Master and Chief Mate (Examination Route) - for Experienced Seafarers

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 <3,000 GT) certification.   

Candidates on this programme will complete an HND in Nautical Science which follows the MCA’s Modernised Officer Qualifications Syllabus (as described in MIN 720 (M): Transforming Seafarer Training.) and 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 modernised MCA competency assessments. Additionally, the package of study includes NAEST (M) and HELM (M) courses, offering a generously discounted rate while enabling you to complete your studies as a package within Warsash Maritime School, rather than booking these courses individually.

HND Nautical Science

From 1 August 2026, all Chief Mate candidates will follow the MCA’s Modernised Officer Qualifications syllabus which reflects the current practices and technology used on board modern vessels and supports the development of human element skills - essential learning for today’s aspiring officers.

The modernised syllabus includes a range of modules, from marine law to ship stability, and navigation to cargo operations. All modules have had their pass marks aligned to the MCA’s safety standards and you must achieve these to be awarded the HND Nautical Science award.

Competency Assessment Preparation

The competency assessment preparation course has been designed to support candidates to prepare for the new MCA external assessment, administered by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) 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 Competency can be found in MSN 1856 (M+F) - Amendment 1.

Course dates

Monday 14 September 2026 to Friday 26 February 2027

Monday 11 January 2027 to Friday 25 June 2027

Monday 26 April 2027 to Friday 8 October 2027

Course fee

£9,025

This package fee, which is designed to support self-sponsoring candidates, includes the HND Nautical Science, competency assessment preparation, and NAEST(M) and HELM(M) courses.

Please note that the course fee does not include external examination fees. Examinations may be booked here.