About this course
This programme is for candidates who have achieved an OOW II/1 Certificate of Competency (accepted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)); have gained a minimum of 12 months sea service while holding this licence; and who want to progress and achieve Chief Mate (Unlimited) and Master (limited to <3000 GT) certification.
Candidates on this programme will complete an HND in Nautical Science through a blended learning programme, which will satisfy the MCA requirements of completing a programme of study which meets the standards of competency specified in section A-II/2 of the STCW Code.
What you'll study
During the programme, you will complete an HND in Nautical Science in addition to receiving tuition to support your preparation for the SQA exams in Navigation and Ship Stability, and the MCA oral exams. Additionally, the package of study will include NAEST (Management Level) and HELM (Management Level) courses, offering a generously discounted rate while enabling you to complete your studies as a package within WMS rather than booking these courses individually.
HND Nautical Science
This HND Nautical Science course utilises a blended learning approach. Some of the course must be completed online in ‘self-directed’ study before coming to the University and beginning the in-person and on-campus elements. The online study will be accessible through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (SOL) where you will have access to a variety of resources, module pages and forums. You must ensure that you complete this study prior to beginning the campus phase as you will be expected to submit assignments and undertake in-person examinations on arrival.
During the in-person campus phase you will also complete the MCA competency assessment preparation, and the NAEST(M) and HELM(M) courses.
Competency Assessment Preparation
The competency assessment preparation course has been designed to support candidates to prepare for the MCA Ship Stability and Structure, and Navigation external examinations, administered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in addition to preparing you for your MCA oral examination.
Navigation Aids and Equipment Simulator Training (Management Level) - NAEST(M)
The aim of the NAEST(M) course is to give you the essential education and training to maintain safe navigation using radar, Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA), Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and modern navigation systems to assist command decision making and the application of effective bridge resource management principles and procedures.
To be eligible to attend this course you must:
- Have at least 12 months watchkeeping service while holding a Certificate of Competency issued under regulation II/1 of the STCW Convention 1978 as amended.
- Have documentary evidence of successfully completing an MCA approved NAEST(O) course completed on or after 1 January 2005 or an MCA approved ECDIS course completed on or after 1 January 2005.
Human Element Leadership and Management - HELM(M)
The aim of the HELM(M) course is to provide you with the education and training to meet the MCA requirements for senior shipboard officers. During the course you will explore:
- Key principles of the Human Element, Leadership and Management.
- Managing and mitigating impact leading to safety accidents
- Managing performance influencing factors (PIFs)
- Positive team-working
- Human Element within Safety Culture: Policies and Procedures
- Organisational culture
- Shipboard resource
- Leadership and management
Prerequisites
In addition to a personal medical fitness certificate recognised by the MCA, candidates must hold a Proficiency in Medical Care on Board Ship STCW certificate before taking their MCA orals and applying for a Certificate of Competency.
The additional prerequisites for achieving a Chief Mate Certificate of Competence can be found in MSN 1856 (Amendment 1).
Course dates
Monday 3 November 2025 – Friday 10 July 2026
Monday 9 February 2026 – Friday 9 October 2026
Course fee
£8,700
This package fee, which is designed to support self-sponsoring candidates, includes the HND Nautical Science, competency assessment preparation, NAEST(M) and HELM(M) courses. Please note that it does not include external examination fees.
