Officer of the Watch (HNC/SQA/Exam Route)

Officer of the Watch - Unlimited

Warsash Maritime Academy offers experienced seafarers a programme leading to STCW 95 Officer of the Watch (OOW) certification by a written examination route.

Course Description

This course enables candidates to achieve STCW 95 Officer of the Watch certification by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) examination route. Candidates will receive tuition and assessment in HNC (Nautical Science) Part 1 units and NARAS (0) course as well as preparation for the SQA examinations and MCA signals and oral examinations. Students will be expected to engage fully in the learning process and carry out some work independently.

Candidates will undertake a two-term course of study with continuous assessment and end-of-course tests in most subjects, plus two written examinations in Navigation and Stability & Operations conducted by the SQA on behalf of the MCA. Successful candidates are awarded an HNC Part 1 in Nautical Science.

Those wishing to undertake the programme must have a minimum 36 months' sea service (including six months' bridge watch keeping duties under the supervision of a qualified officer. Note: a) this is not the same as watchkeeping service; b) candidates holding a Yacht OOW 3,000 GT CoC or above do not need to provide any evidence of watchkeeping duties), and hold a valid personal medical fitness certificate recognised by the MCA. Overseas students must also hold an appropriate English language qualification at IELTS 4.0 or equivalent.

Candidates must also hold STCW 95 certificates in Medical First Aid, Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats, GMDSS General Operators Certificate, and Efficient Deckhand before taking their MCA oral examination. If not already held, these courses can be undertaken at WMA outside of the main course.

Course Content

HNC (Nautical Science) Part 1 unit in Bridge Watchkeeping, Celestial Navigation, Chartwork, Tides and Sailings, Emergency Response and Communications, Cargo Work, Meteorology, Ship Stability, Ship Construction, and Law and Management.

Preparation for SQA Navigation and Stability and Operations papers.

Preparation for MCA signals and oral examinations.

Navigation Radar and ARPA Simulation Training (Operational Level) course – NARAS(0)