Mode of Study

Part-time

Start Date

11th Dec 2023, 3 weeks

Day(s):

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Time:

9:00 - 17:00

Location

Riverside Campus

Cost

£ 900

Overview

This course will equip OOW candidates with the skills to use modern navigation systems to aid in decision-making. Effective bridge resource management principles are also explored.

The course is Mandatory for candidates for Certificates of Competency as officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gt or more, in accordance with Regulation II/1 of the STCW Convention 1978, as amended.

The aim is to give candidates the essential education and training in the skills needed to keep a safe navigational watch and to use radar, Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA), Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), Echo Sounders, Bridge Navigation Watch Alarm Systems (BNWAS), voyage data recorders (VDRs) and other electronic aids to maintain safety of navigation, meeting the knowledge, understanding and proficiency (KUP) requirements set out in the following as per Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB).

Table: A-ll/1

Function:

• Navigation at the operational level.

Competence: 

• Plan and conduct a passage and determine position.
• Maintain a safe navigational watch.
• Use of radar and ARPA to maintain safety of navigation.

Table: A-ll/3 

 Function:

• Navigation at the operational level.

Competence:   

• Plan and conduct a coastal passage and determine position.
• Maintain a safe navigational watch.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

• Candidates following the experienced seafarer route to MCA first Certificate of Competency shall meet the minimum 6 months watchkeeping service.
• Candidates on a college/university-based training programme approved by the MNTB/MCA leading to an Officer of the Walch Certificate of Competency need to have completed the first sea phase of their training to start the course. However, the bridge watchkeeping simulator exercises (Outcome 7) that form part of the training shall be undertaken within the college, during the final phase of the cadet training programme. 

Additional selection requirements

Students shall verbally confirm on the day that they are fit and well enough to participate in practical exercises.

What you study

The course covers seven outcomes as follows as per MNTB requirements:                      

• Outcome 1: The learner can explain the principles of electromagnetic waves, propagation and signal conditioning.
• Outcome 2: The learner can explain the capabilities and limitations of the use of global navigational satellite systems to fix position and maintain a safe navigational watch and explain the proper use of electronic position fixing systems.
• Outcome 3: The learner can explain the capabilities and limitations of the use of magnetic and gyro compasses, steering control systems, speed distance measuring equipment and marine echo sounders to maintain a safe navigational watch and explain the principles of operation of this equipment.
• Outcome 4: The learner can use and explain the capabilities and limitations of the marine radar and Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) system or target tracking (TT) equipment to maintain safety of navigation. The learner can explain the principles of its operation and is able to take timely and appropriate action in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.                    
• Outcome 5: The learner can explain the capabilities and limitations of the use or Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) in support or safety of navigation and explain the principles of operation of this equipment.
• Outcome 6: The learner can explain the capabilities and limitations of integrated bridge systems, including Bridge Navigation Watch Alarm Systems (BNWAS) and voyage data recorders (VDRs).
• Outcome 7: The learner can apply effective bridge resource management, leadership and teamwork skills in open and confined waters, plan and conduct a passage, respond to navigational emergencies, manoeuvre the ship and maintain a safe navigational watch.

After the course

Careers

The course is Mandatory for candidates for Certificates of Competency as officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gt or more.

Continuing Study

The candidate will be issued with NAEST Operational level certificate which will be required for applying for the Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency.

Teaching

How the course is taught

Assessment methods