Nautical Studies – Officer of the Watch - National Maritime College of Ireland
The programme is designed for experienced seafarers with a minimum of 36 months of qualifying seagoing service.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | Munster Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 7 NFQ) | Special Purpose | Munster Technological University | Level 7 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Applicants preparing for Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency (CoC) examinations will need to apply to the Department of Transport in Ireland for a Notice of Eligibility.
To be eligible the applicant must show evidence of at least 36 months of approved seagoing service to the Department of Transport. All basic STCW training and refresher courses listed in the Department of Transport ‘Exam Directions’ must be completed prior to enrolment in the programme.
Careers / Further progression
Career Options
Graduates first become Officer of the Watch on a vessel after graduating and passing relevant Professional examinations.
They can advance to Chief Mate or ship’s Captain with further study, examinations, and sea time. Career opportunities exist on a range of different types of ocean-going vessels: bulk carriers, oil tankers, container ships, cruise and ferry vessels. There are also careers on specialist vessels, such as seismic and exploration ships, pilot vessels, tugs, and super yachts. Officer of the Watch can progress from junior ranks to Captain and may consider shore based roles such as: Harbour master/pilot, Marine surveyor or Maritime Studies lecturer.
Progression
Successful graduates who obtain Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency and a further 12 months of qualifying seagoing service may continue their studies and apply for Certificate in Nautical Science - Chief Mate/Master Special Purpose Award and follow on to Master of Science in Maritime Operations.
Further information
€510 per module
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
The programme is designed for experienced seafarers with a minimum of 36 months of qualifying seagoing service.
On programme completion successful candidates will attain an MTU Special Purpose Award and will be eligible to apply for a Navigational Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency (CoC) oral examination.
The programme includes one semester of core academic subjects and one semester of mandatory short course modules except for GMDSS which can be undertaken as an additional module. Shipboard Emergency Procedures may also be undertaken as an additional module for oral examination preparation.
The full programme includes 9 academic modules (45 credits) as specified for Officer of the Watch STCW Reg. II/1, providing learners with operational knowledge of theory and methods relating to navigation, meteorology, ship and shipboard operations.
The programme helps learners to develop appropriate navigational and operational skills to safely conduct an international voyage on a ship of more than 500 gross tonnage as well as the ability to work as a member of a team and to supervise the crew in navigation, ship and cargo operations.
Kim Mulcahy
Tel: +353 21 4335600
Email: NMCI.Admissions@mtu.ie