Deck Officer of the Watch (OOW) less than 500GT near-coastal Written Exam Preparation Course including MCA Signals

What is special about this course?

This course is suitable for candidates who are aiming to obtain an Officer of the Watch (OOW) less than 500GT near-coastal from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It is designed to prepare candidates to sit the SQA written examinations which are required as part of this qualification.

Entry requirements

Sea Service Requirement: 36 months seagoing service in the deck department.

Candidates should satisfy themselves that they meet all the entry requirements for the issue of a Notice of Eligibility (NOE) by the MCA.

This course prepares students to undertake the written examinations that are part of the requirements to obtain an Officer of the Watch (OOW) less than 500GT near-coastal Certificate of Competency from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

These written examinations are as follows:

  • General Ship Knowledge
  • Chartwork and coastal navigation
  • Meteorology

The MCA Signals Exam will also be completed during the course.

How will I study my course?

  • Full Time

Face-to-face

How long will my course last?

11 Weeks

Full-time face-to-face course from January until March

How will I be assessed?

    This is a preparation course so is not assessed

Where can I study my course?

Start date

9th January 2023

Fees

For the latest information on fees please see our fees policy.

What can I do on completion of my course?

On completion of the course candidates should be ready to sit their written exams. If successful in these exams, and once they have completed the additional elements, candidates can then go on to obtain their Officer of the Watch (OOW) less than 500GT near-coastal Certificate of Competency.

To obtain an Officer of the Watch (OOW) less than 500GT near-coastal Certificate of Competency candidates are required to achieve the following ancillary courses:

  • STCW Medical First Aid at Sea
  • NAEST (Operational)
  • STCW Advanced Fire Fighting
  • GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) or GMDSS Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC)
  • Efficient Deck Hand
  • HELM (Operational)
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats

You will also be required to complete an oral examination. An oral examination preparation course is offered separately. 

Is there more information available online?

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We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Shetland. UHI Shetland operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.