About this course
This programme for experienced seafarers (ie, senior engine room ratings and other uncertificated personnel) leads to STCW '95 III/1 engineer officer of the watch (EOOW) certification.
In addition to any other training requirements specified by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), you will undertake guided study courses in preparation for IAMI engineering knowledge (EK) and academic written exams. The EK course provides general and motor/steam engineering knowledge and the academic course provides underpinning knowledge in key general engineering science subject areas.
What you'll study
- Guided study for general, motor/steam, and instrumentation and control engineering knowledge exams.
- Guided study for two academic exams (four course modules cover mechanics, naval architecture, thermodynamics, and electrics AC and DC). Exam 'A' covers mechanics, strength of materials and naval architecture; exam 'B' covers heat, fluids and electricity.
- Tutorials for IAMI EK and academic written exams and MCA oral exam.
Notice of Eligibility (NoE) and oral exams guidance
When you have accrued sufficient sea time to sit an oral exam with the MCA, you are required to apply for a Notice of Eligibility (NoE).
This form can be downloaded from the MCA website and must be returned with original copies of your supporting documentation (sea service testimonials, STCW certificates, exam pass certificates and ENG1) to prove you are eligible for an oral exam.
Once you have your NoE you can book your oral exam at any of the MCA offices throughout the UK. The MCA office you have chosen will not confirm your booking until you have received your NOE. Be aware they do have busy periods, so it is best to book your oral exam well in advance to ensure you get your preferred date.
A Notice of Eligibility is valid for five years from date of issue, and for three years after a successful oral exam. You must apply for your NOE well in advance of your anticipated exam date as they can take up to six weeks to be processed.
Prerequisites
To enrol on this certification programme, you must have completed a minimum of 21 months' approved seagoing experience on board a vessel with propulsive power of 350kW or more. After this has been achieved, you must apply for a letter of acceptance and an MNTB workbook by sending us a completed application form and sea service form, as well as other official documentation and payment information - this will register you on the course.
After registering, you must then complete a further nine months' approved sea service on vessels of 750kW or more, including six months' engine room watchkeeping duties, during which time you must complete the MNTB workbook to the required standard. You will then return to us for tutorials, IAMI written exams and MCA oral exams to gain initial EOOW certification.
If you need to undertake MNTB workshop skills training (unless exempted by the MCA), you will need to do this separately with us.
You must also hold STCW certificates in Medical First Aid, Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, High Voltage (Operational) and HELM (Operational) before taking your MCA oral exam. If you don't already hold these certificates, the courses can be undertaken at with us outside of the main certification course. Please refer to MSN 1857 for more information.
Overseas students must also hold an appropriate English language qualification at IELTS 4.0 or equivalent.
