Certificate in Nautical Studies - Officer of the Watch and Master on ships of less than 500GT

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. Learners will gain 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.

Upon successful completion of this programme the graduate will be able to demonstrate:

A wide range of knowledge in the operation all aspects of small ships (<500 Gross Tonnage), including day to day practical operations, navigational practices, passenger and crew management, pollution control, and the implementation of relevant legislation.
Knowledge relevant to the STCW code for ships less than 500 Gross Tonnage operating in the near coastal area. This includes, ship operations, ship stability, shipping law, emergency procedures, resource management, shipping legislation, health and safety legislation.
Skills to support the ship management as an officer of the watch and act as an on-board manager (Master). Graduates will implement national and international legislation, conduct stability calculations, perform navigational calculations, navigate small ships safely using all equipment including electronic equipment, and manage all onboard personnel safely.
The ability to combine their previous experience while obtaining the qualifications of Second Hand Full and/or Skipper Full (issued by the Department of Transport) with new skills and knowledge to manage and operate all equipment in relation to small ships in the near coastal area.
The ability to perform the role of Officer of the Watch and obtain the academic knowledge to perform the role of Master on ships less than 500 Gross Tonnage in the near coastal area as required by the STCW Code.

This course will be delivered in-person at the National Maritime College of Ireland, Cork.

Skillnet Course Fee: €5,250

Full Course Fee: €1,000

Eligibility for the subsidised Skillnet Course Fee is based on the following factors:

Trainees

Key requirements regarding the trainee:

Trainees must be based in the Republic of Ireland to be eligible.
Trainees must be employed within private enterprise/self-employed.
This program is designed for professionals working in a related sector, seeking to upskill and transition into the offshore wind industry.

Companies

Key requirements regarding the eligibility of businesses to participate in funding:

Companies must be from private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland.
Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to public sector bodies or organisations that are publicly funded such as community-based not-for-profit companies or charities.
Commercial semi-state companies are eligible providing that income contributed to a Network is not sourced from the public purse.
Sole traders are eligible as Companies.

If you are not eligible for funding the course fee is €5,250. Where a trainee enrols on a course and pays the full fee, no refund will be provided if eligibility is determined later.

If you have further queries on funding, please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie including the module you wish to apply for.

This course is open to applications who have a valid Notice of Eligibility from the Department of Transport in Ireland, and who have previously completed a Deck Officer Skipper Full or Second-Hand Full Certificate of Competency (Fishing).

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.
Companies seeking to develop and upskill their workforce to undertake projects related to offshore wind farm development.

Career Pathways:

This qualification enables experienced fishing vessel officers to transition into the offshore wind sector by bridging the gap between the fishing and merchant maritime industries. It equips learners with the knowledge and certification required to work as an Able Seafarer on a variety of vessels servicing offshore wind farms, including crew transfer vessels (CTVs) and service operation vessels (SOVs). Graduates can progress into positions supporting offshore wind construction, operations, and maintenance, contributing their maritime expertise to this rapidly expanding industry.

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.

Further study options for learners completing this qualification include targeted maritime certifications that enhance employability within the offshore wind sector. These include:

Certificate in Nautical Studies – Officer of the Watch and Master on ships of less than 500GT,
Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (other than Fast Rescue Boats)
Personal Survival Techniques – STCW.

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.