Chief Mate DipHE Nautical Science course in Fleetwood. Classes run full-time at Fleetwood Nautical Campus, over 22 weeks. This chief mate DipHE nautical science qualification develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a senior deck officer role in the maritime industry. It fully aligns to MCA requirements for management level deck officers, covering both Chief Mate and Master level education and training. To enrol, you must hold a CertHE Nautical Science, an MCA-approved Level 4 or higher qualification meeting STCW II/1 OOW Unlimited criteria, or an appropriate STCW II/1 OOW Unlimited Certificate of Competency.
Who this course is for
If you want to obtain an MCA issued Certificate of Competency (CoC) as a Chief Mate, this course key to achieving your career goal. The Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) Nautical Science programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for a career as a senior deck officer in the maritime industry. This qualification fully aligns to the MCA requirements regarding education and training of management level deck officers (Chief Mate and Master), when combined with the short courses set out in MSN 1856. Depending on your career path or career goals, you may be eligible to study face-to-face onsite over a period of around 6 months, or you may be able to study by Blended Learning, which utilises a block-and-blend approach with a mix of distance learning and block attendance. Find out more about blended learning. The programme welcomes you, especially if you are: undertaking a deck cadetshipan experienced Officer of the Watch, looking to upskill to Chief Matea holder of a non-UK CoC and wish to convert to an MCA issued Chief Mate Unlimited CoCIf you already possess an Education and Training letter confirming that you have successfully studied all the required subjects Chief Mate criteria, you do not need this course. This list is not exhaustive, so if you are unsure if this is the course for you, our team will be able to give you the initial advice and guidance you need to have confidence that you are on the right programme for you.
Entry requirements
To study on this programme, you must meet at least one of the criteria below: Successful completion of CertHE Nautical Science; Hold an MCA-approved level 4 or higher qualification that meets the criteria for STCW II/1 OOW Unlimited CoC, or Hold an appropriate STCW II/1 OOW Unlimited CoC may be admitted directly onto the DipHE; International students may require an overall band score of 5.5 and a minimum of 4 in each element of IELTS.
What you will learn
You'll develop the knowledge and skills required for management level deck officer responsibilities.
You'll study the MCA requirements for Chief Mate and Master certification.
You'll build understanding of STCW management level competencies for unlimited trading vessels.
You'll apply the behaviours and practices expected of a senior deck officer in the maritime industry.
You'll prepare for the MCA-issued Certificate of Competency as a Chief Mate.
How you will learn
The course is delivered through full-time daytime classroom-based study at Fleetwood Nautical Campus. Teaching covers the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the MCA for management level deck officers. Assessment methods align to MCA and STCW requirements for the Chief Mate Certificate of Competency. The centre will confirm the specific assessment components before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Fleetwood Nautical Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chief Mate. Senior deck officer on unlimited trading vessels.
First Officer. Navigation and safety responsibilities on commercial ships.
Ship's Master. Command-level role, typically following further certification.
Deck Officer (Management Level). Oversight of deck operations on large vessels.
Maritime Operations Manager. Shore-based management drawing on senior sea service.
What you could study next
Master Mariner qualification. The next step after Chief Mate certification, leading to command of a vessel as Ship's Master.
MCA Master Certificate of Competency. Required to take command of unlimited trading vessels; typically pursued after gaining sea service at Chief Mate level.
BSc Nautical Science. A full honours degree for those wishing to extend their academic qualification in the maritime field.
