Nautical Science - Chief Mate / Master - National Maritime College of Ireland
The programme is aimed at professional seafarers wishing to prepare and apply for a Chief Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) oral examination. The learners will gain comprehensive knowledge of the theory, concepts and methods relating to marine navigation, shipboard operations, leadership and management in a maritime transport context.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | Munster Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 8 NFQ) | Special Purpose | Munster Technological University | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Applicants preparing for Chief Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) examinations will need to have a Notice of Eligibility (NOE) issued by the Department of Transport in Ireland before commencing the course; this requires having at least 12 months of sea time in an Officer of the Watch capacity. An NOE can be applied for through the Department of Transport (www.seafarers.ie) by completing form SIS 9 – Application for a certificate of competency.
Careers / Further progression
Career Options
Those who successfully pass the Department of Transport Chief Mate oral exams will find new opportunities at sea sailing at higher ranks and will be able to progress to obtain their Master's COC which is the highest deck qualification in the merchant navy.
Progression
Successful graduates progress to oral exams at the Department of Transport for a Chief Mate Unlimited Certificates of Competency.
Further information
24
€5,610.
Please note that applicants will be required to pay an acceptance fee of €300 online if a place on a course is offered. This fee is deductible from the overall course fee.
Note: You will not be charged for applying for the programme by clicking the 'apply now' button; you are only asked to pay an acceptance fee if a place is offered to you, and you wish to accept it.
Application Deadline 15th January 2026
Overview
The programme is aimed at professional seafarers wishing to prepare and apply for a Chief Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) oral examination.
The learners will gain comprehensive knowledge of the theory, concepts and methods relating to marine navigation, shipboard operations, leadership and management in a maritime transport context.
What will I study?
The programme includes 11 academic modules as specified for Chief Mate/Master STCW Regulation II/2 providing learners with technical and managerial skills and techniques to execute the safe operations of ships in a wide variety of maritime environments.
Successful candidates will acquire the ability to manage, evaluate and critically analyse complex navigational and operational situations, and exercise appropriate judgement and actions in such functions. They will also gain a comprehensive understanding of wider social, business and environmental issues within which the maritime profession operates including responsibilities towards people and the marine environment.
Year 1:
Semester 1:
Year 1 Semester 1 Elective Regulation
Students must select one elective from GE1 - numbers may be restricted.
Mandatory:
NAUT8003 Engineering for Deck Officers
NAUT8009 Navigation Instrumentation
NAUT8015 Ship Construction Brian Devitt
NAUT8017 Ship Stability (Management)
Group Elective 1:
NAUT8002 Advanced Seamanship
NAUT8010 Navigation Management
Semester 2:
Year 1 Semester 2 Elective Regulation
Students must select one elective from GE1 - numbers may be restricted.
Mandatory:
NAUT8001 Advanced Maritime Meteorology
NAUT8013 Human Element Leadership and Management
NAUT8008 Navigation (Command)
NAUT8016 Ship Masters Business and Law
NAUT8018 Shipboard Operations
Group Elective 1:
NAUT8002 Advanced Seamanship
NAUT8010 Navigation Management
Ian Heffernan
Tel: +353 21 4335600
Email: NMCI.Admissions@mtu.ie