CPD SQA Prep Nautical Science

This 1 semester revision course is for candidates who have already completed their academic education at Chief Mate level and now wish to sit the MCA/SQA written examination for Stability & Structures and Navigation.

Taught by experienced lecturers, this course is spread over 12 weeks and includes sessions to prepare the candidate for their MCA oral exams at no additional cost. Candidates wishing to obtain their Chief Mate Unlimited, STCW Convention Regulation II/2 Certificate of Competence will also be required to undertake the following courses at an additional cost.

1. Navigation Aids and Equipment Simulator Training (NAEST) at Management level. [Link to LJMU’s NAESTM Course]
2. Human Element Leadership and Management (HELM) at Management level.
3. Medical Care on board

This course prepares the candidates for SQA written and MCA Oral exams. Both these exams require separate fee to be paid to SQA for the written exam and to the MCA for issuance of NOE/Oral exams. Candidates remain responsible for payment of these fee separately.

In order to enter onto this course, candidates are required to hold either of the following:

1. HND in Nautical Science (or equivalent) or
2. FDSc in Marine Operations (or equivalent) or
3. BSc in Nautical Studies (or equivalent)

Note: Candidates with overseas qualifications may need to obtain an APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) authenticated by the MCA.

Candidates must also meet the following MCA requirements:

1. At least 12 months Sea Service as a Watchkeeping officer whilst holding an OOW (deck) CoC
2. Hold UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) ‘OOW’ Unlimited Certificate of Competency or acceptable non-UK equivalent. Those who do not hold a UK OOW CoC issued by the MCA may need to obtain written permission from the MCA before applying for this course except where the CoC was issued by an administration whose CoC is accepted by the MCA for issuance of CEC (Certificate of equivalent Competency).
3. Hold the applicable ancillary and safety course certificates as listed in MSN (1856) section 10, see see here
4.  International applicants should hold a UKVI approved English Language qualification (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 overall, 4.0 each component).
5.  If intending to attend NAEST (M) course, hold an MCA approved NARAS (O) or NAEST (O) course issued after 1/1/2005, otherwise students must provide or complete an MCA approved ECDIS course certificate issued after 1/1/2005. The NAEST (M) course must be booked and paid for separately (see here).
6. International Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable fee of £2395.

All students must complete a formal application process for this programme.  Complete the application form, attaching  copies  of  ALL  of  the required documentation (see application form), and return to your admission office: fetadmissions@ljmu.ac.uk

After receiving your application a decision will be made by a member of our academic team. If an offer is made, you will be notified by email.

A conditional offer means that there are things you must do (or documents that you must provide), before your place on the course will be confirmed. An unconditional offer means that you have met all of our requirements and your place on the programme is secured

For administration and visa processing purposes, all applications should be received at least one month in advance of your preferred intake.

MCA Orals

The MCA orals are arranged and paid for by yourself, although we will advise you on the timing of the oral date and the application. The local MCA oral centre is at Crosby which is 15 minutes from the University by local train.  We provide preparation classes as part of the programme. If you have not already done so, you should apply for your Notice of Eligibility (NoE) to sit MCA examinations for the Chief Mate/OOW Certificate of Competency (Unlimited) as soon as possible. The MCA application form is downloadable direct from  www.mcga.gov.uk. The NoE fee includes your first MCA oral examination attempt.

Chief Mate/Master (Reg II/2) SQA Prep Course for Chief Mate Unlimited, STCW Convention Regulation II/2

The fees for this programme are £2395. Full fee payment will be required at enrolment, payable by credit or debit card. Payment can also be made online, prior to arrival, here [Updated?]

Tuition for SQA external written examinations (Navigation and Stability)

Tuition for MCA Chief Mate Oral Exam preparation

Additional components scheduled within the course programme but NOT included in the Course fee:

SQA Written examination (SQA fee required, £265 as at April 2021)

MCA Oral examination (MCA fee required, £220 as at April 2021