Nautical Studies - Officer of the Watch & Master on ships of less than 500GT - National Maritime College of Ireland
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | Munster Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Special Purpose | Munster Technological University | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
1 semester full-time.
Entry Requirements
Applicants who previously completed a Deck Officer Skipper Full or Second-Hand Full Certificate of Competency (Fishing) and have a valid Notice of Eligibility from the Department of Transport in Ireland can apply for the course.
Careers / Further progression
Career Options
The qualification bridges the gap between the fishing and merchant sectors, allowing experienced fishing vessel officers to transition into broader maritime career opportunities while gaining the knowledge and certification required to work in commercial shipping environments.
Graduates of this programme will be well-positioned to advance their careers within the maritime industry, particularly in the operation of small commercial vessels under 500 Gross Tonnage (GT). This qualification opens a variety of career pathways, including: Officer of the Watch (<500GT Near Coastal) on passenger vessels, cargo vessels, or workboats operating in near-coastal waters. Master of vessels <500GT, particularly in industries such as fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, harbour operations, or coastal freight. Crew management or operational roles on board small commercial ships, including support vessels and survey craft. Shore-based marine roles, including vessel operations, port management, maritime safety, or compliance roles with shipping companies and government bodies.
Progression
Successful graduates progress to oral exams at the Department of Transport for an Officer of the Watch/Master on ships of less than 500 Gross Tonnage Certificate of Competency. Graduates may also continue their studies and obtain an Officer of the Watch Unlimited Certificate of competency, allowing further progression to Chief Mate/Master and Master in Science in Maritime Operations programmes.
Further information
12
• €1,000 (Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy Applicants)
https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1l7yv5TBERi-N3c-l86PAXAfoa7w
• €5,250 (Direct MTU Applications)
Please note that applicants who are not eligible for Skillnet funding will be required to pay an acceptance fee of €500 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: 8th September 2025.
Overview
Nautical Studies - Officer of the Watch and Master on ships of less than 500 Gross Tonnage.
The course is designed for fishing vessel deck officers who hold Skipper Full or Second Hand Full Certificates of Competency and wish to gain Mercantile Marine qualifications.
The course aims to provide learners with a wide range of knowledge in the operation of all aspects of small ships (less than 500 Gross Tonnage), including day-to-day practical operations, navigational practices, passenger and crew management, pollution control, and the implementation of relevant legislation. On course completion, the candidates will attain an MTU Special Purpose Award and will be eligible to apply for Officer of the Watch/Master on ships less than 500GT Near Coastal Certificate of Competency (CoC) oral examination.
What will I study?
The programme includes 4 academic modules as specified for Officer of the Watch/Master STCW Reg II/3, providing learners with a wide range of knowledge about ship operations, ship stability, shipping law, emergency procedures, resource management, shipping legislation, health and safety legislation.
The participants will learn to conduct stability calculations, perform navigational calculations, navigate small ships safely using all equipment including electronic equipment, manage all onboard personnel safely, and implement national and international legislation.
Sinead Reen
Tel: +353 21 4335600
Email: NMCI.Admissions@mtu.ie