeping
  • Nautical Science Graded Unit 1

During the academics to support your learning we will endeavor fully utilise all our world class resources, including our state of the art ship simulators, ‘live ship’ cargo software, meteorological instruments, ships compasses and our chartrooms. 

After completing the Advanced Certificate delegates will attend external MCA/SQA examinations in Navigation and Stability & Operations.

The fee for the programme includes two weeks of MCA oral preparation. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The MCA regulations require a candidate:

  • To be not less than 19 years of age
  • To have at least 36 months of qualifying sea service in an acceptable deck capacity with testimonials which show that at least 6 months have been spent on bridge duties.
  • To have discharge book entries verifying sea service.

A candidate who does not have a discharge book will need to obtain documentation from their shipping company verifying their sea service.

It is the responsibility of candidates 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 further information, please refer to MGN1856 – Amendment 1 on the MCA website: Maritime and Coastguard Agency – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

ASSESSMENT

For the Advanced Certificate all the assessments are internal and college based, with the MCA signals examination carried out in the college by MCA approved examiners.

The MCA/SQA written examinations are externally moderated and are hosted within the college.

The MCA oral examination is conducted via Microsoft Teams by MCA examiners.

Link to MGN653 – Amendment 1.

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

With further sea service and experience, candidates can progress onto further certification, including Chief Mates (Unlimited) and associated academics.

FURTHER INFORMATION

To apply for this course e-mail nadmin@tynecoast.ac.uk for more information and an application form.

For UK students a £500 deposit is required and a deposit of £1000 for Non-UK students to reserve your place on the course (subject to availability).  For overseas students full payment will be required before a CAS (if required for this course) will be issued.

Any fees paid by Bankers Draft should be made payable to Tyne Coast College.

Accommodation is available in the college at Dr Winterbottom Hall or in private lodgings. For full details, please refer to the separate information page or contact Dr Winterbottom Hall directly.  Please telephone: +44 (0)191 427 3666 or email DWH@tynecoast.ac.uk for more information.

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