HNCD Nautical Science

Arrangements for:
HNC Nautical Science

Group Award Code: G8F5 15
HND Nautical Science

Group Award Code: G8E8 16
Validation date: June 2006
Date of original publication: October 2007
Version: 01
Acknowledgement
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the
development of Higher National qualifications.
History of changes
It is anticipated that changes will take place during the life of the qualification, and this
section will record these changes. This document is the latest version and incorporates the
changes summarised below.
Version
Description Date Authorised by
number
Contents
1 Introduction...................................................................................................... 1
2 Rationale for the development of the Group Awards ...................................... 1
2.1 Consultation and market research.................................................................... 2
3 Aims of the Group Awards.............................................................................. 5
3.1 General aims of the Group Awards ................................................................. 6
3.2 Specific aims of the Group Awards................................................................. 7
3.2.1 Specific aims of the HNC Nautical Science .................................................... 7
3.2.2 Specific aims of the HND Nautical Science .................................................... 7
3.3 Target groups ................................................................................................... 7
3.3.1 Non-seafarers................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Employment Opportunities within the wider maritime sector......................... 9
4 Access to Group Awards ............................................................................... 10
4.1 Entry guidelines ............................................................................................. 10
4.1.1 Standard Grade entrants................................................................................. 10
4.1.2 Higher/A Level entrants (less than 120 UCAS points).................................. 10
4.1.3 Higher/A Level entrants (more than 120 UCAS points) ............................... 10
4.1.4 Mature serving seafarers................................................................................ 11
4.1.5 Non-seafarers................................................................................................. 11
4.2 Progression from HND Year 1 to HND Year 2............................................. 11
4.3 Recommended Core Skills entry levels ......................................................... 12
5 Group Award structure .................................................................................. 13
5.1 Framework of HNC and HND Nautical Science........................................... 13
5.1.1 Framework of HNC Nautical Science ........................................................... 13
5.1.2 Framework of HND Nautical Science ........................................................... 14
5.1.3 Graded Units.................................................................................................. 15
5.1.4 Link Between Graded Units and MCA Safety Examinations ....................... 16
5.1.5 Core Skills Entry and Exit levels................................................................... 16
5.2 Mapping information ..................................................................................... 17
5.2.1 Mapping of the aims of the Group Award to individual Units ...................... 17
5.2.2 Mapping of National Occupational Standards to individual Units ................ 17
5.3 Articulation, professional recognition and credit transfer ............................. 18
5.3.1 Articulation and progression.......................................................................... 18
5.3.2 Credit Transfer arrangements ........................................................................ 18
6 Approaches to Delivery and Assessment....................................................... 19
6.1 Content and Context ...................................................................................... 19
6.2 Core Skills ..................................................................................................... 21
6.3 Assessment .................................................................................................... 22
6.4 Graded Units.................................................................................................. 26
6.4.1 Management of Graded Units........................................................................ 27
6.4.2 Suggested approaches to assessment ............................................................. 28
6.5 Open Learning ............................................................................................... 28
6.6 Indicative training programmes for target groups ......................................... 29
6.6.1 Officer Trainees following the route to ‘OOW Unlimited’ Certificate Level
and then progressing to ‘Chief Mate Unlimited’ by either VQ or non-VQ
routes ............................................................................................................. 29
6.6.2 Officer Trainees holding a UK MCA ‘OOW’ Unlimited Certificate or non
UK equivalent progressing to a ‘Chief Mate Unlimited’ Certificate............. 32
6.6.3 Experienced seafarers following the non-VQ route to 'OOW Unlimited'
Certificate Level ............................................................................................ 33
7 General information for centres..................................................................... 34
7.1 Candidates with disabilities and/or additional support needs ........................ 34
7.2 Internal and external verification................................................................... 34
7.3 The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency requirements ............................. 34
7.4 Merchant Navy Training Board requirements ............................................... 35
8 General information for candidates ............................................................... 35
9 Glossary of Terms.......................................................................................... 36
10 Appendices .................................................................................................... 37
Appendix 1: The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency Requirements ............................ 38
Appendix 2: MGN 8 (M).................................................................................................... 42
Appendix 3: MGN 91 (M).................................................................................................. 43
Appendix 4: MGN 92 (M).................................................................................................. 44
Appendix 5: MNTB Working Schedule............................................................................. 45
Appendix 6: Credit Transfer Arrangements HNC.............................................................. 46
Appendix 6a: Credit Transfer Arrangements HND.............................................................. 48
Appendix 7: Exemplar Questionnaire ................................................................................ 51
Appendix 7a: Exemplar Questionnaire ................................................................................ 54
Appendix 8: Mapping of Aims of the HNC to individual Units ........................................ 61
Appendix 9: Mapping of Aims to HND Units.................................................................... 63
Appendix 10: Professional Diploma Programme ................................................................. 66
Appendix 11: Main Stream/Alternative Route Programme ................................................. 68
Appendix 12: Core Skills Mapping to HNC Nautical Science............................................. 71
Appendix 14: Mapping of Old NOS to new NOS................................................................ 77
Appendix 15: NOS Mapping of HNC Nautical Science ...................................................... 80
Appendix 16: NOS Mapping of HND Nautical Science ...................................................... 82
Appendix 17: STCW 95 Mapping of HNC Units ................................................................ 85
Appendix 18: STCW 95 Mapping of HND part 2 Units ...................................................... 96
1 Introduction
This is the Arrangements Document for the revised HNC and HND in Nautical
Science which were validated in 2006. This document includes: background
information on the development of the Group Award, its aims, guidance on access,
details of the Group Award structure, and guidance on delivery.
The document also includes details on the Graded Units and their relationship to the
UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) safety examinations, administered by
the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
These newly revised awards replace the previous Nautical Science HNC (G5VW15)
and HND (G5VX 16).
2 Rationale for the development of the Group Awards
The HNC and HND Nautical Science have been developed to deliver the
underpinning knowledge required for Merchant Navy Certificates of Competence as
defined in the IMO convention on the Standards of Training and Certification and
Watchkeeping (STCW 95).
This underpinning knowledge is clearly defined in STCW 95 and has been further
clarified by both the UK Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) and the UK
Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The knowledge and skills developed in the suite of Units within the HND match the
underpinning knowledge required for Chief Mate Certification and those of the
HNC match the underpinning knowledge required for Officer of the Watch (OOW)
Certification. (However, candidates aspiring to OOW certification will be required
to undertake additional HN Units, see section 5.1.1).
For the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment, it is
essential that seafarers have a level of competence that enables them to carry out
their duties safely and effectively.
Accordingly it is a requirement of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

that merchant vessels are operated by seafarers who hold a ‘Certificate of
Competency’ which attests to their competence at the level or rank for which they
are employed. The current requirements are detailed in the IMO ‘Standards of
Training, Certification and Watchkeeping’ convention as amended in 1995,
commonly referred to as ‘STCW 95’.
As a signatory to IMO, the UK Government is responsible for ensuring compliance

with STCW 95 on board UK registered merchant vessels and by seafarers seeking to
gain UK Certificates of Competency. This task is undertaken by the UK Maritime
and Coastguard Agency (MCA), which is part of the Department of the
Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). See Appendix 1 for details of the
UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency requirements.
Arrangements Document: HNC Nautical Science (G8F5 15) and HND Nautical Science (G8E8 16) 1
2.1 Consultation and market research
The consultation phase of the revision
Under the supervision of the MNTB, the UK maritime sector, undertook a major
review in 2004/2005 of the arrangements for training and certification of UK
seafarers and cadet training in particular.
The review took the form of a major consultation exercise, involving UK shipping
companies and employers, port authorities, the Maritime Skills Alliance, training
establishments, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), union representatives
from the main seafarers unions and many other interested parties.
The remit of the review was to determine the type of future officer that the shipping
industry required and the mechanisms required to deliver the necessary training and
certification structures.
As a result of consultation it was decided that there was a need to attract Officer
Trainee entrants with higher academic qualifications than those at present, and that
there was a definite additional need for more management and soft skills than the
present system afforded.
This resulted in the introduction of a Foundation Degree-based training programme

in England and Wales, coming into effect in session 2006/2007.
In Scotland however, providers of HNC and HND Nautical Science in consultation

with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) formed a Qualifications Design
Team (QDT) in 2005, with a view to developing a suitable single award that would
provide the respective underpinning knowledge for STCW 95 as required by the
MNTB in Scotland. This was reflected in the development of the revised HND.
Evidence of consultation
Extensive consultation between the QDT, MNTB, MCA, SQA and the UK shipping
industry has been carried out in developing these Group Awards.
The MNTB in their role of overseeing the review of cadet training throughout the
UK have held various consultation meetings with which the QDT have been
involved.
These meetings took the form of a steering group, which had representatives from
the marine colleges’ senior management team and also working groups at which
both colleges, shipping companies, seafarers unions and other interested parties
attended. A copy of the working plan is attached as Appendix 5. The reports of each
of the meetings are available from the MNTB.
Market research
The MNTB employed consultants to carry out extensive market research into the
perceived training needs of employers within the marine industry and how this
training could be delivered.
The market research identified the need to:
♦ raise the levels of management skills in the workforce in particular the

management of health, risk and safety
♦ increase the attractiveness of the sector by ensuring there are attractive career
paths that provide compatible qualifications that are viable
♦ provide good communications between people working in often dangerous
environments
♦ develop a coherent qualifications framework for the sector
♦ develop a Foundation Degree or Scottish equivalent
♦ address management skills issues and attract a higher standard of entry.
An open seminar was also attended by all the major UK shipping companies, plus
representatives for the SQA and MCA. The purpose of this seminar was to explain
the proposed training of Officer Trainees, in Scotland.
There was broad agreement for the proposals of the HNC and HND in Nautical
Science and that it would continue to be highly effective means of delivery of the
underpinning knowledge required by STCW 95.
Management and leadership skills which were identified by the MNTB consultation
are contained within the HND Nautical Science, but may be supplemented by a
Professional Development Award at SCQF level 9, which will also include elements
of work based learning. It was agreed that a combination of the HNC and HND
Nautical Science and a Professional Development Award at SCQF level 9 would
certainly meet, if not exceed, the overall requirements of the marine industry.
The QDT also carried out two rounds of market research. The first consisted of a
questionnaire sent out to 40 companies. The questionnaires focussed on the
requirement for Core Skills within the awards and copies of these are given in
Appendices 7 and 7a.
Analysis of the results can be summarised as follows:
Communication
All respondents thought that the three strands of reading, writing and oral
communication were very important. All respondents indicated that development of
these skills was a requirement, whilst the majority considered that assessment was
necessary.
Numeracy
All respondents thought that of the skill’s components, Using Number was essential
and Using Graphical Information was very important. It was felt by all respondents
that both required development within the HNC/HND and a majority felt the need
Using Number to be assessed.
Information Technology
There was some variance on the perceived value of IT skills ranging from views
that they were very important, were quite important and only fairly important.
However, all thought that the opportunity should be available to develop IT skills
within the awards.
Problem Solving
All respondents felt that Critical Thinking was very important and a majority felt
that it should be assessed within the Units comprising the award.
Planning and Organisation and Reviewing and Evaluating were views by all
respondents as components that should be developed within the awards.
Working with Others
All respondents felt that this particular skill was very important, given the nature
and importance of ships’ crews in the modern marine industry. A majority felt that
this skill should be assessed within the awards.
Additionally the following comments/views on Core Skills were expressed:
Communication: Officer Trainees must be able to interpret technical

reports and manuals, compile reports, give clear
instructions, and communicate within a group.
Numeracy: Numeracy is essential for calculations involving

navigation and stability, and trainees must be capable
of rapid manual calculations. Numeracy is required
for interpretation of diagrams and computer
generated data and diagrams, plus statistics.
Information Technology: There is a need for Officer Trainees to be proficient

in using software applications. The use of IT in
navigation systems was also highlighted.
Problem Solving: Decision making ability was underlined as a major

requirement, together with being able to consider
safety requirements when undertaking a task.
Planning of work and maintenance was also
emphasised, as was the importance of learning from
debrief sessions and reports.
Working with Others: It was considered that this was an essential quality
with modern multinational crew. As well as the need
for teamwork, respect for personal values was
highlighted.
It was agreed by the QDT to adopt a Core Skills strategy that would provide
opportunities for the development of Core Skills throughout the Group Awards.
This strategy focuses on signposting opportunities for skills development in the core
Units of the award. The Graded Units integrate the knowledge and skills developed,
and provide further opportunities for candidates to enhance their transferable skills.
The second round of market research consisted of questionnaires and was targeted at
marine employers. The purpose of this research was to obtain views on the proposed
content of the HNC and HND and its relevance to the shipping industry. Whilst
there was a relatively low response rate, the areas covered by the questionnaire had
been covered at length within the consultation process organised by the MNTB, and
also in the GCNS seminar.
On the question of the title, the majority of respondents agreed that it reflected the
content of the qualification, that it reflected the demands of the vocational area and
that it related well to professional bodies in the maritime sector.
On the content of both HNC and HND, all respondents felt that this reflected the
aspirations of employers. Comments on additional aims in Questions 2 and 3, which
were taken into account during development, included the following:
Cross cultural communications and management of multinational crews should be

included in the HNC Nautical Science.
Increased expertise in management and leadership would be required within the

industry and this should be taken into account when developing awards.
A summary of the Unit content and aims had been included with each questionnaire
and all respondents agreed with the proposed content and Units. Each of the noted skill
areas were identified as ‘very relevant’ by all respondents.
3 Aims of the Group Awards
The HNC and HND Nautical Science comprise an important component in the
requirements for UK Officer Trainees Certificates of Competency, to the extent that
they are quoted in paragraph 9.0 of MGN No 8 from the MCA (see Appendix 2;
note: HNC is referred to as ‘HND part 1’ in this guidance note).
The use of the HNC and HND Nautical Science to provide the academic knowledge
underpinning MCA Certificates of Competency has worked very successfully since
1984, including during and since the introduction of SVQs in the mid 1990s. There
is no reason to suggest that this will not continue for the extended future.
The use of the HNC and HND Nautical Science with its wide range of nautical subjects
providing the academic requirements for Certificates of Competency has long been
recognised for several reasons as follows:
♦ An HNC and HND commands respect among young people, their parents and
careers advisors.
♦ As part of the overall training scheme the HNC and HND works well and
produces an outcome which matches the needs of employers, in that it provides
officers who are adaptable to change, flexible in their roles and attitudes and
able to move from ship to ship, having a thorough understanding of their duties.
♦ An HNC and HND provide the type of officer who is in great demand
worldwide. Currently this demand exceeds supply and all successful candidates
obtain immediate employment.
♦ An HNC and HND used as the means of delivering the UPK of a SVQ,
automatically ensures the academic rigour of the vocational qualification
through the use of existing internal and external moderation systems. This will
continue for the immediate future as explained above.
♦ An HND is recognised by Higher Education Institutions to the extent that in
many cases it enables direct progression into the 2nd year or above of many
degree programmes.
♦ The HNC and HND provide status and are seen by the industry as a valuable
base for progression to shore-based employment within the individual company
structure.
♦ The HNC and HND are recognised internationally and there remains a high
demand for the qualifications as part of an MN Certificate of Competency from
numerous foreign nationals at all levels.
♦ The HNC and HND Nautical Science also provide the skills and knowledge
relevant to many shore-based careers in the operational aspects of shipping,
including ship management, cargo handling, pilotage, towage, pollution control,
surveying, port control and other marine related occupations.
♦ The HNC and HND awards allow for great flexibility in delivery to wider range
of entry qualifications.
The HNC and HND Nautical Science will ensure that the provision of seafarer
training in the Scotland matches similar training elsewhere in the UK and also
allows for a diverse entry and exit profile within the industry.
It is expected that the HNC and HND will allow for easy progression to higher
qualifications for those seafarers not enrolled on Officer Trainee training schemes,
and in addition, those seafarers from overseas who wish to progress towards a first
UK Certificate of competency and beyond. The development of new higher level
awards such as the Professional Development Award in Marine Management should
allow holders of a Nautical Science HND to obtain employment ashore at later
stages in the seagoing career.
Employers and the Merchant Navy Training Board have been consulted on the
content of the proposed award and all fully support changes in this revision of the
Group Awards.
The Group Awards have been rewritten, particularly the HND, in order that they
comply with the SQA 2003 design principles. As part of this rewrite both awards
now also detail the proposed Core Skills exit profile which ties in with the MNTB
Core Skills mapping for the Industry National Occupational Standards (NOS).
3.1 General aims of the Group Awards
The HNC and HND have a number of general aims which can be summarised as
follows:
♦ To develop the ability to analyse and plan tasks commonly encountered in the
work place
♦ To develop approaches to problem solving and critical thinking
♦ To develop an evaluative and reflective approach to work and studies
♦ To develop the ability to work and communicate effectively with others
♦ To develop the ability to plan and organise studies and research
♦ To develop skills for employability and progression to higher qualifications
♦ To enable the candidate to consolidate knowledge and skills to enhance career
progression.
♦ To enable the candidate to develop skills to enhance their own personal
development.
♦ To develop Core Skills which are capable of being transferred to any type of
employment.
3.2 Specific aims of the Group Awards
3.2.1 Specific aims of the HNC Nautical Science
1 To enable candidates to obtain a Certificate of Competency as an Officer

Trainee.
2 Prepares candidates for the responsibility of keeping a watch at sea and in port.
3 Develops skills to enable candidates to effectively navigate a vessel by
traditional and modern means.
4 Develops skills to enable candidates to operate a vessel in a safe and effective
manner.
5 Develops skills to enable candidates to work with others in a safe and effective
manner.
6 Develops skills to deal with emergency situations.
7 Develops awareness of current maritime legislation.
8 Prepares candidates for the MCA written and Oral examinations at Officer of
the Watch level.
3.2.2 Specific aims of the HND Nautical Science
9 Develops the skills required to manage and control the safe navigation of the
vessel in all conditions.
10 Develops the skills required to manage and control vessel operations in
compliance with current legislation.
11 Develops a sound understanding of shipboard management issues and techniques.
12 Develops a sound understanding of the ship Masters role with respect to the legal
aspects of managing the navigation and operation of the vessel.
13 Develops an understanding of the vessels propulsion maintenance and engineering
requirements.
14 Prepares candidates for the MCA written and Oral examinations at both Officer of
the Watch level and, in the case of mature seafarers, Chief Mate Level.
Other differences between the HNC and HND Group Awards can be summarised as
follows:
♦ Entry requirements
♦ Depth of knowledge and understanding required for HND Units compared with
HNC Units
♦ The level of responsibility as defined under STCW 95
♦ Possible progression routes into higher education
The links between the above aims and the individual HN Units, for both the HNC
and the HND are shown in Appendix 8 and 9.
3.3 Target groups
Access onto both the HNC and HND programmes are at the discretion of the centre
however the following guidelines should be borne in mind.
Candidates for the HNC and HND Nautical Science fall into the following two
categories: new entrants and mature entrants.
New entrants to the Merchant Navy
These candidates will be new entrants to the shipping industry who hold the
requisite school leaving qualifications detailed below. They will all follow one of a
number of programmes of planned training which are described below which uses
the HNC and HND as the mode for delivery of the underpinning knowledge
required by STCW 95.
Officer Trainee entrants
Candidates can be broadly split into three main groups:
Group (1) Entrants with basic Standard Grade/GSCE qualifications.

Group (2) Entrants with Higher Grade/Advanced Higher/A Level qualifications
below a threshold of 120 UCAS points.
Group (3) Entrants with Higher Grade/Advanced Higher/A Level qualifications
above a threshold of 120 UCAS points.
The distinction between 2 and 3 is a result of the review carried out by the MNTB as
detailed in Appendix 1.
Basically, those candidates identified in Group (3) above, will follow a fast track
programme similar to that developed in England, which will have, ‘added value’, in
the form of additional management studies. Group (3) will also complete a
programme of work based learning as opposed to the current SVQ/NVQ
programmes. It is intended that this group of candidates will take the optional HN
Unit Marine Engineering Systems in Part 2 of the HND Nautical Science.
Initially it is intended that Groups (1) and (2) above, will follow similar programmes
to those that Officer Trainee entrants complete at the present time. The exact
structure of such programmes is currently under review by the MNTB/MCA and the
eventual future of the SVQ/NVQ in these programmes has yet to be decided.
Candidates who are Standard Grade entrants may enrol on either the HNC or HND,
depending on the final outcome of consultations between the MNTB, MCA and
major stakeholders in the maritime sector.
It is expected that Higher and A Level candidates who have less than 120 UCAS
points would follow a similar programme to that which already exists. It is unlikely
that these candidates will be exempted from the safety papers at either OOW or
Chief Mate level, therefore it is recommended that these two groups of candidates
would take the Safety Management Systems Unit instead of the Marine Engineering
Systems Unit if progressing to HND Part 2.
Both groups would initially complete a Marine Foundation Course prior to entry on
the main HNC and HND Nautical Science course.
Candidates currently enrolled on level 2 and 3 SVQ will retain the option of
progression by achieving the level 4 SVQ in Merchant Vessel Operations or opting
for the non-VQ route.
Mature serving seafarers
This group of candidates will comprise mature serving seafarers who are
undertaking either the HNC or HND Nautical Science in order to progress their
professional qualifications to either ‘Officer of the Watch Unlimited’ or ‘Chief Mate
Unlimited’ level respectively. Access can be via either the VQ or non-VQ routes to
MCA Certification.
The entry requirements are fully detailed by the UK MCA in their ‘Marine
Guidance Notes’ (MGNs) and comprise minimum levels of relevant industrial
experience and existing marine certification. The current MGNs form Appendices 2,
3 and 4 of this document.
3.3.1 Non-seafarers
To date there has been no demand from non-seafarers to enrol on the HNC or HND
in Nautical Science. However, there may eventually be a demand for some of the
new HN Units from shore based concerns within the overall maritime base,
following review of the wider maritime sector.
3.4 Employment Opportunities within the wider maritime sector
The HNC Nautical Science can provide an excellent understanding of the operation
of a marine vessel for a candidate who does not intend to go to sea as a serving
Officer Trainee. It can be utilised by anyone wishing to obtain employment in a
shore based position within the wider maritime sector. Examples of possible career
paths are:
♦ Ship Management
♦ Port and Harbour Operations
♦ Freight and Transportation Operations
♦ Marine Insurance Industry
♦ Ship Broking and Chartering
♦ The wider Maritime Safety Industry, eg Safety Equipment Manufacturers,
Meteorological Services, Pollution Prevention Services etc.
As well as UK Officer Trainees, the qualifications can be used for overseas

candidates wishing to obtain a UK Certificate of Competency. They can also be
used by mature seafarers who are either progressing towards an OOW Certificate of
Competency or who already possess their OOW qualification and wish to progress
to the Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate. In this respect both awards proved to be
extremely versatile.
The award of an HND Nautical Science allows even for candidates perhaps not
wishing to progress to a seagoing career, to gain an overall understanding of both
shipboard operations and the legal requirements regarding transportation of goods
by sea. In addition to the career paths mentioned above, the HND will allow
candidates to enter the following career paths:
♦ Personal Management within the marine industry

♦ Naval Architecture and Ship Building
♦ Hydrographic Surveying
4 Access to Group Awards
4.1 Entry guidelines
Access onto both the HNC and HND programmes are at the discretion of the centre
however the following guidelines for minimum entry standards should be borne in
mind:
4.1.1 Standard Grade entrants
Standard Grade passes at a minimum of Grade 3 or GCSE passes at a minimum of

Grade C or a pass at Intermediate 2 in:
(i) Mathematics (Standard Grade at Grade 2)

(ii) English, or a subject involving the use of English
(iii) A science subject with a significant content of a physical science
(iv) One other subject
OR:
Completion of a Marine Foundation Course which includes at least the following:
(i) All mandatory STCW 95 Elementary Courses

(ii) Mathematics — Numeracy, Algebra, Spherical and Plane Trigonometry,
Geometry to a standard to allow smooth progression into the HNC/HND
Nautical Science.
(iii) HN Unit D75X 34 IT Applications Software 1 or equivalent.
(iv) Six months industrial experience.
4.1.2 Higher/A Level entrants (less than 120 UCAS points)
Standard Grade passes at Grade 3 or better (Mathematics to Grade 2) or GCSE

passes at Grade C or better or a pass at Intermediate 2 in:
(i) Mathematics.
(ii) English or a subject involving the use of English.
(iii) A Science subject with a significant content of a Physical Science.
(iv) One other subject.
AND:
At least two Higher Level passes, of which one should be either Mathematics or a
Physical Science subject, or at least one ‘A’ Level pass in Mathematics or a Physical
Science.
4.1.3 Higher/A Level entrants (more than 120 UCAS points)
Standard Grade passes at Grade 3 or better (Mathematics to Grade 2) or GCSE

passes at Grade C or better or a pass at Intermediate 2 in:
(i) Mathematics.
(ii) English or a subject involving the use of English.
(iii) A Science subject with a significant content of a Physical Science.
(iv) One other subject.
AND:
At least two Higher Level passes, of which one should be either Mathematics or a
Physical Science subject, or at least one ‘A’ Level pass in Mathematics or a Physical
Science. The grades achieved in the above must be such that the total UCAS tariff
for the Highers, A Levels or Advanced Highers is in excess of 120.
Consideration would be given to candidates with alternative subjects at Higher, A

Level or Advanced Higher provided that the grades at Standard Grade/GCSE were
of an acceptable standard. Enrolment on the programme would be at the discretion
of individual centres, but the overriding criteria should be that the candidate has
sufficient mathematical ability to successfully complete the programme.
Consideration will also be given to postgraduate entrants with a degree in a relevant

discipline.
4.1.4 Mature serving seafarers
This group of candidates will comprise mature serving seafarers who are
undertaking either the HNC or HND Nautical Science in order to progress their
professional qualifications to either ‘Officer of the Watch Unlimited’ or ‘Chief Mate
Unlimited’ level respectively. Access can be via either the VQ or non-VQ routes to
MCA Certification.
The entry requirements are fully detailed by the UK MCA in their ‘Marine
Guidance Notes’ (MGNs) and comprise minimum levels of relevant industrial
experience and existing marine certification. The current MGNs form Appendices 2,
3 and 4 of this document.
There is no requirement for an English subject as an entry requirement. This is

because the language used for communication at sea is English and all of the above
group will already have substantial periods of seagoing experience. However it may
be advisable for centres to screen any candidates who are not confident English
speakers, in order that they can be given appropriate support within the college
environment.
4.1.5 Non-seafarers
Access for this group is at the discretion of the centre and consideration will be
given to candidates’ past academic and employment history.
4.2 Progression from HND Year 1 to HND Year 2
Normally candidates who pass 15 HN Unit credits (120 SCQF points) including all
the HNC Nautical Science mandatory Units will gain access to the HND Nautical
Science year 2.
In addition mature entrants must have previously been awarded an STCW 95 Officer
of the Watch Unlimited Certificate of Competency by a National Administration.
4.3 Recommended Core Skills entry levels
The table below gives the recommended Core Skills entry level for the first year of
HND Nautical Science.
The same entry level would be recommended for the HNC Nautical Science.
Core Skills Recommended

Entry Profile
Communication
SCQF 4
SCQF 4
Numeracy
SCQF 4
Problem Solving
SCQF 4
Working With Others
SCQF 4
5 Group Award structure
5.1 Framework of HNC and HND Nautical Science
5.1.1 Framework of HNC Nautical Science
Summary of design principles — HNCs will:
♦ be at SCQF level 7 and have 96 SCQF credit points (12 HN credits)

♦ have a minimum of 48 SCQF credits (6 HN credits) at level 7
♦ have one Graded Unit of 8 SCQF points at SCQF level 7
♦ have a mandatory section with a minimum of 48 SCQF credit points
(6 HN credits), including the Graded Unit
For a candidate to achieve the HNC in Nautical Science, they would require to attain
all of the mandatory Units of 96 SCQF credit points (12 SQA credits). These
mandatory Units are also required for certification under STCW 95.
Mandatory Units
SCQF SQA
SCQF
Unit title Code credit credit
level
points value
Chartwork and Tides F0LV 34 16 7 2
Navigational Mathematics and F0M0 34 8 7 1
Science
Marine Meteorology: An F0LH 34 8 7 1
Introduction
Bridge Watchkeeping F0LR 34 12 7 1.5
Marine Cargo Operations F0LM 34 12 7 1.5
Ship Stability: An Introduction F0LD 34 12 7 1.5
Naval Architecture: Ship F0LF 34 8 7 1
Construction
Celestial Navigation F0LS 35 12 8 1.5
Nautical Science Graded Unit 1 F13B 34 8 7 1
Total 96 12
Additionally for candidates who require an Officer of the Watch Certificate of

Competency the following additional Units would be required:
♦ F0LK 34 Marine Emergency Response and Communication

♦ F0LJ 34 Marine Law and Management
5.1.2 Framework of HND Nautical Science
Summary of design principles — HNDs will:
♦ be at SCQF level 8 and have 240 SCQF credit points (30 HN credits)
♦ have a minimum of 64 SCQF credit points (8 HN credits) at level 8
♦ have one Graded Unit of 8 SCQF points at level 7, plus 16 SCQF credit points
♦ of Graded Units at level 8
♦ have a mandatory section with a minimum of 96 SCQF credit points, including
♦ the Graded Units
For a candidate to achieve the HND in Nautical Science they would require to attain
all of the mandatory Units of 232 SCQF credit points (29 SQA credits) and one
optional Unit worth 8 SCQF credit points (1 SQA credit). These mandatory Units
are also required for certification under STCW 95.
Mandatory Units
SCQF SQA
SCQF
level
points value
Chartwork and Tides F0LV 34 16 7 2
Navigational Mathematics and F0M0 34 8 7 1
Science
Marine Meteorology: An F0LH 34 8 7 1
Introduction
Bridge Watchkeeping F0LR 34 12 7 1.5
Marine Cargo Operations F0LM 34 12 7 1.5
Ship Stability: An Introduction F0LD 34 12 7 1.5
Naval Architecture: Ship F0LF 34 8 7 1
Construction
Celestial Navigation F0LS 35 12 8 1.5
Nautical Science Graded Unit 1 F13B 34 8 7 1
Marine Emergency Response and F0LK 34 8 7 1
Communication
Marine Law and Management F0LJ 34 8 7 1
Information Technology: D75X 34 8 7 1
Applications Software 1
Marine Passage Planning F0LG 35 12 8 1.5
Management of Bridge Operations F0LW 35 12 8 1.5
Applied Marine Meteorology F0LP 35 12 8 1.5
Ship Stability: Theory and F0LC 35 12 8 1.5
Practical Application
Marine Vessels: Structures and F0LY 35 8 8 1
Maintenance
Management of Vessel Operations F0LX 35 16 8 2
Shipmasters Business F0LN 35 16 8 2
Shipboard Management F0LB 35 8 8 1
Nautical Science Graded Unit 2 F13C 35 8 8 1
Nautical Science Graded Unit 3 F13D 35 8 8 1
Total 232 29
Optional Units
SCQF SQA
SCQF
level
points value
Marine Engineering Systems D78P 35 8 8 1
Safety Management Systems D5VR 35 8 8 1
5.1.3 Graded Units
Graded Units are a means of ensuring that candidates have achieved the overall aims
and objectives of the HNC/D by assessing the integration of knowledge and skills.
There are three distinct Graded Units in the HND Award, the first of which also
features in the HNC award.
Nautical Science Graded Units 1 and 3 assess that candidates have been able to
assimilate sufficient information across a range of Units to operate a vessel safely
with regards to the stability, cargo and legislative requirements laid down by
international law.
♦ Graded Unit 1 assesses the above at the level of operational responsibility as

defined in STCW 95.
♦ Grade Unit 3 assesses the above at the level of management responsibility as

defined in STCW 95
Nautical Science Graded Unit 2 assesses that candidates have been able to
assimilate sufficient information form a range of Units to navigate a vessel safely at
the level of management responsibility as defined in STCW 95.
Nautical Science Graded Unit 1 has been designed to meet the following specific
aims of the HNC Nautical Science;
Specific Aims 1, 2, 4, 8
aims of the HND Nautical Science;
Specific Aims 9, 11, 12, 14
aims of the HND Nautical Science;
Specific Aims 10, 11 ,12, 14
All Graded Units take the form of open-book examinations under supervised
conditions. Candidates will have access to materials which have the approval by the
UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
developed in the individual Units.
5.1.4 Link Between Graded Units and MCA Safety Examinations
The Graded Units all take the form of examinations, with the reasoning that they can
help prepare candidates to sit the MCA safety examinations. These Units will
always be taken prior to the MCA written examinations and can be used by
candidates and teaching staff as a diagnostic tool to discover areas where candidates
are weak or strong. This enables revision to be managed more effectively.
As detailed in Appendix 1, the UK MCA requires candidates following a non-VQ

route to certification to undertake safety examinations. Currently at both ‘OOW
Unlimited’ and ‘Chief Mate Unlimited’ level, the safety examinations comprise two
closed-book written examinations each of approximately 3 hours duration. The
syllabus for each is set by the MCA with the pass criteria generally set at 60%. The
production, moderation and marking of the examinations is administered throughout
the UK by SQA Testing Services, on behalf of the MCA.
The main intent of these is to draw together in a holistic way, the knowledge
requirements of a certificate whilst providing a reliable independent assessment of
candidate’s abilities. Clearly therefore, their purpose is similar to that of the SQA
Graded Units.
In view of the close similarity between Graded Units 2 and 3, and the MCA/SQA
safety examinations at Chief mate level, candidates who achieve a pass in the
appropriate safety examination will be given credit for the relevant Graded Unit as
detailed in the table below.
The grade awarded to the Graded Unit will be proportionate to the grade of pass in
the Safety Examination, a copy of which is sent to all centres putting candidates
forward.
In the case of Graded Unit 1 there will be no equivalence to either of the two safety
papers taken at Officer of the Watch level.
MCA Certificate MCA/SQA Safety HNC/HND Nautical Science

Level Examination Graded Unit
Chief Mate Navigation HND Nautical Science
Unlimited Graded Unit 2
Chief Mate Stability HND Nautical Science

Unlimited Graded Unit 3
With respect to candidates currently following the VQ route to certification, whilst

the MCA gives exemption from the appropriate level safety examinations upon
successful completion of the appropriate SVQ in Merchant Vessel Operations, this
exemption will not be extended to the proposed HNC and HND Nautical Science
Graded Units.
5.1.5 Core Skills Entry and Exit levels
There are opportunities in both Group Awards to develop the five Core Skills.
Information Technology at SCQF level 6 is embedded in the HN Unit D75X 34
which is included in the HND Nautical Science.
A matrix mapping Core Skills to individual Units can be found in Appendices 12
and 13.
Table of Core Skills entry and exit levels:
Core Skills Recommended Recommended Recommended

entry level HNC exit level HND exit level
Communication
SCQF 4 SCQF 5 Signposted SCQF 6
Signposted
Information
Technology
Embedded and
Signposted
Numeracy
Signposted
Problem Solving
Signposted
Working With
Others
Signposted
Transferable skills and Core Skills have been built into the awards to allow easy
progression between HNC and HND and onto further study or degree programmes.
Information Technology has been included into the HND Nautical Science in order
that the requirements of ship owners, can be met.
Centres should wherever possible develop opportunities to integrate Core Skills

within their teaching and learning programmes.
5.2 Mapping information
5.2.1 Mapping of the aims of the Group Award to individual Units
A mapping matrix of the aims of the HNC to the individual Units can be found in
Appendix 8.
A mapping matrix of the aims of the HND to the individual Units can be found in
Appendix 9.
5.2.2 Mapping of National Occupational Standards to individual Units
In 2005/2006 a major review of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) within

the Maritime sector was undertaken.
The review was carried out as a consultation exercise instigated by the Merchant
Navy Training Board and involved all the major shipping companies, training
institutions and port and associated authorities plus representatives from the UK
fishing industry.
As a result of the review, a new set of NOS was devised which was more generic in
nature than the previous NOS. These covered the wider maritime sector, rather than
the mainstream Merchant Navy.
The new NOS have been aligned to the HNC and HND in Nautical Science. The
MNTB has reviewed the NOS mapping of the HNC/HND and confirmed that all the
requirements have been met.
A mapping matrix between the new and old NOS plus a mapping matrix of the new
NOS to individual HNC/HND Units is contained in Appendices 14, 15 and 16
respectively.
5.3 Articulation, professional recognition and credit transfer
5.3.1 Articulation and progression
♦ Successful candidates who achieve the HND Nautical Science Group Award will
be eligible to apply for 2nd or 3rd year entry to a number of marine related degree
programmes offered by a variety of higher education institutions. These include
Glasgow, Strathclyde, Newcastle, Liverpool John Moores, Cardiff, Southampton
and Plymouth Universities.
♦ Candidates successfully completing the HND Nautical Science may also articulate
to an MSc programme in Marine Operations delivered at the City of London
University.
♦ Successful candidates who achieve the HNC Nautical Science Group Award as a
means of gaining a UK MCA ‘Officer of the Watch’ Unlimited Certificate, will
be eligible to progress to complete the full HND Nautical Science Group Award
at Chief Mate Unlimited level once they have gained the relevant Industrial
Experience specified by the MCA.
♦ In addition those candidates who wish to change career and work ashore may,
depending on academic performance in the HNC, be allowed to proceed directly
onto Part 2 of the HND Nautical Science. These candidates whilst eligible for
Certification at OOW level would not be able to use HND Part 2 as a route to
Certification at Chief Mate level without first gaining the relevant industrial
experience.
5.3.2 Credit Transfer arrangements
Credit transfer can be given where there is broad equivalence between the subject
related content of the Unit (or combination of Units).
It is recommended that centres consult current SQA Credit Transfer Arrangements

and the guidance in Appendix 6/6a on credit transfer for mandatory Units within
HNC/HND Nautical Science developed using 1988 design rules and the HNC/HND
Nautical Science developed using the 2003 design principles.
The credit transfer matrices in Appendices 6 and 6a have been verified by the
External Verifier.
Candidates who are given credit transfer between HN Units must still satisfy all
other conditions of HNC/HND in Nautical Science developed using the 2003 design
principles, including the mandatory Units and Graded Units, and the correct number
of credits at the correct SCQF level.
6 Approaches to Delivery and Assessment
6.1 Content and Context
The HNC and HND Nautical Science are designed to allow candidates to develop
appropriate technical and practical skills, which will meet the requirements of
employers, prepare candidates for the level of responsibility on board ship and allow
future progression to higher rank within the industry or to enter higher education.
It is not possible to quantify such technical and practice skills in exact detail.
However, the best way to prepare candidates to meet the changing technical and
practical requirements of the modern maritime industry is to ensure candidates have
a solid foundation of theory and practice upon which they can build new knowledge,
understanding and skills.
Transferable skills and Core Skills have been built into the awards to allow easy
progression between HNC and HND and thence onto higher education. Information
Technology has been included into the HND Nautical Science in order that the
requirements of ship owners can be met.
Due to the fact that both Group Awards may be used as a vehicle to obtain a MCA
Certificate of Competency, the majority of Units are mandatory. There is a choice of
two optional Units in the HND Nautical Science, however within individual
candidate groups, only one of these Units will be available. This is due to the Group
Awards being used for exemptions from MCA Written examinations. This is
discussed below in the section on Indicative Training Programmes.
When centres are planning the delivery of the HNC or HND Nautical Science, the
following guidance is worthy of note:
Year 1
All Units at SCQF level 7 should be delivered prior to delivery of Units at SCQF
level 8, preferably in year 1 of the HND by centres wishing to gain MNTB approval
to award Certificates of Competency. The exception to this is Unit F0LS 35
Celestial Navigation. This should be included in the group of Units delivered in year
1 as it is a requirement for the award of an Officer of the Watch Certificate of
Competency under STCW 95.
It should also be noted that Unit F0M0 34 Navigational Mathematics and Science
should be delivered either before or in conjunction with the Celestial Navigation
Unit. F0M034 contains all the basic mathematical knowledge and concepts required
for completion of F0LS35. The content of the Units complement each other and a
firm understanding of the navigational concepts in F0M034 should enable
candidates to pick up the theoretical concepts of F0LS35 much more quickly.
Prior to undertaking to Graded Unit 1, F13B 34. It is recommended that candidates

have completed or are in the process of completing the following Units:
F0LD 34 Ship Stability: An Introduction

F0LR 34 Bridge Watchkeeping
F0LF 34 Naval Architecture: Ship Construction
F0LM 34 Marine Cargo Operations
F0LJ 34 Marine Law and Management
Year 2
Centres are strongly recommended to deliver the following Units in conjunction

with one another:
F0LP 35 Applied Marine Meteorology

F0LG 35 Marine Passage Planning
F0LW 35 Management of Bridge Operations
The content of all three are complementary to each other and each will have some
common teaching strands.
eg Visibility/ice/severe weather and its effect on both passage planning and

bridge manning and routines.
Likewise the following Units are complementary to each other and would benefit
from being delivered in conjunction with one another.
F0LX 35 Management of Vessel Operations

F0LN 35 Shipmasters Business
F0LC 35 Ship Stability: Theory and Practical Application
Prior to undertaking to Graded Unit 1, F13C 35. It is recommended that candidates

F0LG 35 Marine Passage Planning

F0LW 35 Management of Bridge Operations
F0LP 35 Applied Marine Meteorology
Prior to undertaking to Graded Unit 1, F13D 35. It is recommended that candidates

F0LC 35 Ship Stability: Theory and Practice

F0LX 35 Management of Vessel Operations
F0LN 35 Shipmaster’s Business
Prior to undertaking to Graded Unit 1, F13B 34. It is recommended that candidates

F0LD 34 Ship Stability: An Introduction

F0LR 34 Bridge Watchkeeping
F0LF 34 Naval Architecture: Ship Construction
F0LM 34 Marine Cargo Operations
F0LJ 34 Marine Law and Management
The comments regarding HND Nautical Science year 1 above apply equally to the
HNC Nautical Science.
A more complete explanation of how Units relate to one another may be found in
individual Unit descriptors which can be downloaded directly from the SQA
website.
Officer Trainee Training Programmes
Institutions wishing to deliver the HNC/HND as part of an MNTB approved training

scheme should see Appendix 10 if intending to deliver the Professional Diploma in
Marine Operations and for those delivering training via the, ‘Alternative Route’, to
certification please see Appendix 11. Both of these give indicative training
programmes which may lead to MNTB approval to deliver such courses.
6.2 Core Skills
Centres should also seek opportunities to integrate Core Skills within their teaching
and learning programmes. Such opportunities may include the following:
Communication
♦ Providing candidates with opportunities to develop their communication skills

by allowing them to give full answers to questions asked by the lecturer and by
giving responses to certain assessment situations.
♦ Develop complex, vocationally specific reading skills (eg Nautical Publications,
Statutory Instruments, Nautical tables )
♦ Develop report writing skills in a number of Units (eg Marine Law and
Management (F0LJ 34), Marine Passage Planning (F0LG 35), Management of
Bridge Operations (F0LW 35) etc.)
♦ Allowing candidates to develop their Communication skills in group work
activities (eg Marine Emergency Response and Communications (F0LK 34),
Management of Vessel Operations (F0LX 35), Shipboard Management (F0LB
35))
Numeracy
♦ Developing and reinforcing Numeracy and Mathematical skills when teaching

navigation and stability topics (eg Navigational Maths and Science (F0M0 34),
Celestial Navigation (F0LS 35) and stability Units (F0LD 34 and F0LC 35))
♦ Developing Using Graphical information skills by use of a range of graphical
representations (eg Chartwork and Tides(F0LV 34), Marine Passage Planning
(F0LG 35), Ship Stability Units (F0LD 34 and F0LC 35), Naval Architecture:
Ship Construction (F0LF 34) and both Meteorology Units (F0LH 34 and F0LP
35))
♦ Develop Information Technology skills through the application of IT within a

Maritime context (eg Chartwork and Tides (F0LV 34), Celestial Navigation
(F0LS 35), Ship Stability Units (F0LD 34 and F0LC 35), IT Software
Applications 1( D75X 34))
Problem Solving Skills
♦ Develop Critical Thinking Skills through the application of navigational,

stability and management principles and technologies to solve typical problems
encountered on board a ship
♦ Develop Planning and Organisational skills (eg Marine Passage Planning (F0LG
35), Marine Vessels: Structures and Maintenance (F0LY 35))
♦ Develop reviewing and evaluation skills through, for example, the review and
evaluation of the problems and solutions to typical shipboard situations (Marine
Passage Planning (F0LG 35), Shipmasters Business (F0LN 35), Management of
Bridge (F0LW 35) and Vessel operations (F0LX 35), Shipboard Management
(F0LB 35))
Working with Others
♦ Develop Working with Others skills through group discussion on the solution to
management and operational procedures (e.g. Shipboard Management (F0LB
35) — role play scenario: eg personnel management roles and conflicts,
collaboration for Passage Planning (F0LG 35); collaboration in search and
rescue scenarios in Management of Bridge Operations (F0LW 35); identifying
risk factors in Management of Vessel Operations (F0LX 35))
6.3 Assessment
The suggested assessment strategy for the HNC and HND in Nautical Science is to
adopt a holistic approach to Unit assessment.
Units have been designed to sample Knowledge and/or Skills. A single instrument
of assessment is recommended, but where this is not possible centres should avoid
over-assessing.
Formative assessment
Formative assessment should be used throughout the delivery of Units to reinforce

learning, build candidates’ confidence and prepare them for summative assessment.
Re-assessment
Re-assessment should operate in accordance with a centre’s assessment policy and

the professional judgement of the assessor. SQA advises that there should normally
be at least one re-assessment opportunity. Please refer to SQA’s Guide to
Assessment and Quality Assurance for Colleges of Further Education,
(www.sqa.org.uk).
Developing alternative assessments
The design of original assessments should inform the re-assessment process to a

large extent, as the original determines the type of assessment instruments used and
the purpose of the assessment. It may be useful for centres to build up a bank of
assessments which can be used in whole or in part for re-assessment purposes.
Assessment writers should always refer to the Unit specification when developing
an alternative assessment to ensure that it is of equal demand to the original
assessment and that it covers all the necessary criteria. Where candidates have not
provided satisfactory evidence for Knowledge and/or Skills items which have been
sampled, they should be reassessed on a different sample.
Re-assessing Graded Units
Re-assessment of the HNC and HND Nautical Science: Graded Units should be
based on a substantially different assessment.
Opportunities for assessment integration
The following table indicates the proposed assessment strategy for the Group
Awards and also indicates opportunities for assessment integration.
HNC Nautical Science and HND Year 1
Unit No Name Credit SCQF Suggested assessment
value credit
points
F0LS 35 Celestial 1.5 12 O1 — Practical Demonstration and Questioning.
Navigation O2 and 3 Combined into a 3 hour Examination — 65% Pass
required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria
F0LV 34 Chartwork and 1.5 16 O1 Questioning or Assignment.
Tides O2, 3 and 4 Combined into a 3 hour Examination — 65% Pass
F0M0 34 Navigational Maths 1.5 12 O1, 2 and 3 assessed each by a 3 hour Examination — 65% Pass
and Science required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria
F0LH 34 Marine 1.0 8 O1 — Practical and Questioning
Meteorology: An O2/3/4 combined into a 2 hour Examination — 50% Pass required
Introduction by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria
F0LR 34 Bridge 1.5 12 O1 — Multi Choice Test — 65% Pass required by MCA/MNTB
Watchkeeping approvals criteria
O2/3 —Test
F0LM 34 Marine Cargo 1.5 12 O1/2/3 – 2hr Examination — 50% Pass required by MCA/MNTB
Operations approvals criteria
O4 — 1hr Examination using Multiple Choice Questions
F0LD 34 Ship Stability: An 1.5 12 O1 — 2 hour Examination —Examination on Hydrometer — 60%
Introduction Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria
O2/3/4 — 3 hour Examination — 60% Pass required by
MCA/MNTB approvals criteria
F0LF 34 Naval Architecture: 1.0 8 2hr examination — 50% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals
Ship Construction criteria
F13B 34 HNC Nautical 1.0 8 As detailed in Unit Specification
Science Graded
Unit 1
HND Year 1 and requirements for those who possess an HNC Nautical Science who wish to obtain STCW 95 at
OOW level
F0LK 34 Marine Emergency 1.0 8 O1/2 — Short Answer Questions — 50% Pass required by
Response and MCA/MNTB approvals criteria
Communications O3/4 — Standard Signals Examination.
F0LJ 34 Marine Law and 1.0 8 O1/2 Questioning
Management O3 — Assignment/ Presentation
HND Nautical Science Year 2
Unit No Name SQA SCQF Suggested assessment
credits points
F0LG 35 Marine Passage 1.5 12 Units combined for assessment purposes.
Planning 7 assignments OR two 3 hour Examinations plus one exam
F0LW 35 Management of 1.5 12 PLUS
Bridge Operations one Coastal Passage Plan Assessment (open-book) conducted
under supervised conditions — 65% Pass required by
F0LP 35 Applied Marine 1.5 12 O1 Practical Forecasting Exercise — 50% Pass required by
Meteorology MCA/MNTB approvals criteria
O2/3/4 examination — 50 % Pass required by MCA/MNTB
approvals criteria
F0LC 35 Ship Stability: 1.5 12 O1/2 — 3 hour Examination — 60% Pass required by
Theory and MCA/MNTB approvals criteria
Practical O3 — 1.5hr Examination — 60% Pass required by MCA/MNTB
Application approvals criteria
F0LY 35 Marine Vessels: 1.0 8
O1/2 and 3 — 3 hour Examination — 60% Pass required by
Structures and
Maintenance
F0LX 35 Management of 2.0 16 O1/2/3 — 3 hour Examination comprising Extended Response
Vessel Operations Questions — 50% Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals
criteria
O4 — 1 hour Examination of Short Answer questions 60% Pass
F0LN 35 Shipmaster’s 2.0 16 O1, 2 and 3 assessed by individual closed-book examinations or
Business by short answer questions.
F0LB 35 Shipboard 1.0 8
Case Study
Management
D78P 35 Marine 1.0 8
1 hour final exam comprising Multiple Choice Questions — 60%
Engineering (Opt)
Pass required by MCA/MNTB approvals criteria
Systems
D5VR04 Safety 1.0 8
Management (Opt) Case Studies.
Systems
F13C 35 Nautical Science: 1.0 8
As per Unit Specification
Graded Unit 2
F13D 35 Nautical Science: 1.0 8
As per Unit Specification
Graded Unit 3
6.4 Graded Units
The purpose of the Graded Units in the qualifications is to assess the candidate’s
ability to integrate and apply the Knowledge and/or Skills in the individual Units in
order to demonstrate that they have achieved the principal aims of the qualifications.
For the HNC, one single credit Graded Unit at SCQF 7 must be achieved. For the
HND, two single credit Graded Units at SCQF level 8 in addition to the SCQF 7
Graded Unit is required.
Graded Unit 1 and Graded Unit 3 also benefit from including a practical ship
loading problem which has to be dealt with using information which would
normally be found on board a merchant ship.
All Graded Units should make use of extracts of tabular data which are commonly
found on board ships and which are now supplied as MCA approved extracts for use
in all HND/HNC examinations within the UK. These extracts have been
promulgated to all UK Nautical Colleges and can be obtained from any of these
institutions.
The understanding required in interpreting and using such tables is essential for the
safe operation of any vessel. Additionally, the use of the extracts in Graded and
other Units gives candidates the opportunity to practice with them prior to MCA
written examinations.
Centres devising Graded Units may find the following advice useful.
Centres in the past have found it very useful to select a ship type and an
ocean/coastal passage around which to devise the assessment instrument.
eg A fully loaded bulk carrier is to make a passage from Rotterdam

(Netherlands) to the Panama Canal in September.
This scenario would allow candidates to demonstrate knowledge of cargo operations

in terms of preparations for loading and securing the cargo. It would also enable
questions on shipmasters business with regard to documentation for cargo and cargo
carriage regulations.
A question regarding stability calculations during or after loading could be devised

to meet all the requirement of the Graded Unit descriptor.
The area of the voyage and the time of year would allow navigation questions to be
devised with regard to Tropical Revolving Storms in the Caribbean Sea, sailing
problems to determine courses and distances, navigational problems in determining
the vessels position, etc.
This type of problem will also assist in determining whether the trainee has a good
overall grasp of all the necessary skills required to make a successful passage.
6.4.1 Management of Graded Units
The timing of the delivery of Graded Units will vary from centre to centre and also
depending on the group taking the award, but and will most likely be focused on the
second half of the academic year towards the end of a cadet trainee phase.
It is recommended that candidates study the key contributing HN Units prior to

sitting the Graded Unit examinations.
However, it is in the best interest of candidates to introduce the concept of Graded

Units as early as possible. It is best practice and also in the best interest of
candidates for course teams as a whole to take responsibility for the Graded Units
and to introduce the relevance of the individual nautical science Units to the Graded
Units.
This should include keeping candidates advised of where each nautical science Unit
lies in relation to the Graded Units, including the different knowledge and skills that
the Graded Units integrate. Tutors can aid this by making reference to and
comparison with practical solutions to problems likely to be encountered whilst on a
ship.
Dates for Graded Unit examinations should be set at the start of each course/phase
and these dates should be clearly indicated to candidates.
Centres should consider planning in advance for the following where appropriate:
♦ Identification of course team

♦ Identification of assessment panel members (internal centre process)
♦ Identification of internal verifier
♦ Setting of question papers and marking instructions
♦ Vetting of question papers and marking instructions
♦ Prior verification from SQA
♦ Production of question papers and marking instructions
♦ Proofing of question papers and marking instructions
♦ Security of question papers
♦ Distribution of question papers
♦ Invigilation of examinations
♦ Identification of markers/marking team
♦ Marking/Cross marking
♦ Marking check/internal verification
♦ Marker reports (internal centre process)
♦ Finalisation of grades (internal centre process)
♦ Issue of results (internal centre process)
♦ Appeals (internal centre process)
♦ Forwarding results to SQA and maintaining assessment records
NB: as indicated above, prior verification of assessment instruments is

available from SQA.
More detailed guidance can be found in the publication Guidance on Group Award
Graded Units: Using the Design Principles for Higher National Certificates and
Diplomas (www.sqa.org.uk).
6.4.2 Suggested approaches to assessment
Graded Unit 1 (F13B 34)
This assessment should include a practical ship loading problem suitable for OOW
level, using MCA stability data sheets. In designing the assessment centres would
do well to take the approach of using a particular type of vessel and designing the
assessment around the operational, stability and legislative requirements for a vessel
of that type.
For example an oil tanker is chosen as the type of vessel in which case questions
could be asked about operational requirements relevant to loading, carriage and
discharging of oil cargoes. The stability section could include a full loading problem
including free surface effects, ballasting and deballasting and determination of final
vertical centre of gravity (KG), the final metacentric height (GM) and intact stability
criteria.
Legislative questions could cover pollution requirements, carriage of dangerous

goods in bulk etc.
Graded Unit 2 (F13C 35)
As well as the Graded Unit specification, centres may wish to bear in mind the
MCA safety papers when setting questions. Guidance for the level at which these
assessments are set may be gained from past MCA/SQA written examinations at
Chief Mate level. Centres may obtain past papers from either the SQA or MCA.
Graded Unit 3 (F13D 35)
Again consideration should be given to setting a practical ship loading problem as

the instrument of assessment. Questions should be set to demonstrate understanding
at the management level as required by STCW 95. Candidates should be required to
demonstrate how to determine whether the subject vessel complies with the MCA
Intact Stability criteria.
In all Graded Units questions should make full use of the current MCA examination
extracts that are available to all FE institutions delivering Nautical Courses. If
centres have difficulty in obtaining sets of the extracts then advice can be obtained
from the Faculty of Maritime Studies, at Glasgow College of Nautical Studies.
6.5 Open Learning
All nautical science Units within these Group Awards could be delivered by open or
distance learning. However, it would require planning by the centre to ensure
sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence. Arrangements would have to be
made to ensure that closed-book assessments were conducted under supervision.
Centres should be aware that if the HNC/HND are used to deliver the underpinning
knowledge required for STCW 95, leading to the award of a UK Certificate of
Competency via open/distance learning, then their programmes may require further
approval by the Merchant Navy Training Board.
6.6 Indicative training programmes for target groups
Centres wishing to use the HNC/HND Nautical Science as a vehicle for delivering
the Underpinning Knowledge required for MCA certification should consider
contacting the Merchant Navy Training Board when designing programmes as these
will be subject to MNTB approval, especially in the case of cadet training
programmes.
Indicative training programmes which have been granted MNTB approval are given
below.
The suggested sequence for the delivery of Units where training programmes are
phased can be found in Appendix 10 for the Professional Diploma and Appendix 11
for the Mainstream (Standard Grade) /Alternative route.
6.6.1 Officer Trainees following the route to ‘OOW Unlimited’ Certificate

Level and then progressing to ‘Chief Mate Unlimited’ by either VQ or
non-VQ routes
Candidates will comprise new entrants as Officer Trainees and entry requirements
are detailed in Appendix 1. All will be following a programme of training which
includes achieving both levels 2 and 3 SVQ in Merchant Vessel Operations or
equivalent Work Based Learning Units with the HNC and HND Nautical Science as
the Underpinning Knowledge (UPK.)
Beyond level 3 SVQ, candidates will have the option of either progression by
achieving the level 4 SVQ in Merchant Vessel Operations or opting for the non-VQ
route.
6.6.1.1 Standard Grade entrants/Higher/A Level entrants
(less than 120 UCAS points)
Phase College/ Programme

Sea
1 College Induction which may include 1 week at an Outdoor Centre
Level 2 UPK and STCW 95 Elementary Courses
Mathematics for the Marine Foundation Course
2 Sea Sea service for level 2 SVQ. Completion of GCNS Distance Learning
Marine Mathematics Programme
3 College SVQ level 2 Assessment
CPSC and EDH Courses
Medical First Aid Course
Selected HNC/HND Part 1 Units
4 Sea Sea service for level 3 SVQ
5 College Remaining HNC/D Part 1 Units:
GMDSS
NaRasT (Operational)
4 Day Fire Fighting
6 Sea Sea service for level 3 SVQ
7 College HND Part 2
SVQ level 3 Assessment and Orals Preparation
‘OOW’ Certificate of Competency
8 Sea Sea Service as a Watchkeeping Officer
9 College Level 4 VQ Assessment or MCA examination preparation
HN Unit Emergency Planning
MCA Orals preparation
NaRasT (Management)
Medical Care Course
Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate of Competency
HN Unit Marine Engineering Systems
10 Sea Watchkeeping Officer
11 College Master’s Certificate preparation Course (Orals only)
Notes
♦ The majority of candidates will be sponsored or employed by ship

owners/managers from Phases 1 to 7 inclusive. Phases 8 to 11 will be completed
whilst candidates are employed as Watchkeeping Officer Trainees.
♦ Candidates who need to undertake a Marine Foundation Course to fulfil the
entry requirements will have to undertake a longer Phase 1 and a Distance
Learning Marine Mathematics Programme during Phase 2. Coupled with a
minimum of 12 months for Phases 1 and 2, this will ensure these candidates are
able to cope adequately with the rigour of the HNC and HND Nautical Science
from the commencement of Phase 3.
♦ Candidates who prior to Phase 1 have achieved the full HND entry requirements
will undertake the shorter Phase 1 and will not be required to complete a full 12
month period prior to Phase 3.
♦ The HN Units forming the HNC or HND part 1 Nautical Science will be
completed during Phases 3 and 5. The remaining HND Nautical Science Units
will be completed during Phase 7.
♦ Beyond Phase 7, candidates have the option of progressing either via the non-
VQ or VQ routes. Those who opt to follow the VQ route will need to prepare a
Level 4 SVQ portfolio during Phase 8, but will gain an exemption from the
MCA for 6 months of the sea service requirements for a Chief Mate Unlimited
Certificate.
♦ Those who opt to follow the non-VQ route will have to complete a full 18
months sea service as a Watchkeeping Officer during Phase 8. During Phase 9
they will be required to undertake the two MCA/SQA Safety Examinations at
Chief Mate level.
6.6.1.2 Higher/A Level entrants (more than 120 UCAS points)

Sea
1 College Induction which may include a weekend at an Outdoor Centre
STCW 95 Elementary Courses
HNC/HND Part 1 Units
Introduction to Work Based Learning via PDA
2 Sea Sea service including work based learning
3 College Assessment of Work Based Learning completed in Phase 2
CPSC and EDH Courses
HND Part 2 Units
Delivery of Outstanding PDA Units
4 Sea Sea service including completion of work based learning
5 College Assessment of Work Based Learning and PDA
GMDSS
MCA Orals Preparation
Advanced Fire Fighting
7 College MCA Orals preparation
NaRasT (Management)
Medical Care Course
Signals (if Required)
9 College Master’s Certificate preparation Course (Orals only)
Notes
♦ The majority of candidates will be sponsored or employed by ship

owners/managers from Phases 1 to 5 inclusive. Phases 6 to 9 will be completed
whilst candidates are employed as Watchkeeping Officer Trainees.
♦ The HN Units forming the HND part 1 Nautical Science will be completed
during Phases 1 and 3. The PDA and work based learning will be completed in
Phase 5.
♦ Beyond Phase 5, candidates have the option of progressing either via the non-
VQ or VQ level 4 routes. Those who opt to follow the VQ route will need to
prepare a level 4 SVQ portfolio during Phase 6, but will gain an exemption from
the MCA for six months of the sea service requirements for a Chief Mate
Unlimited Certificate.
Those who opt to follow the non-VQ route will have to complete a full 18 months sea
service as a Watchkeeping Officer during Phase 6. During Phase 7 they will be
exempted from undertaking the two MCA/SQA Safety Examinations at Chief Mate
level provided they have successfully completed Phases 1 and 3 with the requisite pass
marks in Navigation and Stability related subjects.
6.6.2 Officer Trainees holding a UK MCA ‘OOW’ Unlimited Certificate or non

UK equivalent progressing to a ‘Chief Mate Unlimited’ Certificate
These candidates will comprise mature serving officers all of whom must have
achieved the MCA entry requirements and therefore already hold equivalence to the
HNC Nautical Science or HND part 1 Nautical Science (plus HN Units Emergency
Response and Communications and Marine Law and Management). All will be
attending college to progress their qualifications to Chief Mate Unlimited level.

Sea
9 College HND Part 2 Units (with the exception of Emergency Response and
communications and Marine Law and Management)
MCA/SQA examination preparation
MCA Orals preparation
NaRasT (Management)
Medical Care Course
11 College Master's Certificate preparation Course (Orals only)
Notes
♦ The Phase numbers commence at 8 to illustrate alignment with indicative

programme in 6.6.1.1. The main difference with this group being that HND Part
2 is completed during Phase 9 instead of Phase 7.
♦ As detailed earlier, the HND Part 1 Nautical Science has always represented the
academic knowledge requirements of the 'OOW' Unlimited Certificate of
Competency or its equivalent predecessors. Therefore these candidates will be
credited with the Units comprising HNC or HND part 1 Nautical Science (plus HN
Units Emergency Response and Communications and Marine Law and
Management) by the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process.
♦ During Phase 9 candidates will complete the HND Part 2 Nautical Science. As
all these candidates will be following the non-VQ route they will be required to
undertake the two MCA/SQA Safety Examinations at Chief Mate Level.
♦ Holders of Pre 1987 MCA Class 2 Certificates or non-UK Equivalents who
have completed the required sea service for issue of a Master Unlimited
Certificate will be required to complete Phase 9 in its entirety except they will
undergo a 'Masters' Orals examination in lieu of Chief Mate. If successful this
will lead to the issue of an Unlimited Masters Certificate.
♦ Candidates will take the optional Unit D78P 35 Marine Engineering Systems
and will not therefore study Unit D5VR 35 Safety Management Systems.
6.6.3 Experienced seafarers following the non-VQ route to 'OOW Unlimited'
Certificate Level
These candidates will comprise mature serving seafarers who are currently employed
within the industry as Deck Ratings, Uncertificated Officers or Radio Officers. All
must have achieved the entry requirements specified by the MCA and in this indicative
instance all will be following a non-VQ programme which includes the HNC Nautical
Science.
College/ Programme
Sea
Sea Sea Service as specified by the MCA and must include 6 months bridge watch keeping
time within final 12 months of sea service.
Completion of GCNS Distant Learning Marine Mathematics Programme
College CPSC and EDH Courses
GMDSS
4 day Fire Fighting
HNC Nautical Science (plus HN Units Emergency Response and Communications and
Marine Law and Management)
Computing HN Unit D75X 34 IT Apps 1 or equivalent.
MCA/SQA ‘OOW’ Safety Examinations
MCA Orals
OOW Unlimited Certificate of Competency.
7 General information for centres
7.1 Candidates with disabilities and/or additional support needs
The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account
when planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments, or
considering alternative Outcomes for Units.
Further advice can be found in the SQA document Guidance on Assessment

Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs
(www.sqa.org.uk).
7.2 Internal and external verification
All instruments of assessment used within this/these Group Award(s) should be

internally verified, using the appropriate policy within the centre and the guidelines
set by SQA.
External verification will be carried out by SQA to ensure that internal assessment is
within the national guidelines for these qualifications.
Further information on internal and external moderation can be found in SQA’s

Guide to Assessment and Quality Assurance for Colleges of Further Education
(www.sqa.org.uk).
7.3 The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency requirements
Centres should be aware that when the HND Nautical Science is being used in
conjunction with the Scottish Professional Diploma the following will be required
by the MCA for certification purposes.
The Chief Examiner of the MCA has advised that exemption from the OOW and
Chief Mate Written examinations will be given, provided the following criteria
have been met:
Following MNTB consultation, the Chief Examiner of the MCA advises colleges
that when the new HNC/HND are used to deliver a Foundation Degree (or the
Scottish Equivalent) then the following applies, should candidates wish to be
exempted from sitting MCA written examinations at OOW and Chief Mate levels:
♦ Any Unit which contained elements of vessel navigation related content would
require a minimum pass mark of 65%.
♦ Any Unit which contained elements of Ship Stability related content would
require a minimum pass mark of 60%
♦ All other Units in an award would require a minimum pass mark of 50%
♦ Candidates not achieving the above will not be exempted from any MCA
written examination at either OOW or Chief Mate level.
It should be noted however that this will not affect the award of the HNC or HND,
assuming the minimum Evidence Requirements have been met for each Unit and
Graded Unit.
7.4 Merchant Navy Training Board requirements
Centres using the HNC/HND to deliver the underpinning knowledge for either an
OOW or Chief Mate Certificate of Competency will have to ensure that
programmes receive MNTB approval. Part of the approval process will involve
mapping the content of Units to the requirements of STCW 95 at both the
Operational and Management levels. To assist centres in this task mapping matrices
for both of the above are included as Appendices 17 and 18.
8 General information for candidates

The knowledge and skills provided by the Group Awards
The revised HNC and HND in Nautical Science are specifically designed to equip
you to enter employment in the Merchant Navy in the capacity of a Deck Officer.
They have also been designed to enable you to develop the skills required to gain
employment within the wider UK maritime sector including shore based positions.
Both the HNC and HND in Nautical Science aim to develop your practical,
interpersonal and social skills which have been identified in our research as
important requirements for a career in the maritime sector.
The structure of the awards
The HNC and HND in Nautical Science are designed to equip you with the
knowledge, understanding and skills to allow you to gain employment in the
maritime sector, gaining professional qualifications en route or to progress to further
studies or degree programmes.
The HNC Nautical Science is made up of 12 credits (96 SCQF points), all of which
are mandatory. The award provides you with all the underpinning knowledge that is
required for obtaining a Certificate of Competency at the Operational level ie at
Officer of the Watch level.
The HND is made up of 30 credits (240 SCQF points), 29 of which are mandatory.
In addition to the topics covered in the HNC, the mandatory section also covers
areas such as, passage planning, bridge and vessel operations, ship stability and
structure and shipmasters business and management skills. To achieve the award
you will need to complete the 29 mandatory credits and 1 optional credit, which can
be either Marine Engineering Systems or Safety Management Systems.
Candidates using the HND as means of obtaining a Chief Mate Certificate of

Competency will take Marine Engineering Systems.
Both Group Awards include at least one Graded Unit. These Units are designed to
assess your ability to retain and integrate the knowledge and skills gained in the
award and also to grade your achievement.
There are three grades:
‘A’ if you achieve 70% or over;

‘B’ if you achieve between 60% and 69% and
‘C’ if you achieve between 50% and 59%
For both the HNC and HND the assessment instrument for the Graded Unit takes
the form of an examination.
Possible employment pathways
The HNC and HND in Nautical Science aim to equip you with the skills to gain
employment at both the operational and management level in the following
vocational areas:
♦ Ship Management
♦ Port and Harbour Operations
♦ Freight and Transportation Operations
♦ Marine Insurance Industry
♦ Ship Broking and Chartering
♦ The wider Maritime Safety Industry, eg Safety Equipment Manufacturers,
Meteorological Services. Pollution Prevention Services etc.
Progression to university
The HN Nautical Science awards offer you a wide range of articulation routes to
higher education. Depending on the HE institution, candidates with HNC awards
can obtain up to 2nd year entry and HND awards up to 3rd year entry to degree
programmes. Entry to these programmes is usually dependent on a satisfactory
UCAS reference and specific conditions of either HNC or HND Graded Units.
Candidates should approach individual centres regarding possible articulation

options.
9 Glossary of Terms
SCQF: This stands for the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework, which is a
new way of speaking about qualifications and how they inter-relate. We use SCQF
terminology throughout this guide to refer to credits and levels. For further
information on the SCQF visit the SCQF website at www.scqf.org.uk
SCQF credits: One HN credit is equivalent to 8 SCQF credit points. This applies to
all HN Units, irrespective of their level.
SCQF levels: The SCQF covers 12 levels of learning. HN Units will normally be at
levels 6–9. Graded Units will be at level 7 and 8.
Subject Unit: Subject Units contain vocational/subject content and are designed to
test a specific set of knowledge and skills.
Graded Unit: Graded Units assess candidates’ ability to integrate what they have
learned while working towards the Units of the Group Award. Their purpose is to
add value to the Group Award, making it more than the sum of its parts, and to
encourage candidates to retain and adapt their skills and knowledge.
Embedded Core Skills: This is where the development of a Core Skill is

incorporated into the Unit and where the Unit assessment also covers the
requirements of Core Skill assessment at a particular level.
Signposted Core Skills: This refers to the opportunities to develop a particular
Core Skill at a specified level that lie outwith automatic certification.
Qualification Design Team: The QDT works in conjunction with a Qualification

Manager/Development Manager to steer the development of the HNC/D from its
inception/revision through to validation. The group is made up of key stakeholders
representing the interests of centres, employers, universities and other relevant
organisations.
Specialist single centre and specialist collaborative devised HNCs and HNDs
are those developments or revisions led by a single centre or small group of centres
who provide knowledge and skills in a specialist area. Like consortium-devised
HNCs and HNDs, these developments or revisions will also be supported by SQA.
STCW 95: Standards of Training and Certification for Watchkeepers: This is

an internationally accepted standard use for training and certification of deck
officers and ratings on board all merchant vessel regardless of country of origin.
MCA: The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency

This is the UK regulatory authority regarding the issue of Certificates of
Competency for ships Officers. The MCA also regulate the survey of UK and
Overseas vessel when within UK territorial waters.
MNTB: Merchant Navy Training Board This organisation is responsible for the
approval and monitoring of all Officer training programmes within the United
Kingdom.
MGN Marine Guidance Note: These are published by the UK Maritime and
Coastguard Agency and contain guidance on matters related safety and training of
seafarers.
10 Appendices
Appendix 1: The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency Requirements
Appendix 2: MGN 8 (M)
Appendix 5: MNTB Working Schedule
Appendix 6: Credit Transfer Arrangements HNC
Appendix 6a: Credit Transfer Arrangements HND
Appendix 7: Exemplar Questionnaire
Appendix 7a: Exemplar Questionnaire
Appendix 8: Mapping of Aims of the HNC to individual Units
Appendix 9: Mapping of Aims to HND Units
Appendix 10: Professional Diploma Programme
Appendix 11: Main Stream/Alternative Route Programme
Appendix 12: Core Skills Mapping to HNC Nautical Science
Appendix 13: Core Skills Mapping to HND Nautical Science
Appendix 14: Mapping of Old NOS to new NOS
Appendix 15: NOS Mapping of HNC Nautical Science
Appendix 16: NOS Mapping of HND Nautical Science
Appendix 17: STCW 95 Mapping of HNC Units
Appendix 18: STCW 95 Mapping of HND part 2 Units
Appendix 1: The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency Requirements
Appendix 1
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency Requirements
In their Marine Guidance Notes (MGNs), the MCA publish the necessary requirements that
must be achieved by seafarers for the issue of a ‘Certificate of Competency’ (COC). This
information can be found on the MCA website www.mcga.gov.uk under the heading of
Guidance and Regulations. Copies of all the relevant notes can be downloaded directly from
the site.
The current relevant MGNs are numbers 8, 91 and 92. Copies of these form Appendices 2, 3
and 4 of this Arrangements Document.
With respect to Merchant Navy Officers there are three levels of Certificate of Competence,
namely:
(i) Officer of the Navigational Watch (OOW)

(ii) Chief Mate
(iii) Master
For each level, certificates can be obtained for use with or without limitation with respect to
size of vessel or the area of operation. The vessel size thresholds are <500 Gross Tons (GT),
<3000GT and Unlimited. The area limitations are near coastal (generally within 150 miles of
a safe port in the UK) or ‘Unlimited’ (Worldwide). This document is primarily concerned
with Unlimited certificates.
To attain a certificate, seafarers have to prove their competence and ability by satisfactory
completion of each of the following:
(i) Ancillary short courses

(ii) MCA oral examinations
(iii) Academic/Vocational Qualifications
The ancillary short courses vary for each level. These are generally aimed at discrete specific
areas of training such as First Aid, Fire Fighting etc. The course content of each is specified
by the MCA and generally does not form part of the academic/vocational qualifications that
are the main subject of this document.
Similarly, the oral examinations are conducted by the MCA to syllabuses specified by them
and are intended to be undertaken once all other criteria for the certificate have been
completed. The syllabus for each of the oral examinations can be found in MGN 69.
The Academic/Vocational qualifications also vary for each certificate level and it is these
components with which this document is primarily concerned. Currently seafarers are able to
gain these requirements by what are known as either the VQ or non-VQ routes.
VQ and non-VQ routes to Certification
The VQ route requires successful completion of a specified amount of sea service whilst
completing the appropriate level of Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) 'Merchant Vessel
Operations' (MVO). The underpinning knowledge for these SVQs can be achieved by a
number of methods including the satisfactory completion of the appropriate group of HN
Units from the HND Nautical Science as follows:
Certificate of
VQ level Academic Level
Competency
Officer of the Watch SVQ Level 3 HND Nautical Science Part 1
(Unlimited)
Chief Mate (Unlimited) SVQ Level 4 HND Nautical Science Part 2
Master (Unlimited) Not Applicable HN Unit 'Emergency Planning'
Note:
In the previous Group Award the HND Nautical Science Part 1 equated directly to the HNC
Nautical Science Group Award.
In the current award the requirements for an Officer of the Watch (Unlimited) Certificate of
Competency would entail trainee officers completing the HNC Nautical Science plus two
additional HN Units as indicated below:
Marine Emergency Response and Communications (F0LK 34)

Marine Law and Management: An Introduction (F0LJ 34).
The non-VQ route requires seafarers to achieve the same requirements with respect to the
HND Parts 1 and 2. However in lieu of the SVQ requirement, additional service at sea is
required and two written examinations, commonly referred to as ‘Safety Papers’ must be
passed at each level.
Irrespective of the route followed to Chief Mate Unlimited level, progression to Master
Unlimited only requires completion of an additional HN Unit, ancillary courses and an oral
examination, once the additional sea service required by the MCA has been completed.
The purpose of two routes is firstly to allow as much flexibility as is practical into the system
and enable access to the qualifications by all seafarers, regardless of nationality or the flag
state operating the vessels on which they serve. Since SVQs were introduced, many seafarers
including most new entrants, have utilised these qualifications as a route to attaining their
Officer of the Watch (OOW) Unlimited Certificate. Nevertheless, demand for a non-VQ route
at this level remains.
At ‘Chief Mate’ Unlimited level there is much less demand for the VQ route and there
continues to be significant demand for the non-VQ route, including from those achieving
OOW Unlimited by the VQ route.
The retention of a non-VQ route at all levels also permits access by foreign nationals who are
unable to fulfil the requirements for the VQ route. This demand continues as UK Certificates
of Competency are highly respected and accepted by the Marine Industry worldwide.
Recent Developments
During 2004/2005 the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) reviewed the requirements
for cadet entry into the industry with a view to attracting entrants with a higher academic
ability than had previously been sought. The results of this review, which included a major
consultation exercise with all the relevant stakeholders across the wider maritime sector has
led to several profound changes to the way Officer Trainees will be trained in future.
From August 2006 new entrants with suitable academic qualifications will be offered a new
training scheme, which will not involve the use of either SVQs or NVQs as part of the
training programme. These will be replaced by work based learning Units which will be
devised by educational establishments delivering training to Officer Trainee entrants.
The SVQ/NVQ programme will continue for the foreseeable future until all those currently
enrolled in cadet programmes have obtained an OOW Certificate of Competency. Thereafter
the role of SVQ/NVQs is still somewhat uncertain, as no firm decision has yet been taken as
to the exact training programme for those cadet entrants who do not comply with the
academic entry profile under the new training scheme.
Recent developments within the MNTB have indicated that the alternative route to the
Scottish Professional Diploma, will utilise the HNC Nautical Science as the main academic
award at OOW level, but with the option of articulating to HND Nautical Science Part 2 at a
later stage.
In light of the above, the requirement for the delivery of the underpinning knowledge as per
that laid down in STCW will remain and hence the role of/demand for the HNC and HND
Nautical Science will remain largely unchanged.
MARINE GUIDANCE NOTE
MGN 8 (M)
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION GUIDANCE – PART 8

Education and Training Schemes
Notice to Owners, Masters, Deck and Engineer Officers and Ratings of Merchant Vessels and those
concerned with Maritime Training.
This Note should be read in conjunction with Merchant Shipping Notice No MSN 1692(M) (or subsequent
amendments) and Parts 1–3 of this series of Guidance Notes
Summary
This Marine Guidance Note (MGN) is part of a series which gives guidance regarding the application
of the Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations 19971.
In order for the guidance to be easy to use and to keep up-to-date, the individual Parts will retain the
same Part number but the MGN number may change if and when revisions are necessary. The front
sheet of any revised Part will list the latest MGN numbers. Any reference to “Part” in this Note
relates to this series of Guidance Notes as listed below.
Key Point
This Part gives information and guidance on the education and training schemes available to
seafarers wishing to obtain merchant navy certificates of competency by either the Vocational
Qualification (VQ) or traditional written examination routes.
LATEST INDEX TO PARTS
Part No. Subject Latest MGN Issue Date

Number
1 General requirements for certification MGN 91(M) April 2000

and medical fitness
2 Certificates of competency – MGN 92(M) April 2000

deck department
3 Certificates of competency – MGN 93(M) April 2000

engine department
4 Certificates of competency – MGN 94(M) July 1999

radio personnel
5 Special training requirements for personnel MGN 95(M) April 2000

on certain types of ship
1 SI 1997/348 as amended by SI 1997/1911

1
6 Emergency, occupational safety, medical MGN 96(M) April 2000
care and survival functions
7 Alternative certification – MGN 7(M) April 2000
dual certification
8 Education and training schemes This note
9 Procedure for the issue and revalidation of MGN 9(M) April 2000
certificates of competency, marine engine
operator licences and tanker endorsements
10 Ratings MGN 97(M) April 2000
11 Conduct of MCA oral examinations MGN 69(M) April 2000
12 Safety training for concessionaires working MGN 120(M) April 2000

on passenger ships
13 Use of fishing vessel certificates of MGN 121(M) April 2000

competency in standby, seismic survey and
oceanographic research vessels –
revised arrangements
14 STCW 95 application to certificates of service MGN 116(M) April 2000
15 Certification of inshore tug personnel MGN 117(M) April 2000
16 Certification of inshore craft personnel MGN 126(M) Not yet issued

(other than tugs)
Seafarer Standards Branch

Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton SO15 1EG
Tel 02380 329231

Fax 02380 329252
E-Mail : exams section@mcga.gov.uk
April 2000
MC124/1/027
An executive agency of the Department of the
Environment, Transport and the Regions
© Crown copyright 2000
2
All references to ”Parts” in this document are to other Parts of this series of Training and Certification
Guidance Notes
1.0 Introduction
1.1 The Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations 1997 (the Regulations)
implement in the United Kingdom some of the requirements of the International Convention on
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended in 1995
(STCW 95)2, and its associated Code (STCW Code).
1.2 Under the Regulations, every candidate for an STCW 95 certificate of competency as deck or
engineer officer must complete MCA-approved education and training and meet standards of
competence laid down in the STCW Code.
1.3 Since September 1997, all new entrant deck and engineer officer cadets have been enrolled on
approved training programmes which achieve these standards of competence by the attainment
of a Vocational Qualification (VQ) based on continuous assessment of knowledge and
performance.
1.4 Existing seafarers and others not enrolled on such approved cadet training programmes will be
able to meet the required standards for all levels of certification by following either a VQ route
described in paragraphs 4–7 below, or a traditional non-VQ route based on written examinations
and assessment described in paragraphs 8–11 below.
1.5 Both routes involve an oral examination conducted by an MCA examiner, details of which are
given in Part 11.
2.0 Certificates of Competency
2.1 The following STCW 95 certificates of competency are available:
Deck department – unlimited
• Officer in charge of a navigational watch-OOW (STCW Reg II/1)
• Chief Mate (STCW Reg II/2)
• Master (STCW Reg II/2)
Deck department – ships of less than 3,000 gt
• Chief Mate (STCW Reg II/2)
• Master (STCW Reg II/2)
Deck department – ships on near-coastal3 voyages
• Officer in charge of a navigational watch (OOW) on ships of less than 500 gt (STCW Reg
II/3)
• Master on ships of less than 500 gt (STCW Reg II/3)
• Chief Mate on ships of less than 3,000 gt (STCW Reg II/2)
2Available from the Publications Department, the International Maritime Organization, 4, Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR
3Defined in the UK as within 150 miles from a safe haven in the UK and 30 miles from a safe haven in Eire
3
• Chief Mate on ships of over 3,000 gt (STCW Reg II/2)
• Master on domestic passenger ships of less than 3,000gt operating within 30 miles of a
nominated safe haven (STCW Reg II/3)
• Master on ships of over 500 gt (STCW Reg II/2)
Engine department – unlimited
• Officer in charge of an engineering watch (OOW) or designated duty engineer in a

periodically unmanned engine-room (STCW Reg III/1)
• Second Engineer officer (STCW Reg III/2)
• Chief Engineer officer (STCW Reg III/2)
Engine department – ships of less than 3,000 kW registered power on near-coastal voyages
Engine department – ships of less than 6,000 kW propulsion power on near-coastal voyages

(also Second Engineer on ships of less than 3,000 kW on unlimited voyages)

(also Chief Engineer on ships of less than 3,000 kW on unlimited voyages)
2.2 Engineer officers on ships of below 750 kW are not required to hold certificates of competency.
However, Marine Engine Operator Licences (MEOL) and Senior Marine Engine Operator
Licences (SMEOL) for personnel serving on ships of between 350 and 750 kW will be available,
although these will not carry an STCW 95 endorsement.
3.0 Transitional Arrangements for Pre-STCW 95 Certificates
3.1 Until 31 July 1999 (except as indicated below), candidates who commenced sea service or
approved education and training programmes prior to 1 August 1998 under either the
examination or VQ route were awarded the following STCW 78 certificates of competency,
endorsements or licences, which were provided for in the Merchant Shipping (Certification of
Deck Officer) Regulations 1985 and the Merchant Shipping (Certification of Marine Engineer
Officers and Licensing of Marine Engine Operators) Regulations 1986:
Deck Officer Engineer Officer

Class 5 Class 4 (available until 31 December 1999)
Class 4 Class 3
Class 3 Class 2
Class 2 Chief Engineer Service Endorsements
Command Endorsements Class 1
Class 1
Licences
Marine Engine Operator
Senior Marine Engine Operator
4
3.2 Any candidate who was not successful at obtaining an STCW 78 certificate of competency before
31 July 1999 will be allowed a further period for second or subsequent attempts, until December
2000.
3.3 Candidates who obtain certificates of competency under this transitional arrangement will be
issued with a certificate that complies with STCW 78. For continued use beyond 31 January 2002,
such certificates will require revalidation to comply with STCW 95 in accordance with the
arrangements set out in Part 9 and MSN 1692 (M).
THE VQ ROUTE TO STCW 95 CERTIFICATES
4.0 General
4.1 Merchant Shipping Notice No. M1634 introduced the concept of Vocational Qualifications (VQs)
for merchant navy certificates. Essentially, a candidate for a certificate of competency who:
.1 obtains an appropriate National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), Scottish Vocational

Qualification (SVQ) or a specified group of units;
.2 completes the required sea service;
.3 is medically fit; and
.4 pays the appropriate fee;
will be granted entry to the MCA oral examination, success in which will result in the issue of the
certificate of competency.
4.2 Candidates for an unrestricted certificate of competency as Navigating Officer of the Watch or
Engineer Officer of the Watch must achieve a VQ at level 3 in Marine Vessel Operations or
Marine Vessel Engineering, respectively.
4.3 Candidates for an unrestricted certificate of competency as Chief Mate or Second Engineer
Officer must achieve a VQ at level 4 in Marine Vessel Operations or Marine Vessel Engineering,
respectively.
4.4 Candidates for an unrestricted certificate of competency as Master or Chief Engineer Officer
must achieve additional units at level 4. The additional units may be credited towards a level 5
VQ, which is currently under development.
4.5 Candidates for an unrestricted certificate of competency as Chief Mate or Second Engineer
Officer who complete the underpinning knowledge required by VQ level 4 in Marine Vessel
Operations or Marine Vessel Engineering respectively, may opt to complete specified units at this
level. Such candidates would also be required to sit the MCA/SQA papers from the examination
route specified below in paragraph 9.2.3.2 (deck) or 10.2.4.3 (engineer). Candidates will be eligible
for the reduced sea service detailed in Part 2, Table 3.
4.6 Candidates for an unrestricted certificate of competency as Master or Chief Engineer Officer
who have completed all requirements in paragraph 4.5 above will be required to complete the
underpinning knowledge for the VQ level 4 units specified in paragrah 4.4 above. In addition,
candidates for Chief Engineer officer certification will be required to take the MCA/SQA papers
from the written examination specified in paragraph 10.3.3.3 below.
4.7 Also under development are alternative combinations of units at VQ levels 3 and 4, catering for
other, restricted certificates of competency.
5
4.8 All the requirements relating to approved education and training and ancillary training in safety
and technical subjects are subsumed within the VQ units, although separate certificates will be
issued for the mandatory short training programmes.
5.0 How it Works
5.1 The key features of the VQ system are:
.1 the accumulation of evidence that a candidate possesses relevant knowledge and skills to
the standards laid down in the VQ and can apply them in practice;
.2 the provision of a mechanism known as Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) whereby

prior learning and experience can be taken into account, thus avoiding unnecessary
repetition of previous training.
5.2 Achievement of the VQ involves:
.1 approved education and training which includes the knowledge, understanding and
proficiencies listed in the STCW Code;
.2 tuition in basic principles and underpinning knowledge;
.3 completion of mandatory short training programmes;
.4 on-board training, closely monitored and supervised by certificated officers and

documented in a Record Book or Portfolio, whilst completing the necessary sea service;
.5 assessment of evidence by specially trained and appointed staff at an approved assessment

centre; currently, approved assessment centres are located at nautical and marine
engineering colleges in the United Kingdom.
5.3 Award of the qualification is entirely dependent on the assessor being satisfied that the standards
have been achieved.
5.4 The assessment process is verified as part of the quality standards systems operated by the bodies
which award the qualification. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the awarding body is
EdExcel (formerly BTEC); in Scotland it is the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)(formerly
SCOTVEC).
5.5 As well as classroom teaching, some assessment centres may be able to offer other means of
study, including distance learning and guided self study.
6.0 Structure
6.1 The structure of the system will typically involve the following stages:
Stage 1 Pre-entry: prospective candidates contact an assessment centre and are provided with
information and guidance. If they already hold a certificate of competency or have
experience which could be credited towards the qualification being sought, they may be
invited to complete a questionnaire to help the centre prepare for initial assessment and
thus speed up the administration process;
Stage 2 Assessment centre: completion of mandatory pre-sea training (new entrants only) and
initial education and training. Preparation for further development through the VQ
system, including the development of an individual training plan agreed between the
candidate and the assessment centre;
6
Stage 3 Ship-board training and experience: applying principles in practice and gathering and
recording evidence in a structured manner in a Record Book or Portfolio;
Stage 4 Assessment centre: assessment of knowledge, skills and ship-board performance

evidence against the standards in the VQ units; further education and training as
required; award of any VQ units where standards have been achieved; if appropriate,
award of VQ and preparation for the MCA oral examination. Otherwise;
Stage 5 Further ship-board training and experience: consolidation and application of education
and training; gathering and recording evidence for further units as required to achieve
VQ;
Stage 6 Assessment centre: final assessment of knowledge, skills and ship-board performance
evidence against the standards in the VQ units; award of additional VQ units where
standards have been achieved; if appropriate, award of VQ and preparation for the
MCA oral examination;
Stage 7 MCA Oral examination: award of a certificate of competency to successful candidates.
6.2 The above is for guidance only. The precise structure of the shore-based and sea-going stages may
vary from centre to centre, and some of the stages may be combined, depending on the
candidate’s previous qualifications and prior experience. However, most centres will offer
programmes of education and training which, together with training aboard ship, will cover all
the requirements for a certificate of competency.
6.3 It is expected that the majority of candidates will undertake VQ based training within a stuctured
framework of standard blocks of training and study, under the auspices of an employing
company or other sponsoring organisation.
7.0 Watchkeeping and Sea Service
7.1 Sea service requirements are summarised below under each certifcate. Further details are set out
in Part 1(general),Part 2 (deck) and Part 3 (engineer) .
NON-VQ ROUTE TO STCW 95 CERTIFICATES
8.0 Revised Arrangements for Written Examinations
8.1 The traditional system of service at sea, mandatory short training programmes and approved
education leading to written examinations will be maintained for some time for the certificates
referred to below, as an alternative to the VQ route. Arrangements for other certificates may be
developed if there is sufficient demand.
8.2 A pass in each part of every examination ie written, MCA oral and, where appropriate, signals,
will remain valid for a period of 3 years. Passes in examinations for Higher National Diplomas
(HND) and Ordinary National Diplomas (OND) and Certificates of Achievement will remain
valid for certification purposes for 7 years.
8.3 Other requirements concerning eligibility for the issue of a certificate of competency are set out in
Parts 2, 3 and 9.
7
9.0 DECK OFFICER CERTIFICATES
9.1 Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch – OOW (STCW Reg II/I)
9.1.1 Deck officer candidates who are not following approved cadet training programmes will be
required to comply with one of the following:
.1 Cadets not following MNTB approved programmes, and ratings with 36 months sea
service in the deck department (48 months if service was as a General Purpose rating) must
have spent at least 6 of the last 12 months sea service on duties associated with bridge
watchkeeping under the supervision of a certificated deck officer.
.2 Certificated radio officers with at least 36 months service on merchant vessels will be
required to complete either:
.1 a further 18 months undertaking duties in both deck and radio departments or
.2 a further 12 months as a deck rating or trainee deck officer
whilst maintaining a record of training in an approved Training Record Book obtainable

from the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB). In both cases at least 6 months must be
spent on duties associated with bridge watchkeeping under the supervision of a certificated
deck officer.
.3 Royal Navy officers (Warfare Branch) with more than 36 months RN sea service will be
required to complete a minimum of 3 months sea service on merchant vessels.
.4 Holders of Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 1 or Skipper (Full) certificates of

competency will be not required to undertake sea service on merchant ships prior to
undertaking an STCW 95 Reg II/1 certificate of competency.
.5 Holders of Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) certificates of competency, other than those
described above, will be required to complete 3 months sea service on merchant vessels.
.6 Persons who have served on fishing vessels or RN ships in the deck department (other
than those described above) with more than 36 months sea service will be required to
complete a minimum of 6 months sea service in the deck department on merchant ships,
which must be spent on duties associated with bridge watchkeeping under the supervision
of a certificated deck officer.
.7 Certificated engineer officers will be required to complete 12 months sea service as a

trainee deck officer whilst maintaining a record of training in an approved Training Record
Book obtainable from the MNTB. At least 6 months must be spent on duties associated with
bridge watchkeeping under the supervision of a certificated deck officer.
9.1.2 Sea service must be recorded/endorsed in the seafarer’s discharge book and/or certificate(s) of
discharge and be supported by testimonials signed by the Master.
9.1.3 Candidates will also be required to:
.1 follow an approved programme of education and training which includes:
.1 knowledge, understanding and proficiencies listed in the STCW Code;
.2 ancillary training and other requirements listed in Part 2 of this series of guidance notes;
.3 the award of a Signals Certificate (valid for 3 years);
8
.4 the award of Part 1 of a Higher National Diploma in Nautical Science (or Certificates of
Achievement in individual units), awarded by EdExcel (BTEC) or the Scottish
Qualifications Authority (SQA); then
.2 pass external written examinations administered by the SQA in the following subjects:
.1 coastal navigation
.2 operational safety; and
.3 pass the MCA oral examination.
9.1.4 Ex-RN officers and holders of fishing vessel deck officer certificates of competency may qualify
for exemption from some of the HND and SQA examinations (see Part 9).
9.1.5 Holders of a Deck Class 5 certificate of competency may obtain an Officer of the Watch
(unlimited) STCW 95 Reg II/1 certificate by gaining an HND Certificate of Achievement in
“Ocean and Offshore Navigation” from HND Part 1 (currently part of the Deck Class 4 written
examinations) or the relevant unit from VQ level 3 in Marine Vessel Operations. The Chief Mate
capacity of the Deck Class 5 certificate will be carried forward as valid for ships less than 3,000 gt
in the Limited European Area.
9.1.6 Holders of Deck Class 1 (Fishing Vessel) certificates of competency may obtain an Officer of the
Watch (unlimited) STCW 95 Reg II/1 certificate of competency by producing evidence of having
completed one of the following:
.1 MCA/SQA Cargo Operations and Stability paper from the OOW written examinations ;
.2 the appropriate unit on Marine Vessel Operations in VQ level 3 (currently Unit C2);
.3 the Cargo Handling modules from the Standby Ship Operators Association and the
endorsement.
9.1.7 All candidates will also have to meet ancillary course requirements including GMDSS, EDH,
PSC&RB, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid and Signals. Navigation, Radar and ARPA
simulator (NARAS) certificates at the operational level will not be required for those who already
hold ENS and NCC (Fishing) certificates.
9.2 Chief Mate – Unlimited (STCW Reg II/2)
9.2.1 Candidates will be required to complete 18 months sea service whilst holding either a certificate
of competency as watchkeeping officer issued in accordance with Regulation II/1 of STCW 95, a
Class 3 or Class 4 deck officer certificate of competency issued under the 1985 Merchant Shipping
regulations or an equivalent certificate of competency issued under the 1894 Merchant Shipping
Act.
.2 ancillary training and other requirements listed in Part 2;
9
.3 the award of a Signals Certificate (valid for 3 years – only required when that awarded
for the II/1 certificate of competency has expired);
.4 the award of Part 2 of a Higher National Diploma in Nautical Science (or Certificates of
Achievement in individual units), awarded by EdExcel (BTEC) or the Scottish
Qualifications Authority (SQA); then
.2 pass external written examinations administered by the SQA in the following subjects:
.1 navigation
.2 stability; and
9.2.4 Ex-RN officers may qualify for exemption from certain of the SQA examinations (see Part 9).
9.3 Master – Unlimited (STCW Reg II/2)
9.3.1 Candidates will be required to complete 36 months sea service as a watchkeeping officer,
including 18 months whilst holding a Chief Mate (unlimited) or Deck Officer Class 2 certificate of
competency.
9.3.3 Candidates who possess:
• a Chief Mate certificate issued in accordance with Regulation II/2 of STCW 95, obtained by
following the route described at 9.2 above, or
revalidating a Class 2 Deck Officer certificate of competency issued after 1 January 1988
under the 1985 Merchant Shipping regulations, or
• a Class 2 Deck Officer certificate of competency issued after 1 January 1988 under the 1985
Merchant Shipping regulations
will be required to pass the MCA oral examination.
9.3.4 Candidates who possess:
revalidating either a Class 2 Deck Officer certificate of competency issued prior to 1 January
1988 under the 1985 Merchant Shipping regulations or an equivalent certificate of
competency issued under the 1894 Merchant Shipping Act, or
• a Class 2 Deck Officer certificate of competency issued prior to 1 January 1988 under the
1985 Merchant Shipping regulations or an equivalent certificate of competency issued under
the 1894 Merchant Shipping Act
will be required to:
.1 follow an approved programme of education and training and obtain a Certificate of

Achievement in the following subjects:
10
.1 navigation instrumentation
.2 engineering and control systems
.3 business and law
.4 ship construction and stability
.5 navigation– passage planning; or
.2 hold a UK Higher National Diploma in Nautical Science awarded by EdExcel (BTEC) or the
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA); or
.3 hold a UK degree in Nautical Science or Maritime Technology which is deemed at least

equivalent to an HND in Nautical Science; and
.4 follow an approved programme of education and training and pass external written
examinations administered by the SQA in:
.1 ship stability
.2 navigation; and
9.3.5 All candidates must submit a valid Proficiency in Medical Care certificate and a GMDSS (GOC)
certificate
10.0 ENGINEER OFFICER CERTIFICATES
10.1 Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch – OOW (STCW Reg III/1)
10.1.1 Engineer officer candidates who are not following approved cadet training programmes or the
approved engine-room rating to engineer officer scheme (details of which are available from the
MNTB) are required to have completed one of the following forms of initial training in the UK:
.1 shore-based training in engineering craft practice, following a recognised Modern

Apprenticeship in engineering or other scheme involving three years craft training, to the
satisfaction of the MCA; or
.2 engineer graduate, having satisfactorily completed a full time course of study to at least the
standard of the EdExcel (BTEC) or SQA Higher National Diploma in engineering, together
with training in engineering workshop skills and practice to the satisfaction of the MCA in
accordance with MNTB standards and recommendations. For candidates with no relevant
engineering training or experience, achievement of the desired standard will typically
involve around 6 months approved workshop training; or
.3 Royal Navy; commissioned officers who have specialised in marine engineering, Marine
Engineering Artificers, Marine Engineering Mechanicians and certain Marine Engineering
Mechanics, on active service or retired.
10.1.2 Prior to commencing merchant navy employment, the above candidates must apply to the
Examiner of Engineers in the Seafarer Standards Branch of the MCA, at the address given at the
beginning of this MGN, for an assessment of the suitability of their initial training. The reply will
be in the form of a Letter of Initial Assessment which must be produced by candidates when
applying for a first certificate of competency. Those whose initial training is not considered
suitable must follow the VQ route to certification.
11
10.1.3 Candidates will be required to complete the following qualifying sea service on ships of not less
than 350 kW registered power:
.1 motor certificate: 6 months, of which at least 4 months must have been spent in
watchkeeping or duties associated with the Unmanned Machinery Space (UMS) on the main
propelling machinery of motor ships;
.2 steam certificate: 6 months, of which at least 4 months must have been spent in
watchkeeping or UMS duties on the boilers and main propelling machinery of steam ships;
.3 combined certificate: 8 months, of which at least 4 months must have been spent in
watchkeeping or UMS duties on the main propelling machinery of motor ships and at least 4
months must have been spent in watchkeeping or UMS duties on the boilers and main
propelling machinery of steam ships.
discharge and be supported by testimonials signed by the Chief Engineer.
10.1.5 Sea service performed in ships of the Royal Navy will be assessed as if it had been performed in
merchant ships.
.1 follow an approved programme of education and training on board ship and ashore which
includes:
.2 ancillary training and other requirements listed in Part 3; then
.2 pass a single external written examination paper administered by the International

Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), divided into the following professional subjects:
.1 General Engineering Knowledge;
.2 Motor and/or Steam Engineering Knowledge; and
10.1.7 On-board training will be documented in an approved Training Record Book, obtainable from the
MNTB or one of the MCA-approved training providers.
10.2 Second Engineer Officer – Unlimited (STCW Reg III/2)
than 750 kW registered power whilst holding a certificate of competency as watchkeeping officer
issued in accordance with Regulation III/1 of STCW 95, a Class 3 or Class 4 engineer officer
certificate of competency issued under the 1986 Merchant Shipping regulations or, for Royal
Navy candidates with suitable initial training, a Royal Navy Marine Engineer Officer of the
Watch Certificate4:
.1 motor certificate: 18 months, of which at least 9 months must have been spent in
watchkeeping or UMS duties on the main propelling machinery of motor ships;
.2 steam certificate: 18 months, of which at least 9 months must have been spent in
watchkeeping or UMS duties on the boilers and main propelling machinery of steam ships;
4Holders of this Royal Navy certificate are not entitled to be issued with a certificate of competency as watchkeeping officer issued in
accordance with Regulation III/1 of STCW 95, unless all other requirements are met.
12
.3 combined certificate: 18 months, of which at least 9 months must have been spent in
watchkeeping or UMS duties on the main propelling machinery of motor ships and at least 9
months must have been spent in watchkeeping or UMS duties on the boilers and main
propelling machinery of steam ships.
10.2.3 Sea service performed in ships of the Royal Navy will be assessed as if it had been performed in
merchant ships; however, RN candidates must perform at least 3 months merchant vessel
familiarisation sea service in the engine-room department.
.2 ancillary training and other requirements for certification under Regulation III/1 listed
in Part 3 (unless completed previously); then
.2 pass external written examinations administered by the SQA in the following academic
subjects: (it may be possible to gain exemption from these on the basis of past achievements
in national examinations as described in Part 9)
.1 applied mechanics;
.2 applied heat;
.3 mathematics;
.4 engineering drawing;
.5 marine electrotechnology;
.6 naval architecture; and
.3 pass external written examinations administered by the SQA in the following professional
subjects:
.1 general engineering knowledge;
.2 motor and/or steam engineering knowledge; and
10.3 Chief Engineer Officer – Unlimited (STCW Reg III/2)
than 1,500 kW registered power whilst holding a certificate of competency as Second Engineer
officer issued in accordance with Regulation III/2 of STCW 95, a Class 2 Engineer Officer
certificate of competency issued under the 1986 Merchant Shipping Regulations or a Second Class
Engineer certificate of competency issued under the 1894 Merchant Shipping Act:
.1 motor certificate: 18 months, of which 9 months must have been spent in charge of a watch
or UMS duties on motor ships of 3,000 kW or more;
13
.2 steam certificate: 18 months, of which 9 months must have been spent in charge of a watch
or UMS duties on steam ships of 3,000 kW or more;
.3 combined certificate: 18 months, of which 9 months must have been spent in charge of a
watch or UMS duties on motor ships of 3,000 kW or more and 9 months must have been
spent in charge of a watch or UMS duties on steam ships of 3,000 kW or more.
10.3.3 Candidates will be required to:
.2 ancillary training and other requirements for certification under Regulation III/1 listed
in Part 3 (unless completed previously); then
.2 pass external written examinations administered by the SQA in the following academic
subjects: (it may be possible to gain exemption from these on the basis of past achievements
in national examinations as described in Part 9):
.1 applied mechanics;
.2 applied heat;
.3 marine electrotechnology;
.4 naval architecture; and
.3 pass external written examinations administered by the SQA in the following professional
subjects:
.1 general engineering knowledge;
.2 motor and/or steam engineering knowledge; and
11.0 Training Providers
11.1 Candidates wishing to follow either the VQ or the non-VQ route to STCW 95 certification should
contact their nearest MCA Marine Office (listed at Annex 1) for details of local colleges and other
organisations approved by the MCA to deliver education and training schemes and short training
programmes to meet the requirements of STCW 95.
12.0 Further Information
12.1 Further information, if required, is available from the MCA at any MCA Marine Office or at the
address given at the beginning of this MGN.
14
ANNEX 1
MCA MARINE OFFICES
1. Aberdeen Marine Office Tel: 01224 574 122

Blaikies Quay Fax: 01224 571 920
Aberdeen AB11 5EZ
2. Belfast Marine Office Tel: 02890 562 962

Queens Square Fax: 02890 562 960
Belfast BT1 3ET
3. Beverley Marine Office Tel: 01482 866 606

Crosskill House Fax: 01482 869 989
Mill Lane, Beverley
North Humberside HU17 9JB
4. Cardiff Marine Office Tel: 02920 229 556

Oxford House Fax: 02920 229 017
Hills Street
Cardiff CF1 2TD
5. Dover Marine Office Tel: 01304 227710

Langdon Battery Fax: 01304 241124
Swingate
Dover CT15 5NA
6. Falmouth Marine Office Tel: 01326 312761

Pendennis Point Fax: 01326 314331
Castle Drive
Falmouth
Cornwall TR11 4WZ
7. Glasgow Marine Office Tel: 0141 427 9400

6000 Academy Park Fax: 0141 427 9401
Gower Street
Glasgow G51 1TR
8. Great Yarmouth Marine Office Tel: 01493 330433

5th floor Fax: 01493 330489
Yarmouth House
45 Yarmouth Way
Great Yarmouth
Norfolk NR 30 2QZ
9. Leith Marine Office Tel: 0131 554 5488

1, John’s Place Fax: 0131 554 7689
Leith
Edinburgh EH6 7EL
10. Liverpool Marine Office Tel: 0151 471 1142

Graeme House Fax: 0151 471 1143
2nd Floor, Derby Square
Liverpool L2 7SQ
15
11. London Marine Office Tel: 01689 890 400
Central Court, Fax: 01689 890 446
1B Knoll Rise, Orpington
Kent BR6 0JA
12. Milford Haven Marine Office Tel: 01646 693272

Gorsewood Drive Fax: 01646 697852
Hakin
Milford Haven
Pembrokeshire SA 73 3HB
13. Newcastle Marine Office Tel: 0191 285 7171

Government Buildings Fax: 0191 284 7464
Broadway West, Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 2JL
14. Plymouth Marine Office Tel: 01752 266 211

New Fish Market Fax: 01752 225 826
Baylys Wharf
Fish Quay
Plymouth PL4 0LH
15. Shetland Marine Office Tel: 01595 696712

The Knab Fax: 01595 692160
Knab Road
Lerwick
Shetland ZE 1 0AX
16. Southampton Marine Office Tel: 02380 329 329

Spring Place, Fax: 02380 329 351
105 Commercial Road
17. Stockton on Tees Marine Office Tel: 01642 611040

3rd floor Victoria House Fax: 01642 614048
Pearson Court
Pearson Way
Teesdale Park
Stockton on Tees TS 17 6PT
16
MGN 91 (M)

Certificates of Competency – General Requirements
for Certification and Medical Fitness
Notice to Owners, Masters, Deck and Engineer Officers and Ratings of Merchant Vessels and
those concerned with Maritime Training
This Note supersedes Marine Guidance Note MGN 1(M) and should be read in conjunction with
Merchant Shipping Notices Nos MSN 1692(M), MSN 1746(M), MSN 1745(M&F), MSN 1750(M)
and MSN 1742(M) (or subsequent amendments)
Summary
This Marine Guidance Note (MGN) is part of a series which gives guidance regarding the application
of the Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations 1997 1 .
sheet of any revised Part will list the latest MGN numbers. Any reference to “Part” in this Note
Key Point
This Part gives an introduction to the requirements of STCW 95 and general guidance on the
requirements for the certification of officers and ratings in both the deck and engine departments; it
also describes the sight testing and the medical standards which apply to candidates for certification.

Number
1 General requirements for certification and This Note
medical fitness
2 Certificates of competency - deck department MGN 92 (M) April 2000
3 Certificates of competency - engine MGN 93 (M) April 2000

department
4 Certificates of competency - radio personnel MGN 94(M) July 1999
1
SI 1997/348 as amended by SI 1997/1911.
1
5 Special training requirements for personnel MGN 95 (M) April 2000
on certain types of ships
6 Emergency, occupational safety, medical care MGN 96 (M) April 2000

and survival functions
7 Alternative certification - dual certification MGN 7 (M) April 2000
8 Education and training schemes MGN 8 (M) April 2000
9 Procedure for the issue and MGN 9 (M) April 2000
revalidation of certificates of competency
marine engine operator licences and tanker
endorsements
10 Ratings MGN 97 (M) April 2000
11 Conduct of MCA oral examinations MGN 69 (M) April 2000
12 Safety training for concessionaires MGN 120 (M) April 2000
working on passenger ships
13 Use of fishing vessel certificates of competency MGN 121 (M) April 2000
in standby, seismic survey and oceanographic
research vessels – revised arrangements
14 STCW 95 application to certificates of service MGN 116 (M) April 2000
15 Certification of inshore tug personnel MGN 117 (M) April 2000
16 Certification of inshore craft personnel MGN 126 (M) Not yet issued
(other than tugs)

Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Tel 02380 329 231

Fax 02380 329 252
E-mail: exams_section@mcga.gov.uk
April 2000
MC124/1/020
© Crown copyright 2000 Environment, Transport and the Regions
2
All references to “Parts” in this document are to other Parts of this series of Training and Certification
Guidance Notes
1.0 Introduction
implement in the United Kingdom some of the requirements of the International Convention on
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping 1978 as amended in 1995 (STCW 952) and
its associated Code (STCW Code). The Regulations specify the conditions to be satisfied for the
issue of certificates of competency and endorsements to those certificates, for service in the
Merchant Navy. The remaining amendments to the Convention are implemented by The
Merchant Shipping (Safe Manning, Hours of Work and Watchkeeping) Regulations 1997 3 .
1.2 STCW 95 prescribes mandatory minimum requirements for certification of deck and engineer
officers and watch ratings including requirements relating to age, medical fitness, seagoing
service and standards of competence. To satisfy these, candidates for UK certificates of
competency have to meet certain medical standards (including eyesight); satisfactorily
complete the minimum period of seagoing service; reach the required vocational and academic
standard; undertake ancillary technical training, and in the case of officer candidates, on
completion of programmes of education and training approved by the Maritime and
Coastguard Agency (MCA), pass an oral examination conducted by an MCA examiner. Further
information on the various requirements is detailed in other parts of this series of Guidance
Notes.
1.3 STCW 95 requires Administrations to establish its own near-coastal voyage limits and for the
UK this is within 150 miles from a safe haven in the UK and 30 miles from a safe haven in Eire.
1.4 For the purposes of this MGN, “sea-going” means any voyage beyond Category C and D
waters (as set out in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1569 (M)).
2.0 Certificates of Competency
2.1 Deck Department – The Regulations provide for the following certification for masters and
deck department personnel involved in bridge watchkeeping and navigational duties as shown
below in Table 1. Additional flexibility is however provided by further limitations and
restrictions on certification for specific ship types or trades, as appropriate.
2
Available from the Publications Department, The International Maritime Organization, 4 Albert
Embankment, London SE1 7SR.
3
SI 1997/1320 as amended by SI 2000/484.
3
Table 1 Deck Department Certificates of Competency
Capacity Area Limitation Tonnage Limitation STCW 95 Regulation
OOW near-coastal less than 500 gt II/3

none none II/1
Chief mate near-coastal less than 3,000 gt II/2

near-coastal none II/2
none less than 3,000 gt II/2
none none II/2
Master near-coastal less than 500 gt II/3

near-coastal less than 3,000 gt II/3
local domestic domestic passenger
vessels
none less than 3,000 gt II/2
none none II/2
Navigational none none II/4

watch rating
2.2 Engine Department - The Regulations also provide for the following certification for chief
engineers and engine department personnel involved in watchkeeping and associated engine-
room duties. Additional flexibility is however provided by further limitations and restrictions
on certification for specific ship types, propulsion systems, or trade as appropriate.
Engineer officers serving on ships of less than 750 kW are not required to hold certificates of
competency.
Table 2 Engine Department Certificates of Competency
Capacity Propulsive Power STCW 95 Regulation

Limitation
OOW unlimited III/1
Second engineer less than 3,000kW III/3 *

unlimited III/2
Chief engineer less than 3,000kW III/3 **

unlimited III/2
Engine-room watch unlimited III/4

rating
* This certificate will be endorsed for service in vessels up to 6,000kW in the near-coastal area
** This certificate may be endorsed, if required, for service in vessels up to 6,000kW in the near-
coastal area for those with not less than 36 months sea-service
4
2.3 Dual Certification - Combined deck and engineer officer certificates of competency may be
obtained under STCW 95 Regulation VII (the Dual or Alternative Certification System), which
whilst requiring all the competencies specified for both disciplines, permits a reduction in the
total sea service requirements. However, the UK, whilst approving training schemes for
officers who wish to combine deck and engineering training, has decided at this time not to
issue certificates of competency under Regulation VII. Officers successfully completing
combined deck and engineer programmes will be issued with separate deck and engineer
certificates in accordance with Regulations II and III. Further details of requirements are set out
in Parts 2 and 3.
2.4 Under transitional arrangements, additional categories of deck and engineer officer certificates
may be issued to ease the transition between the existing standards and those of STCW 95 (see
Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1692(M) or subsequent amendments).
2.5 All certificates, for both the deck and engine departments, may also be limited for service on
specific ship types, engine types, or trades as appropriate.
2.6 Every certificate will be issued in the form required by Regulation I/2 of STCW 95.
3.0 Procedure for Obtaining a Certificate
3.1 There are two routes to gaining the necessary skills and underpinning knowledge required for
the issue of a certificate of competency: the vocational qualification (VQ) route and a route
based on traditional examinations. Where appropriate, both routes can lead to other nationally
recognised qualifications, such as a Higher National Diploma (HND) issued by Edexcel
3
(previously BTEC) or the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) .
3.2 The issue of a certificate of competency, particularly a first certificate, is generally the final
stage in the following procedure:
.1 demonstration of the required standard of physical fitness (by passing a medical
examination/sight test);
.2 completion of the initial training requirements;
.3 completion of the appropriate watchkeeping and/or sea-service;
.4 successful completion of the approved training programmes and assessments;
.5 successful completion of all ancillary training as set out in Part 2 (deck) and 3
(engineer)
.6 success in the MCA oral examination (not required for ratings certification under
Regulations II/4 and III/4).
4.0 Extra Master and Extra First Class Engineer Certificates
4.1 The Extra Master and Extra First Class Engineer certificates were created for the benefit of
those candidates who wished to demonstrate that they had professional qualifications superior
to the standard certificates of competency required for service at sea as master and chief
engineer respectively. These certificates are outside any internationally recognised certification
structure. As the number of candidates for examination leading to the issue of these certificates
has dropped very substantially over recent years, the MCA have withdrawn these
examinations and ceased issuing the certificates from 1 August 1998.
5.0 Competency and Training
5.1 Certificates of competency are obtainable only by assessment and examination consisting of
practical, written and oral components. Details of examination arrangements for these
components are given in Parts 8, 9 and 11.
3
With effect from 1 April 1997, the SQA took on the role and responsibilities of the Scottish Vocational
and Educational Council (SCOTVEC).
5
5.2 Candidates will be assessed to ensure they meet the standards of competence required by
STCW 95. The STCW Code details the levels of knowledge, understanding and proficiency and
the methods which may be used to determine candidates’ competence to undertake different
functions associated with different levels of responsibility.
5.3 STCW 95 defines seven functions as follows:
.1 navigation;
.2 cargo handling and stowage;
.3 control and operation of the ship and care for persons on board;
.4 marine engineering;
.5 electrical, electronic and control engineering;
.6 maintenance and repair;
.7 radiocommunications;
at the following levels of responsibility:
.1 management - (master, chief mate, chief engineer, second engineer);

.2 operational - (watchkeeping officers);
.3 support - (watch ratings and other ratings with safety and pollution prevention
responsibilities).
6.0 Sea Service
6.1 General Provisions
6.1.1 A candidate’s eligibility for certification will depend (among other things) upon the amount
and type of sea-service performed and the type and area of operation of vessel(s) in which
employed. The minimum amount of service acceptable for each grade of certificate of
competency is given in Part 2 for deck officers and Part 3 for engineer officers.
6.1.2 Unless candidates can prove the full amount of sea-service claimed, they will not normally be
considered for assessment or examination. In a case where a candidate completes assessment
or passes an examination prior to having completed the required sea-service, he or she will not
be issued with a certificate until the required sea-service has been completed. At least 6 months
of the qualifying sea-service must have been performed within the 5 years preceding the
application.
6.1.3 Applicants for certificates other than first certificates (i.e. Reg. II/1, II/3, or III/1) are required
to produce certificates of watchkeeping service signed by the Master or Chief Engineer of the
ships in which the service has been performed. In the case of service as Master or Chief
Engineer, the certificate must be signed by a responsible official of the company concerned. The
certificates of watchkeeping service may incorporate the testimonials referred to in paragraph
6.4 below. The specimen forms at Appendix 1B and 1D may be used as a guide for this
purpose.
6.1.4 Any applicant for a certificate of competency who has followed an approved Vocational
Training (VQ) programme of on-board training must produce a Training Record Book or
Training Portfolio completed in accordance with the recommendations of the Merchant Navy
Training Board.
6.1.5 Applicants for a first certificate of competency as deck officer not undertaking approved VQ
training, must produce as a minimum, evidence of participation in shipboard drills, exercises
and training. This may be documented in appropriate testimonials or in a Personal Training
and Service Record Book published by the International Shipping Federation (ISF).
6
6.1.6 Applicants for a first certificate of competency as engineer officer not undertaking approved
VQ training, must obtain an approved Personal Training and Service Record Book published
by the ISF, and record as fully as possible the work they have done on board ships. All entries
must be verified by the Chief Engineer and/or other appropriate officers wherever possible.
6.2 Verification of Service
6.2.1 Entries in a Discharge Book or Certificates of Discharge supported by testimonials will be

treated as evidence of sea service. Where there are doubts about the sea service claimed or it
cannot be verified as above, it will only be accepted upon written confirmation by some
responsible person having personal knowledge of the facts to be established.
6.3 Calculation of Service

6.3.1 Sea service entered in official documents as in paragraph 6.2 above, will be reckoned by the
calendar month, that is the time included between any given day in any month and the
preceding day of the following month, both inclusive. The number of complete months from
the start of the period, ascertained in this way, should be worked at first, after which the
number of odd days should be counted. The day on which the crew agreement began, as well
as that on which it ended, should both be included, all leave of absence excluded and all odd
days added together and reckoned at thirty days to the month.
6.4 Testimonials Required

6.4.1 All applicants for first and subsequent certificates of competency must produce testimonials
covering character, standards of behaviour including sobriety, experience and ability on board
ship and good conduct at sea, for at least the last twelve months of sea service preceding the
date of application.
6.4.2 For applicants for certificates other than the first watchkeeping certificate, testimonials may be
incorporated in the watchkeeping service certificates referred to in paragraph 6.1.3 above.
6.4.3 For applicants for a first watchkeeping certificate of competency, the testimonials may be
incorporated in a loose-leaf format into the Record Book or Training Portfolio for those
following MNTB approved training programmes. In other cases, the specimen forms at
Appendix 1A and 1C may be used as a guide.
6.4.4 Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the required testimonials must be signed by the
Master or Chief Engineer of the ships in which qualifying sea service has been performed. In
the case of service as Master or Chief Engineer, the testimonials must be signed by a
responsible official of the company concerned.
6.5 Unsatisfactory Conduct

6.5.1 Candidates or potential candidates who, after having signed crew agreements have neglected
to join their vessels, or who, after having joined have left their ships other than upon discharge,
or who have committed misconduct on board, will be required when applying for a Notice of
Eligibility to produce satisfactory proof of two years subsequent service with good conduct at
sea, unless the MCA, after investigation, should see fit to reduce this period.
MEDICAL FITNESS AND EYESIGHT REQUIREMENTS
7.0 Medical Fitness Certificates - General Provisions

7.1 All candidates for and holders of STCW 95 certificates of competency issued in the UK must
also hold a valid medical fitness certificate, irrespective of the size of ship on which they are
working or on which they intend to work. The standards of medical fitness are currently set
out in MSN 1746(M).
7
7.2 Any seafarer, whose certificate expires whilst in a location where a medical examination in
accordance with the Regulations cannot be arranged, may continue to be employed without a
valid medical fitness certificate for not more than three months from the date on which the
certificate expired.
7.3 Medical Certificates acceptable for a Certificate of Competency
7.3.1 These are:
.1 a certificate (commonly and currently known as ENG 1) issued by an approved medical

practitioner in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination)
Regulations 19834 (the Regulations).
.2 an appropriate medical fitness certificate issued by any of the countries listed in

Appendix 2.
In each case the certificate is only valid if it is within the period of validity stated on it, (see
paragraph 7.4.2 below).
7.4 Application Procedure for a UK Medical Fitness Certificate
7.4.1 Applications should be made directly to an approved medical practitioner who is entitled to require
payment of a prescribed maximum fee: a list of those currently approved is published in Merchant
Shipping Notice MSN 1750 (M).
7.4.2 If the approved medical practitioner considers that the seafarer meets the medical standards,
a medical fitness certificate (ENG 1) will be issued. This may be restricted to such capacity of
sea service (eg catering department) or geographical area (eg excluding service in tropical
areas) as the medical practitioner thinks appropriate. The period of validity will be entered on
the certificate, subject to the seafarer’s age, as follows:
Under 18 years – valid for 1 year
18 years and over 40 – valid for 5 years
40 years and over – valid for 2 years
7.4.3 If the seafarer’s health (or type of work) demands it, an approved medical practitioner can
issue a certificate valid for a shorter period. The medical fitness certificate should be retained
by the seafarer.
7.4.4 If the approved medical practitioner refuses to issue a certificate or issues a certificate
containing a restriction on sea service or geographical area, he must also give the seafarer a
notice of failure to meet the medical standards and right of appeal form (currently numbered
ENG 3) (see paragraph 7.6 below).
7.5 Review of Valid Certificate
7.5.1 If an approved medical practitioner has reasonable grounds for believing that the decision to
award a medical fitness certificate should be reviewed or that the certificate should be
withdrawn, he will notify the seafarer concerned and exercise his right under the Regulations
to demand the return of the certificate so that he can:
4
SI 1983/808 as amended by SI 1985/512 and SI 1990/1985.
8
.1 suspend its validity until the seafarer has undergone a further medical examination; or
.2 suspend its validity for such period as he considers the seafarer will remain unfit to go
to sea; or
.3 cancel the certificate if he considers that the seafarer is likely to remain permanently
unfit to go to sea.
7.6 Appeal Procedure
7.6.1 The appeal procedure is only available to an existing seafarer and for suspension of a certificate
for 3 months or more. For this purpose, an existing seafarer is one who has served at sea or
who has held a valid medical fitness certificate at any time during the two years immediately
preceding the refusal, imposition of a restriction, suspension or cancellation of the certificate.
7.6.2 If a seafarer wishes to appeal, it is recommended that independent medical advice should be
sought from the seafarer’s family doctor or perhaps from the seafarer’s trade union or
employer. If the seafarer decides to proceed with an appeal, the application form (ENG 3),
which is part of the notice of appeal and which includes an authority for the approved medical
practitioner’s report to be released to the medical referee, must be completed and sent to the
Seafarer Health & Safety Branch of the MCA at the address at the front of this Guidance Note.
The application must be made within one month of the date on which the seafarer is given
notice by the approved medical practitioner of refusal, restriction or suspension of a certificate.
The MCA will then arrange for the appeal to be considered by a medical referee and arrange an
appointment for the seafarer to see the medical referee.
7.6.3 Any medical evidence in support of an application should be sent to the medical referee before
the appointment date.
7.6.4 Further details of appeal procedure are given in MSN 1750 (M).
7.7 Eyesight Standards

7.7.1 An ENG 1 includes confirmation that eyesight standards are met. However for deck
candidates, if the ENG 1 is more than 2 years old, a separate sight test (a seafarer vision test)
will be required for the issue of a first certificate of competency. Details of the required
standards and test arrangements for the seafarer vision test are given in Merchant Shipping
Notice MSN 1745 (M+F).
7.7.2 To arrange a seafarer vision test, an application form should be obtained from any MCA
Marine Office (listed at Appendix 3) and taken to any registered optometrist – available at most
opticians – who will conduct the test and complete the required report. This report should be
submitted with any application for a first certificate of competency.
8.0 Further Advice
8.1 Further information if required may be obtained from the MCA at any Marine Office or at the
9
Appendix 1A
EXAMPLE OF SEA SERVICE TESTIMONIAL
This form should be used when a deck cadet or rating leaves a ship and should be submitted with any
application for an MCA certificate of competency
Company Name
SEA SERVICE TESTIMONIAL - DECK CADET/RATING
Company Address / Contact Details :..........................................................................................

...........................................................................................
...........................................................................................
...........................................................................................
Tel:........................................ Fax:....................................
PART 1 - WATCHKEEPING SERVICE
This is to certify that:
Full Name of Cadet/Rating ...........................................................................................................

Date of Birth ...........................................................................................................
Discharge Book Number: ...........................................................................................................
has served on:
Name of Vessel: ................................. Official Number: ...................................
Type of Vessel: ................................. Gross Tonnage: ....................................
from: ....................................................... to: ................................................................
During this period the above-named cadet/rating accrued the following bridge
watchkeeping service (under the supervision of a certificated navigation officer) for
not less than 8 hours out of every 24 hours whilst the vessel was engaged on
unlimited*/near-coastal* voyages:
.........................................Weeks ...............................................Days
In addition the above-named cadet/rating:
a) regularly carried out other duties in connection with the routine and maintenance of
the ship*
b) was granted no leave of absence*
c) was granted leave of absence as follows*...............................................................................
* Delete as appropriate
10
PART 2 - TESTIMONIAL
My report on the service of the above-named deck cadet/rating, during the period stated, is as
follows:
Conduct:
Experience/ability:
Behaviour/sobriety:
PART 3 – OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT
Name (block letters) of Master: ............................................................................................................
Signature of Master: ...............................................................................................................................
Ship’s/Company stamp and date:
In exceptional circumstances this testimonial may be signed by a responsible official of

the Company.
11
Appendix 1B
This form should be used when a deck officer or the master leaves a ship and should be submitted with
any application for an MCA certificate of competency
Company name
SEA SERVICE TESTIMONIAL - DECK OFFICER
Company Address / Contact Details :...........................................................................................

...........................................................................................
...........................................................................................
...........................................................................................
Tel:........................................ Fax:....................................
Full Name of Officer: .................................................................................

Date of Birth: .................................................................................
Discharge Book no. or other National I.D.: .................................................................................
has served on:
Name of Vessel: ................................. Official Number: ...................................
Type of Vessel: ................................. Gross Tonnage: ....................................
Area of Operation:...............................................................................................................................
from: ....................................................... to: .................................................................
in the capacity of watchkeeping officer under my command. During this period the
above-named officer was in full charge of a navigation watch for not less than..................
hours out of every 24 hours whilst the vessel was engaged on unlimited*/near coastal*
voyages.
In addition, the above-named officer :
(a) regularly carried out other duties in connection with the routine and maintenance of
the ship;*
(b) served as the senior*/junior* of two watchkeeping officers during the following
periods when bridge watches were doubled and at no other times;*
..............................................................................
(c) was granted no leave of absence*
(d)was granted leave of absence as follows*
...............................................................................
(e) served on board the vessel from.......................to......................whilst under refit or in the

final stages of construction. (Such testimonials to be backed up by a detailed description
of the work undertaken.)
12
My report on the service of the above-named officer, during the period stated, is as follows:
Conduct:
Experience/ability:
Behaviour/sobriety:
Name (in block letters) of Master: ........................................................................................................
Signature of Master: ...............................................................................................................................
Ship’s/Company stamp and date:
In exceptional circumstances this testimonial may be signed by a responsible Official of

the Company.
13
Appendix 1C
This form should be used when an engineer cadet/rating leaves a ship and should be
submitted with any application for an MCA certificate of competency
Company name
SEA SERVICE TESTIMONIAL - ENGINEER CADET/RATING
Company Address / Contact Details : ...........................................................................................

............................................................................................
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
Tel:........................................ Fax:....................................
This is to certify that
Full Name of Cadet/Rating .................................................................................

Date of Birth: .................................................................................
Discharge Book number: .................................................................................
has served on:
Name of Vessel: ................................. Official Number: .......................................
Type/Make of main propelling machinery: .......................................................................
Power (kW): ..........................................................................................................................................
Shaft Power (kW): ...............................................................................................................................
Type/Make of Auxiliary Machinery: ...............................................................................................
Type of Boilers: ....................................................................................................................................
from: .................................................... to: .................................................................
During this period the above-named cadet/rating accrued the following engine-room
watchkeeping/duty engineer, UMS vessel service (under the supervision of a
certificated engineer officer) for not less than 8 hours out of every 24 hours whilst the
vessel was engaged on sea-going voyages:
.........................................Weeks ...............................................Days
In addition the above-named cadet/rating: ...................................................................................
a) regularly carried out other duties in connection with the routine and maintenance of
the ship*
b) was granted no leave of absence*
c) was granted leave of absence as follows*...................................................................................
14
My report on the service of the above-named engineer cadet/rating, during the period
stated, is as follows:
Conduct:
Experience/ability:
Behaviour/sobriety:
Name (in block letters) of Chief Engineer Officer: .......................................................................
Signature of Chief Engineer Officer: ...............................................................................................
Ship’s/Company stamp and date: .....................................................................................................

the Company.
15
Appendix 1D
This form should be used when the engineer officer, or the Chief Engineer leaves a ship and should be
submitted with any application for an MCA certificate of competency
Company Name
SEA SERVICE TESTIMONIAL - ENGINEER OFFICER
Company Address / Contact Details :.........................................................................................

.........................................................................................
.........................................................................................
.........................................................................................
Tel:........................................ Fax:..................................
Full Name of Officer .................................................................................

Date of Birth .................................................................................
Discharge Book No. or other National I.D. ..................................................................................
has served on
Name of vessel:........................................ Official Number: ....................................
Type/Make of main propelling machinery
Power (kW): ......................................................................................................................................
Shaft Power (kW): ............................................................................................................................
Type/Make of Auxiliary Machinery: ..........................................................................................
Type of Boilers: ..................................................................................................................................
from: ........................................................ to: ..............................................................
During this period the above-named officer accrued the following engine-room
watchkeeping/duty engineer, UMS vessel service for not less than 8 hours out of every
24 hours whilst the vessel was engaged on sea-going voyages:
.................................................Weeks .......................................................Days
NATURE OF OTHER DUTIES (Please tick appropriate boxes)
1. Day Work
2. Regular watch on auxiliary machinery:
3. Regular watch on main propulsion machinery:
(a) in full charge
(b) in subsidiary capacity
16
4. Regular work in ships possessing:
(a) centralised control room
(b) full or partial automation
(c) facility to operate machinery in the unmanned

mode for a significant proportion of each 24 hour period
5. Service on board the vessel whilst it was under refit or in the

final stages of construction. (Such testimonials to be backed
up by a detailed description of the work undertaken.)
During the whole period stated above, the above named-officer
(a) was granted no leave of absence*
(b) was granted .........................days leave of absence whilst still on crew agreement*
*Delete as appropriate
17
My report on the service of the above-named officer, during the period stated, is as follows:
Conduct:
Experience/ability:
Behaviour/sobriety:
Name (in block letters) of Chief Engineer Officer: .......................................................................
Signature of Chief Engineer Officer: ...............................................................................................
Ship’s/Company stamp and date: ....................................................................................................

the Company.
18
Appendix 2
Medical Fitness Certificates Issued Outside the UK
Medical fitness certificates issued in accordance with STCW 95 requirements in the countries listed
below will be accepted by the MCA as evidence of medical fitness, provided that they meet the validity
requirements in paragraph 7.4.2.
Algeria France Norway

Angola Germany Pakistan
Argentina Greece Panama
Azerbaijan Guinea-Bissau Peru
Bangladesh Hong Kong Poland
Barbados India Portugal
Belgium Iraq Russian Federation
Bosnia & Herzegovina Ireland Singapore
Brazil Italy Slovenia
Bulgaria Japan South Africa
Canada Korea Spain
Costa Rica Kyrgyzstan Sweden
Croatia Lebanon Tajikstan
Cyprus Liberia Tunisia
Denmark Luxembourg Ukraine
Djibouti Malta United States
Egypt Morocco Uruguay
Finland Netherlands Yugoslavia
New Zealand
19
Appendix 3
MCA MARINE OFFICES

ABERDEEN Blaikies Quay LIVERPOOL Graeme House
Aberdeen AB11 5EZ 2nd Floor
Tel: 01224 574122 Derby Square
Fax: 01244 571 920 Liverpool L2 7SQ
Tel: 0151 471 1142
BELFAST Custom House Fax: 0151 471 1143
Queens Square
Belfast BT1 3ET ORPINGTON Central Court
Tel: 02890 562962 (LONDON) 1B Knoll Rise
Fax: 02890 562960 Orpington
Kent BR6 OJA
BEVERLEY Crosskill House Tel: 01689 890400
(HULL) Mill Lane Fax: 01689 890446
Beverley
North Humberside MILFORD HAVEN Gorsewood Drive
HU17 9JB Hakin
Tel: 01482 866606 Milford Haven
Fax: 01482 869989 Pembrokeshire
SA73 3HB
CARDIFF Oxford House Tel: 01646 693272
Hills Street Fax: 01646 697852
Cardiff CF1 2TD
Tel: 02920 229556 NEWCASTLE Government Buildings
Fax: 02920 229017 Broadway West
Gosforth
DOVER Langdon Battery Newcastle upon Tyne
Swingate NE3 2JL
Dover CT15 5NA Tel: 0191 285 7171
Tel: 01304 227710 Fax: 0191 284 7464
Fax: 01304 241124
PLYMOUTH New Fish Market
FALMOUTH Pendennis Point Baylys Wharf
Castle Drive Fish Quay
Falmouth Plymouth PL4 0LH
Cornwall TR11 4WZ Tel: 01752 266211
Tel: 01326 312761/312762 Fax: 01752 225826
Fax: 01326 314331
SHETLAND The Knab
GLASGOW Marine House Knab Road, Lerwick
6000 Academy Park Shetland ZE1 0AX
Gower Street Tel: 01595 696712
Glasgow G51 1TR Fax: 01595 692160
Tel: 0141 427 9400
Fax: 0141 427 9401 SOUTHAMPTON Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
GT. YARMOUTH 5th Floor Southampton S015 1EG
Yarmouth House Tel: 02380 329329
Yarmouth Way Fax: 02380 329351
Great Yarmouth
Norfolk NR30 2QZ STOCKTON ON TEES 3rd Floor
Tel: 01493 330433 Victoria House
Fax: 01493 330489 Pearson Court
Pearson Way
LEITH 1 John’s Place Teesdale Park
Leith Stockton on Tees TS17 6PT
Edinburgh EH6 7EL Tel: 01642 611040
Tel: 0131 554 5488 Fax: 01642 614048
Fax: 0131 554 7689
Safe Ships Clean Seas

20
MGN 92 (M)

Certificates of Competency – Deck Department
Notice to Owners, Masters, Deck Officers and Ratings of Merchant Vessels and those concerned
with Maritime Training
This Note supersedes Marine Guidance Note MGN 2(M) and should be read in conjunction with
Merchant Shipping Notices Nos M1328 and MSN 1692(M) (or subsequent amendments).
Summary
This Marine Guidance Note (MGN) is part of a series which gives guidance regarding the application of
the Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations 1997 1.
sheet of any revised Part will list the latest MGN numbers. Any references to “Part” in this Note
Key Point
This Part gives information and guidance regarding the certification structure and requirements for
deck officers and navigation watch ratings. It is additional to the general guidance given in Part 1
and is particular to the deck department.

Number
1 General requirements for certification MGN 91 (M) April 2000

and medical fitness
2 Certificates of competency – deck department This Note
3 Certificates of competency – engine MGN 93 (M) April 2000
department
4 Certificates of competency – radio personnel MGN 94 (M) July 1999
5 Special training requirements for personnel MGN 95 (M) April 2000
on certain types of ships
1
SI 1997/348 as amended by SI 1997/1911
1
6 Emergency, occupational safety , medical care MGN 96 (M) April 2000
and survival functions
7 Alternative certification – dual certification MGN 7 (M) April 2000
8 Education and training schemes MGN 8 (M) April 2000
9 Procedure for the issue and revalidation of MGN 9 (M) April 2000
certificates of competency, marine engine operator
licences and tanker endorsements
10 Ratings MGN 97 (M) April 2000
11 Conduct of MCA oral examinations MGN 69 (M) April 2000
12 Safety training for concessionaires MGN 120 (M) April 2000

working on passenger ships
13 Use of fishing vessel certificates of competency MGN 121 (M) April 2000
in standby, seismic survey and oceanographic
research vessels – revised arrangements
14 STCW 95 application to certificates of service MGN 116 (M) April 2000
15 Certification of inshore tug personnel MGN 117 (M) April 2000
16 Certification of inshore craft personnel MGN 126 (M) Not yet issued
(other than tugs)

Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Tel: 02380 329231

Fax: 02380 329252
E-mail: exams_section@mcga.gov.uk
April 2000
MC124/1/021
© Crown copyright 2000 Environment, Transport and the Regions
2
All references to “Parts” in this document are to other Parts of this series of Training and Certification
Guidance Notes
1.0 Introduction
implement in the United Kingdom some of the requirements of the International Convention
on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping 1978 as amended in 1995, and its
associated Code (STCW Code)2, and prescribe mandatory minimum requirements for the
certification of deck officers and navigational watch ratings.
1.2 Candidates for UK certificates of competency have to meet certain medical standards
(including eyesight); satisfactorily complete the minimum period of seagoing service; reach the
required vocational and academic standard; undertake ancillary technical training, and in the
case of officer candidates, on completion of programmes of education and training approved
by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), pass an oral examination conducted by an
MCA examiner.
1.3 A pass in each part of every examination i.e. written MCA oral and, where appropriate, signals,
will remain valid for a period of 3 years. Passes in Higher National Diplomas (HND), Ordinary
National Diploma examinations and Certificates of Achievement will remain valid for
certification purposes for 7 years.
2.0 Certificate Structure

2.1 The Regulations provide for the certification of masters and deck department personnel
involved in bridge watchkeeping and navigational duties as shown below in Table 1.
However, additional flexibility is provided by further limitations and restrictions on
certification for specific ship types or trades, as appropriate.
Table 1
Capacity Area Limitation Tonnage Limitation STCW 95 Regulation
OOW near-coastal less than 500gt II/3

none none II/1
Chief Mate near-coastal less than 3,000gt II/2

none less than 3,000gt II/2
none none II/2
Master near-coastal less than 500gt II/3

near-coastal less than 3,000gt II/3
local domestic passenger vessels
none less than 3,000gt II/2
none none 11/2
Navigational none none II/4

watch rating
2.2 There are three routes to gaining the necessary skills and underpinning knowledge required for
the issue of a certificate of competency: the Vocational Qualification (VQ) route, a route based on
traditional examinations and a route combining the two. Where appropriate, any route can lead
to other nationally recognised qualifications, such as a Higher National Diploma (HND) issued
by Edexcel (previously BTEC) or the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)3, or a degree.
2
Available from the Publications Department, International Maritime Organization, 4 Albert
Embankment, London SE1 7SR
3
With effect from 1 April 1997, the SQA took on the role and responsibilities of the Scottish Vocational
and Educational Council (SCOTVEC) and the Scottish Examinations Board (SEB).
3
2.4
2.3
Table 2 Deck Officer Certificate Structure II/2
Master
* Note The total watchkeeping sea service required between an OOW (unlimited) and Master (unlimited) certificate of
unlimited
competency being awarded is 36 months. For VQ candidates this may be reduced to 24 months if the candidate
II/2 Oral A
completes 12 months watchkeeping sea service as Chief Mate after qualifying for the Chief Mate (unlimited) II/2
certificate of competency. Candidates not following the VQ route must complete 18 months watch keeping sea service Master
after qualifying for the Chief Mate (unlimited) II/2 certificate of competency. less than 3,000gt unlimited
more than 3,000gt near-coastal
VQ see note*
II/3 Master II/2 Exam
less than 3,000gt 12 months Ch Mate 18 months
Master
Domestic passenger vessels only within a or
II/1 more than 500gt
specified area. 24 months OOW
OOW near-coastal
Oral H unlimited Oral G Nil
II/2
illustrated in Table 2 below.
12 months sea service in operating area

required before issue of this certificate Chief Mate
VQ 12 months unlimited
Nil E&T ‘D’ plus Oral B
Exam 18 months
6 months
II/3 E&T II/2
E&T ‘C’
Master ‘B’ Nil Chief Mate Nil
less than 500gt more than 3,000gt
4
near-coastal 6 months near-coastal
Oral D E&T ‘C’ plus Oral F
VQ 12 months VQ 12 months
VQ 12 months
Exam 18 months Exam 18 months
Exam 18 months
VQ 12 months
II/2 II/3 Master II/2
Exam 18 months
Chief Mate less than 500gt Chief Mate
12 months less than 3,000gt near-coastal less than 3,000gt
near-coastal unlimited
OralD Oral D
12 months
6 months
Nil 12 months
6 months
(see Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1692(M) or subsequent amendments).
II/3 II/1
OOW less than 500gt OOW
near-coastal unlimited
E&T ‘A’ plus Oral E E&T ‘A’ + ‘B’ plus Oral C
Key: E&T = Education and Training

ENTRY POINT Oral = MCA oral examination
Under transitional arrangements, additional categories of deck officer certificates may be
Further information on the various requirements for progression to each level of certification is
issued to ease the transition between the existing standards and those of STCW 95
3.0 Approved Sea Service
3.1 STCW 95 defines seagoing service as time spent on board a ship, relevant to the issue of a certificate
or other qualification. The period of sea service required for certification varies with the level of
certification and the training programme followed. The minimum requirements for the issue of a
deck officer certificate of competency are shown in Table 3 below.
Table 3 Summary of Sea Service Requirements for Certificates of Competency
Unlimited trading area; unlimited ship size
Capacity VQ Level in Min Sea Service Required

Marine Vessel Age
Operations VQ route Examination route
36 months* 36 months*
OOW unlimited VQ Level 3 18 (reduced to 12 months* if
(II/1) following an MNTB approved
course of VQ training)
Chief Mate VQ Level 4 – 12 months watchkeeping service 18 months watchkeeping service

unlimited (II/2) whilst holding a II/1 certificate, whilst holding a II/1 certificate,
– 36 months watchkeeping service 36 months watchkeeping service
whilst holding a II/1 certificate, whilst holding a II/1 certificate,
including at least 12 months including at least 18 months
whilst holding a Chief Mate whilst holding a Chief Mate
unlimited II/2 certificate unlimited II/2 certificate
VQ Level 4
Master plus or
unlimited (11/2) additional 24 months watchkeeping service
units whilst holding a II/1 certificate,
including at least 12 months whilst
holding a Chief Mate unlimited
II/2 certificate and sailing as
Chief Mate
Unlimited trading area; ships less than 3,000gt.

Marine Vessel Age
Chief Mate (II/2) – – 6 months watchkeeping service whilst holding a II/1 certificate
36 months watchkeeping service whilst holding a II/1 certificate,
including at least 12 months whilst holding a Chief Mate unlimited
II/2 certificate
Master (II/2) VQ Level 4 – or
24 months watchkeeping service whilst holding a II/1 certificate,
including at least 12 months whilst holding a Chief Mate unlimited
II/2 certificate and sailing as Chief Mate
5
Near-coastal trading area; ships less than 500gt

Marine Vessel Age
OOW (II/3) VQ Level 3 18 (reduced to 12 months* if following an
near-coastal units MNTB approved course of VQ training)
Master (II/3) – 20 12 months as OOW holding a II/3 or II/1 certificate
Near-coastal trading area; ships less than 3,000gt

Marine Vessel Age
OOW unlimited VQ Level 3 18 (reduced to 12 months* if following an
(II/1) MNTB approved course of VQ training)
Chief Mate (II/2) – Nil
Near-coastal trading area; unlimited ship size

Marine Vessel Age
Chief Mate (II/2) VQ Level 4 – 12 months watchkeeping service 18 months watchkeeping service
near-coastal whilst holding a II/1 certificate whilst holding a II/1 certificate
units
Master (II/2) – – 24 months watchkeeping service 36 months watchkeeping service

including at least 12 months including at least 18 months
watchkeeping service whilst watchkeeping service whilst
holding a Chief Mate (more than holding a Chief Mate (more than
3,000gt near-coastal) II/2 3,000gt near- coastal) II/2
certificate or Chief Mate certificate or Chief Mate
(unlimited) II/2 certificate (unlimited) II/2 certificate
6
Domestic passenger vessels operating in the near-coastal area within a nominated area

Marine Vessel Age
OOW (II/3) VQ Level 3 18 (reduced to 12 months* if following an
MNTB approved course of VQ training)*
Master (II/3) – 20 12 months watchkeeping service in the operating area whilst

holding an OOW II/3 certificate is required before this
certificate will be issued
* 6 months of the last 12 months sea service must have been whilst engaged in bridge watchkeeping
duties
3.2 General Requirements for Qualifying Sea Service
3.2.1 The qualifying service specified for any particular deck officer certificate of competency must
be performed in the deck department and is reckoned from the date of engagement to the date
of discharge. At least 6 months of the qualifying service must have been performed within the
5 years preceding the application. Sea service should normally be performed on merchant
ships of at least 24 metres in length or not less than 80gt proceeding to sea. Other sea service
may be accepted in lieu of a limited amount of service in specialised ships (see paragraph 3.7)
or a limitation may be imposed on the certificate of competency.
3.2.2 Candidates for certification as officer of the navigational watch (OOW) are required to produce
a statement from their employers, or the master(s) under whom they have served, that at least
6 of the last 12 months of their sea service have been spent on navigational watchkeeping
duties under the supervision of a certificated officer. These duties may include keeping a look-
out on the bridge or acting as helmsman but should not generally exceed 2 months out of the
required 6 months. Where watchkeeping service is required for other certificates, candidates
must provide proof of having served as watchkeeping officer for not less than
8 hours out of every 24 hours service claimed.
3.2.3 Trainee deck officers must produce evidence that an approved training programme (details in
Part 8) has been followed, and that all service while on board ship was performed in a
satisfactory manner. Not more than 2 months of that service may have been spent standing-by
a new vessel during the final stages of construction, in dry dock, or undergoing engine repairs.
Candidates who fail to produce satisfactory evidence that they have followed a training
programme approved by the MCA may be required to complete an additional period of sea
service before being considered eligible for a certificate of competency. Other candidates may
claim sea service reduction for attendance on approved training programmes or in recognition
of higher academic achievements (see paragraph 3.6.3 below).
3.3 Verification of Service
3.3.1 Entries in a Discharge Book or Certificates of Discharge supported by testimonials will be

treated as evidence of sea service. Where there are doubts about the sea service claimed or it
cannot be verified as above, it will only be accepted upon written confirmation by some
responsible person having personal knowledge of the facts to be established.
3.4 Calculation of Service
3.4.1 Sea service entered in official documents as in paragraph 3.3.1 above, will be reckoned by the
calendar month, that is the time included between any given day in any month and the
7
preceding day of the following month, both inclusive. The number of complete months from
the commencement of the period, ascertained in this way, should be computed, after which the
number of odd days should be counted. The day on which the crew agreement commenced, as
well as that on which it terminated, should both be included, all leave of absence excluded and
all odd days added together and reckoned at thirty days to the month.
3.5 Testimonials Required
3.5.1 All applicants for first and subsequent certificates of competency must produce testimonials
covering character, standards of behaviour including sobriety, experience and ability on board
ship and good conduct at sea, for at least the last twelve months of sea service preceding the
date of application.
3.5.2 For applicants for certificates other than the first watchkeeping certificate, testimonials may be
incorporated in the watchkeeping service certificates referred to in Part I.
3.5.3 For applicants for a first watchkeeping certificate of competency, the testimonials may be
incorporated in a loose-leaf format into the Record Book or Training Portfolio for those
following MNTB (Merchant Navy Training Board) approved training programmes. In other
cases, the specimen forms at Appendix 1A and 1C of Part 1 may be used as a guide.
3.5.4 Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the required testimonials must be signed by the
Master or Chief Engineer of the ships in which qualifying sea service has been performed. In
the case of service as Master or Chief Engineer, the testimonials must be signed by a
responsible official of the company concerned.
3.6 Sea Service Requirements for Candidates not Following an MNTB Approved/VQ Training
Programme
3.6.1 The sea service requirements for candidates for deck officer II/1 certificates of competency as OOW
who are not following approved cadet training programmes, may be varied as follows:
.1 Cadets not following MNTB approved training programmes and ratings with 36
months sea-service in the deck department (48 months if service was as a General
Purpose rating), must have spent at least 6 of the last 12 months sea service on duties
associated with bridge watchkeeping, under the supervision of a certificated deck
officer.
.2 Certificated Radio Officers with at least 36 months service on merchant vessels will
be required to complete either:
.1 a further 18 months undertaking duties in both deck and radio departments; or
.2 a further 12 months as a deck rating or trainee deck officer
whilst maintaining a record of training in an approved Training Record Book
obtainable from the MNTB. In both cases at least 6 months must be spent on duties
associated with bridge watchkeeping under the supervision of a certificated deck
officer;
.3 Royal Navy Officers (Warfare Branch) with more than 36 months RN sea service will
be required to complete a minimum of 3 months sea service on merchant vessels.
.4 Holders of Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 1 or Skipper (Full) certificates of

competency will not be required to undertake sea service on merchant ships prior to
undertaking an STCW 95 Reg II/1 certificate of competency.
8
.5 Holders of Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) certificates of competency, other than those
described above, will be required to complete 3 months sea service on merchant vessels.
.6 Persons who have served on fishing vessels or RN ships in the deck department
(other than those described above) with more than 36 months sea service, will be
required to complete a minimum of 6 months sea service in the deck department on
merchant ships, which must be spent on duties associated with bridge watchkeeping
under the supervision of a certificated deck officer.
.7 Certificated engineer officers will be required to complete 12 months sea service as
a trainee deck officer. At least 6 months must be spent on duties associated with
bridge watchkeeping under the supervision of a certificated deck officer.
3.6.2 Holders of Extended European or Middle Trade Command Endorsements who have served
at least 36 months as master in vessels trading outside the Limited European area, will not be
required to complete further sea service between being awarded a Chief Mate (unlimited)
Reg II/2 certificate and being allowed to apply for a Master (unlimited) certificate.
Certificates for Chief Mate (unlimited) under Reg II/2 will also be endorsed for Master, less
than 3,000gt.
3.6.3 For those following the traditional route based on written examinations, for progression to a deck
officer II/2 certificate of competency for service in the capacity of Chief Mate (unlimited), the
officer will be required to have performed at least 18 months watchkeeping sea service while
holding a OOW II/1 certificate. In order to obtain a deck officer II/2 certificate for the capacity of
master, the officer will be required to have performed at least 18 months watchkeeping sea
service whilst holding a II/2 certificate for the capacity of Chief Mate (unlimited).
3.6.4 Candidates for a deck officer II/2 certificate of competency for service as Chief Mate (near-
coastal) on ships more than 3,000gt, may count watchkeeping sea service performed at sea before
obtaining a merchant navy certificate of competency towards the total required, provided that no
such service is counted twice, i.e. towards both a first and subsequent certificate of competency.
Not less than 6 months watchkeeping service holding a deck officer II/1 certificate of competency
as OOW (unlimited) must be completed in all cases.
3.6.5 Holders of fishing vessel certificates of competency who qualify for the issue of a deck officer II/1
certificate of competency as OOW (unlimited) who then wish to obtain a deck officer II/2
certificate of competency for service as Chief Mate (near-coastal) on ships more than 3,000gt, will
be given remission from the required watchkeeping service at the discretion of the MCA
Examiner. Holders of Fishing Vessel Class 1 or Skipper (Full) certificates of competency, may also
qualify for remission of sea service between deck officer II/2 certificate of competency for service
as Chief Mate (near-coastal) on ships more than 3,000gt and that of deck officer II/2 certificate of
competency for service as Master (near-coastal) on ships more than 500gt. Such remission shall be
at the discretion of the MCA Examiner.
3.6.6 In certain exceptional circumstances, the MCA’s Chief Examiner may allow a reduction in the
sea service requirement or exemption from any part of the examinations to candidates who
have achieved relevant academic achievement or technical training considered to be
equivalent. Each case will be considered on a case by case basis.
3.7 Service in Specialised Ships
3.7.1 Service in the specialised ships listed in Tables 4 and 5 below will be counted towards the
qualifying sea service required for a certificate of competency, subject to the conditions stated.
3.7.2 Candidates taking advantage of the sea service reductions in Table 5, will have their certificates
of competency restricted to service in tugs until the full sea service requirements have been met.
9
Table 4 Sea Service Allowances for Service in Specialised Ships
Type of service or vessel Rate Conditions

Applicable
Ministry of Defence vessels at sea 1 at least 3 months service on merchant

eg RN, RMAS, RAF, Range vessels ships also required
cable ships 1 sea-service counted in full towards

sail training vessels unlimited certificate provided at
fishery protection vessels least 2/3 of time on board spent at sea;
research and survey vessels
salvage vessels
navaid tenders
stand-by vessels OR OR
cruising pilot vessels
seagoing ferries 1.5 if less than 2/3 of time on board is
MOUs on passage (of actual spent at sea
steaming time)
Standing by new construction 1 maximum of 2 months for trainee

in final stages; or vessels in dry deck officers and a maximum of
dock or undergoing engine repairs 3 months for other personnel
Service in fishing vessels more than 1 at least 6 months service on

16.5 m outside near-coastal area merchant ships also required
FPSOs 0.5 counted at half rate towards a max of

MOUs on station 50% total sea or w/k service required.
NOT applicable for approved cadet trg
programmes
Key:
RN – Royal Navy
RMAS – Royal Maritime Auxillary Service
RAF – Royal Air Force
MOU – Mobile Offshore Unit
FPSO – Floating Production & Storage Offtake
w/k – Watchkeeping
Table 5 Sea-Service Allowances for Service in Tugs
Type of service Rate Conditions

Applicable
Seagoing 1 counted at full rate towards 100%

sea or w/k service required
Service in Cat.D* waters 3/4 counted at three quarter rate towards

a maximum of 75% of total sea or
w/k service required
Service in Cat.C* waters 1/2 counted at half rate towards a

maximum of 50% sea as w/k service
required
* as defined in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1719 (M)
10
3.7.3 Where candidates have other types or combinations of sea service not included in the above tables,
details of service together with documentary evidence should be submitted for consideration to
the MCA’s Chief Examiner at the address at the beginning of this MGN.
4.0 Navigational Watch Ratings
4.1 The STCW 95 requirements for navigational watch ratings are laid down in STCW Regulation
II/4 and details of the training standard required are given in section A-II/4 of the STCW
Code. Details of procedures relating to the certification of ratings are given in Part 10.
4.2 Owners of ships registered in the United Kingdom may apply to the MCA for authorisation to
issue UK watch rating certificates on behalf of MCA.
5.0 Conversion Training
5.1 Details of requirements for holders of Deck Officer Class 5 and Deck Officer Class 1 (FV)
certificates of competency who wish to convert to STCW 95 Regulation II/1 OOW certificates
are set out in Part 8.
6.0 Ancillary Training
6.1 Ancillary training in safety and technical subjects is also required for the issue of a certificate of
competency and is summarised below in Table 6. Although under the VQ system, this training
may be subsumed in VQ units, a certificate for each ancillary course unit must be obtained by
the candidate from the training provider.
6.2 Ancillary training certificates issued by overseas administrations in accordance with

STCW/ILO, as listed at Appendix A, will be accepted by the MCA towards UK certificates of
competency.
7.0 MCA Oral Examinations
7.1 Candidates for deck officer certificates of competency are required to take an oral examination
conducted by an MCA examiner at an MCA Marine Office. The examination is to verify the
candidate's ability to undertake the duties of OOW, chief mate, or master as appropriate.
Details of procedures and syllabuses relating to examination and assessment leading to a UK
certificate of competency are given in Parts 8, 9 and 11.
8.0 Medical Fitness Standards
8.1 It is a UK and International requirement that all certificated officers meet certain medical
fitness and eyesight standards. Seafaring is a potentially hazardous occupation which calls for
a high standard of health and fitness in those entering or re-entering the industry. Certificated
officers must meet certain medical and eyesight standards, and hold a valid medical certificate
issued under Merchant Shipping (Medical Examinations) Regulations 1983 3 or an acceptable
equivalent.
8.2 Seafarers between the ages of 18 and 40 must be examined for medical fitness at intervals not
exceeding five years, and seafarers aged 40 or over at intervals not exceeding two years.
Further details of medical fitness requirements are set out in Part 1 and in MSN 1750 (M).
9.0 Further Advice
9.1 Further information if required is available from the MCA at any Marine Office or at the
11
Table 6 Ancillary Training and Other Requirements
Additional Training STCW 95 Regulation STCW Code

Requirements Ref.
II/1 II/2 II/3 II/4
Personal Survival Techniques ✓ ✓ ✓ A-V1/1-1
Fire Prevention and Fire ✓ ✓ ✓ A-VI/1-2

Fighting
Elementary First Aid ✓ ✓ ✓ A-V1/1-3
Personal Safety and Social ✓ ✓ ✓ A-V1/1-4

Responsibility
Proficiency in Survival Craft ✓ ✓ A-V1/2*

and Rescue Boats
Advanced Fire Fighting ✓ ✓ A-VI/3
Medical First Aid ✓ ✓ A-V1/4-1
Medical Care ✓ A-VI/4-2**
Radar and ARPA Simulator Trg - ✓ ✓ A-II/1

Operational level
Radar and ARPA Simulator Trg - ✓ A-II/2

Management level
Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) ✓ ✓
GMDSS (GOC) ✓ A-IV/2
Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC) ✓ A-IV/2
Other Requirements
Medical Fitness (including sight) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
* required for all seafarers in charge of lifesaving equipment

** required before taking up position as master or chief mate and by any other person on board
designated as being in charge of medical care. In order to serve on a UK flag ship as master
and/or person in charge of medical care, it will be necessary to have undertaken the approved
medical care training within the previous five years or, if such training was taken earlier, to have
at least undertaken an approved refresher course within the previous five years.
Safe Ships Clean Seas

3
SI 1983/808 as amended by SI 1985/512 and SI 1990/1995
12
Appendix A
ACCEPTANCE OF OVERSEAS SHORT TRAINING PROGRAMMES

FOR ISSUE OF UK CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY
TRAINING ANY STCW

SIGNATORY
Basic Training: Personal Survival Techniques ✔

Basic Training: Fire Precautions & Fire-Fighting ✔
Basic Training: Elementary First-Aid (not equivalent to First Aid at Sea) ✔
Basic Training: Personal Safety & Social Responsibility ✔
Navigational or Engine-Room Watchrating certificate ✔
Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) (ILO) ✔
AB Certificate (ILO) ✔
Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (CPSC & RB)
(replaces existing CPSC, which itself replaced the Lifeboatman Certificate) ✔1
CPSC & RB for Fast Rescue Boats –
Advanced Fire-Fighting ✔2
Medical First-Aid (replaces existing First Aid at Sea) ✔3
Proficiency in Medical Care (replaces existing Ship Captain’s Medical Training) –
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) – General Operators Certificate ✔4
Radar-ARPA Simulator Training (operational level) ✔3
Radar-ARPA Simulator Training (management level) –
Tanker Familiarisation Training ✔5
Specialised Tanker Training (oil/chemical/gas) (for Tanker Endorsements) –
Medical Fitness Certificate ✔6
1
Not when a requirement for the issue of a UK certificate of competency, but acceptable for
engineer revalidation under STCW 95 if from a UK recognised administration as listed at
paragraph 1 below
2
Not when a requirement for the issue of a UK certificate of competency
3
Only when higher UK training in the same field is being undertaken
4
Only CEPT countries (and others with whom UK has bilaterial agreements as listed at
paragraph 2 below)
5
Ratings only (and officers when training for higher certificates of competency is being
undertaken)
6
Only those countries specified in the relevant Merchant Shipping Notice (currently MSN 1750 (M))
13
1. UK-Recognised Administrations (see note 1 in Table above)
Australia Hong Kong Portugal

Belgium India Singapore
Canada Italy Spain
Denmark Malta South Africa
Eire Netherlands Sweden
Faroe Islands New Zealand Ukraine
Finland Norway USA
France Pakistan
Germany Poland
The following countries are likely to be recognised in the near future
Croatia Greece
Iceland Philippines
2. GMDSS accepted from the Following Countries Only
Australia
Canada
Greece
New Zealand
South Africa
Hong Kong (if issued under UK sovereignty)
CEPT countries: Croatia Norway

Czech Republic Poland
Denmark Portugal
Eire Romania
Finland Sweden
Germany Switzerland
Hungary Turkey
Iceland United Kingdom
Liechtenstein
Netherlands
Philippines*
*Philippines’ GMDSS accepted with certificates issued by the national

authorities and with diplomas from:
Norwegian Training Centre, Manila
Consolidated Training Systems Inc, Manila, (former Consolidated Maritime
Resources Foundation Inc)
Philippine Transmarine Carriers Inc, Manila
A GMDSS General Operators Certificate which is not from one of the UK-recognised
administrations listed in this section, will be acceptable as equivalent to a GMDSS Restricted
Operators Certificate for the purpose of revalidation only, even though the UK does not otherwise
recognise these GMDSS certificates.
14
Appendix 5: MNTB Working Schedule
Merchant Navy Training Board – Project work plan (version 3, June 2005)
Month FOUNDATION DEGREE NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL
STANDARDS (NOS) AND QUAL’S
MN Pathway Wider Maritime Sector
January Desk research Desk research Desk research
MS 1
February 4th: STEERING GROUP 4th: STEERING GROUP 16th: STEERING GROUP
Desk research and initial consultation Desk research and initial consultation
MS 2
with representative bodies (cont’d)
March 1st: Deck and Engineering working Postal questionnaire to employer and Desk research and consultation
MS 1
groups other interest groups (cont’d)
11th: Stakeholder workshop (London)
18th: STEERING GROUP 18th: STEERING GROUP
April 12th: Deck and Engineering working Continue desk research and face-to face 6/7th: Stakeholders Residential
groups (STC) meetings Workshop (Glasgow)
MS 3
29th: STEERING GROUP 29th: STEERING GROUP 25th: STEERING GROUP

May 19th: Deck working group (STC) 3 half-day consultation events tba 18th: Working group (MN eng)
MS 4
23rd Engineering working group 26th: Working group (MN deck)
June 17th: STEERING GROUP 17th: STEERING GROUP Development work
24th: MNTB Seminar and Foundation Feasibility study for wider maritime 7th: Working group (fishing)
Degree Forum (London) sector completed
28th: Engineering working group
MS 5
(London)
MS 2
July 13th MNTB Technical Committee tbc Working group (Fishing)
15th: STEERING GROUP 15th: STEERING GROUP 22nd STEERING GROUP
19th: Stakeholder workshop (London) 26th Working groups (MN Deck +
Eng)
August
22nd/23rd: Stakeholders Residential
MS 6
September 9th: STEERING GROUP (to be confirmed)

workshop (South Shields)
October 28th STEERING GROUP

November 11th: STEERING GROUP Submission of revised NOS
MS3
Commence review of qualifications
MS7
and assessment strategy

December End of project Continue review of qualifications
Appendix 6: Credit Transfer Arrangements HNC
Appendix 6
Credit Transfer Arrangements
Unit Mapping between HNC Nautical Science Group Award (G8F5 15) and HNC Nautical Science Group Award (G5VW 15)
HNC Nautical Science Group Award (G8F5 15) HNC Nautical Science Group Award (G5VW 15)
Unit No Unit title SCQF Credit Unit No Unit title SCQF Credit
level level
F0LS 35 Celestial Navigation 8 1.5 D77R 35 Celestial Navigation 8 1.5
F0LD 34 Ship Stability: An Introduction 7 1.5 D78A 34 Ship Stability 1 7 1.5
F0LM 34 Marine Cargo Operations 7 1.5 D77Y 34 Cargo Work 7 1.5
F0LF 34 Naval Architecture: Ship Construction 7 1 D78B 34 Ship Construction 7 1
F0LH 34 Marine Meteorology: An Introduction 7 1 D77V 34 Meteorology 1 7 1
D77S 34 Chartwork LO 1,2 and 3 7 1.5
F0LV 34 Chartwork and Tides 7 2
D77T 34 Tides and Sailings LO2 7 1
D77T 34 Tides and Sailings LO 1 7 1
F0M0 34 Navigational Mathematics and Science 7 1
D77W 35 Bridge Watchkeeping LO 4 8 1.5
F0LR 34 Bridge Watchkeeping 8 1.5 D77W 35 Bridge Watchkeeping LO 1,2,3 8 1.5
7 Shipboard Operations Integrative
F13B 34 HNC Nautical Science Graded Unit 1 1 D78E 34 7 1
Assessment
F0LJ 34 Marine Law and Management 7 1 OPT D78C 34 Marine Law and Management 7 1
F0LK 34 Marine Emergency Response and Emergency Response and 7 1
7 1 OPT D77X 34
Communications Communications
D75X 34 IT Applications Software 1 7 1 OPT A6AM 04 IT Applications 1 7 1
Appendix 6a: Credit Transfer Arrangements HND
Credit Transfer Arrangements HND
Unit Mapping between HND Nautical Science Group Award (G8E8 16) and HND Nautical Science Group Award (G5VX 16)
HND Nautical Science Group Award (G8E8 16) HND Nautical Science Group Award (G5VX 16)
level level
F0LS 35 Celestial Navigation 8 1.5 D77R 35 Celestial Navigation 8 1.5
F0LD 34 Ship Stability: An Introduction 7 1.5 D78A 34 Ship Stability 1 7 1.5
F0LM 34 Marine Cargo Operations 7 1.5 D77Y 34 Cargo Work 7 1.5
F0LF 34 Naval Architecture: Ship Construction 7 1 D78B 34 Ship Construction 7 1
F0LH 34 Marine Meteorology: An Introduction 7 1 D77V 34 Meteoroloy 1 7 1
F0LV 34 Chartwork and Tides D77S 34 Chartwork LO 1, 2 and 3 7 1.5
7 2
D77T 34 Tides and Sailings LO2 7 1
F0M0 34 Navigational Mathematics and Science D77T 34 Tides and Sailings LO 1 7 1
7 1
D7W 35 Bridge Watchkeeping LO 4 8 1.5
F0LR 34 Bridge Watchkeeping 8 1.5 D77W 35 Bridge Watchkeeping LO 1, 2, 3 8 1.5
F13B 34 HNC Nautical Science Graded Unit 1 7 1 D78E 34 Shipboard Operations Integrative 7 1
Assessment
F0LJ 34 Marine Law and Management 7 1 D78C 34 Marine Law and Management 7 1
F0LK 34 Marine Emergency Response and 7 1 D77X 34 Emergency Response and 7 1
Communications Communiactions
D75X 34 IT Applications Software 1 7 1 A6AM 04 IT Applications 1 7 1
F0LG 35 Marine Passage Planning 8 1.5 D78F 35 Passage Planning 8 1.5
F0LW 35 Management of Bridge Operations 8 1.5 D78G 35 Bridge Management 8 1.5
F0LP 35 Applied Marine Meteorology 8 1.5 D78H 35 Meterology 2 8 1.5
F0LC 35 Ship Stability: Theory and Practice 8 1.5 D78J 35 Ship Stability 2 8 1.5
F0LX 35 Management of Vessel Operations 8 2 D78L 35 Cargo and Port Operations 8 2
F0LY 35 Marine Vessels: Structures and Maintenance 8 1 D78K 35 Structures and Maintenance 8 1
F0LB 35 Shipboard Management 8 1 D78N 35 Shipboard Management 8 1
F0LN 35 Shipmasters Business 8 2 D79M 35 Shipmasters Business 8 2
D78P 35 Marine Engineering Systems 8 1 OPT D78P 35 Marine Engineering Systems 8 1 OPT
D5VR 04 Safety Management Systems 8 1 OPT D5VR 04 Safety Management Systems 8 1
HND Nautical Science Group Award (G8E8 16) HND Nautical Science Group Award (G5VX 16)
level level
F13C 35 HND Nautical Science Graded Unit 1 8 1 D78R 35 Navigational Management 8 1
Integrative Assessment 1
F13D 35 HND Nautical Science Graded Unit 1 8 1 D78S 35 Operational Management 8 1
Integrative Assessment 2
Appendix 7: Exemplar Questionnaire
Appendix 7
Industry/Employer Consultation Questionnaire 1
Revision of HNC/HND Nautical Science

Name and address
of Organisation
Telephone Number Contact Name
and Position
e-mail Fax No
Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire. Your contribution and
opinions are valued. Please return your questionnaire to Derek Robbie, Head of
School Nautical Studies, Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, 21 Thistle Street,
Glasgow. G5 9XB
Question 1
The Core Skills of Communication, Numeracy, Information Technology, problem

Solving and Working with Others will normally be developed in both the HNC and
HND. On a scale of 1-4 from the lowest priority to the highest, which areas would
you see as important to develop this Group Award ?
Core Skills Area Very Quite Fairly Of Little

Important Important Important Importance
1 2 3 4
Communications
Reading
Writing
Oral
Numeracy
Using Number
Using Graphical
Information
Using IT
Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
Working with Others
Question 2
Do you think it is important that these skills are assessed and certificated or do you
think that they should only be developed in the teaching and learning process? Please
give an example of the kind of task that you require an HNC/HND Graduate to do in
each relevant Core Skills Area.
Core Skills Area Develop Assess Example

Communications
Reading
Writing
Oral
Numeracy
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
Using IT
Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organisation
Reviewing and Evaluating
Working with Others
Appendix 7a: Exemplar Questionnaire
Appendix 7a
HNC/HND Nautical Science Revalidation Questionnaire 2
The decision has been made to update the HNC/D Nautical Science award. When
designing the new course we would like to satisfy the needs of the employers in
producing a qualification which may be of interest and benefit to the nautical industry.
We would welcome any comments you would care to make.
Revision of HNC/HND in Nautical Science

Name
and Address of
University
Contact Name
and
Designation
E-Mail Tel
Number
1 Proposed title of the revised Group Awards – HNC and HND Nautical Science
Comments: eg Does this reflect the qualification content?

Does this reflect the demands of the vocational area?
How does this relate to the professional bodies in the vocational area?
2 The 2 specific aims of the HNC Nautical Science award are -

♦ It is intended that the HNC Nautical Science award will form the basis of a delivery vehicle
for the underpinning knowledge required for MCA certification at Officer of the Watch level
as described by STCW 95.
♦ This qualification would be intended for groups of mature seafarers who wish to obtain a first
Certificate of Competency. It could also be used for those cadet entrants who did not meet the
main entry requirements of the accelerated training programme, and could be the basis of a
training scheme for those students who would follow the “Alternative Route” to certification
as defined by the MNTB.
Comments: Do these specific aims for the HNC Nautical Science reflect the aspirations of
employers?
Can you suggest additional aims for the HNC Nautical Science that we should consider?
3 The specific aims of the HND Nautical Science award are -

♦ To provide the type of officer who is in great demand world-wide. Currently this demand
exceeds supply and all successful candidates obtain immediate employment.
♦ The HND is the means of delivering the UPK of a SVQ, automatically ensures the academic
rigour of the vocational qualification through the use of existing internal and external moderation
systems. This will continue for the immediate future as explained above.
♦ The HND is recognised by Higher Education Institutions to the extent that in many cases it
enables direct progression into the 2nd year or above of many degree programmes.
♦ The HND provides status and is seen by the industry as a valuable base for progression to shore-
based employment within the individual company structure.
♦ The HND is recognised internationally and there remains a high demand for the qualification as
part of a MN Certificate of Competency from numerous foreign nationals at all levels.
♦ The HND Nautical Science also provides the skills and knowledge relevant to many shore-based
careers in the operational aspects of shipping, including ship management, cargo handling,
pilotage, towage, pollution control, surveying, port control and other marine related occupations.
Comments: Do these reflect the aspirations of employers?
Can you suggest additional aims for the HND Nautical Science that we should consider?
4 We think the following structure would best suit the HNC and HND Nautical Science
Award but we would welcome your comments.
Descriptions of the Units are attached to this questionnaire to assist you make comments on
these proposed Units.
Name of Unit Mandatory or optional
M/O Comments
Celestial Navigation M
Navigational Mathematics M
Ship Stability: An Introduction M
Chartwork and Tides M
Marine Meteorology: An Introduction M
Naval Architecture: Ship Construction M
Cargo Operations: An Introduction M
Bridge Watchkeeping M
Graded Unit 1 M

HNC Nautical Science Units Plus
Emergency Response and Communications M
Marine Law and Management M
Passage Planning M
Management of Bridge Operations M
Applied Marine Meteorology M
Marine Engineering Systems M
Management of Vessel Operations M
Shipboard Management M
Shipmasters Business M
Ship Stability: Further Studies M
Information Technology Applications 1 M
Ships Structures and Maintenance Systems M
Graded Unit 2 M
Graded Unit 3 M
Overall comment on the HNC Nautical Science
Overall comment on the HND Nautical Science
Core Skills
Written Communication — Reading

Written Communication — Writing
Oral Communication
Using Graphical Information
Using Number
Using Information Technology
Problem Solving — Critical Thinking
Problem Solving — Planning and Organizing
Problem Solving — Reviewing and Evaluating
Working with Others
5 Which skill areas would you see as relevant to develop in the new course?
Skill Areas Very Relevant Irrelevant Totally

Relevant Irrelevant
1 2 3 4
Reading, producing and interpreting
technical and legislative information
from various sources
Produce written and computer based
reports; technical, customer based etc.
Communicate clearly and concisely with
others when giving and receiving oral
instructions and conveying messages
Interpreting and analyzing information
portrayed in graphical formats, e.g
stability data, charted data etc
Interpreting and analyzing information
portrayed in numerical formats, e.g
stability data, navigational data.
Carry out mathematical calculations
accurately
Make effective use of electronic
navigational and other IT equipment
Utilize critical analysis techniques to
resolve common shipboard problems
and situations
Effectively appraise , plan, execute and
monitor shipboard operations, e.g.
planning a passage, supervise and
manage cargo operations
Establish, develop and manage effective
working relationships aboard ship
Please suggest other skill areas that should be developed in the course
6 All new HNs will all have (a) Graded Unit(s). This will allow us to give candidates a Graded Unit
which will reflect the aims of the award and their ability to integrate and retain knowledge and
demonstrate understanding. This Graded Unit can be an examination or it can be a project, eg a
case study. Please comment on our proposal.
Graded Unit proposal This Unit will be used to ensure that candidates are able
to draw together underpinning knowledge from a number
Graded Unit 1 - Examination of Units making up the HNC Nautical Science. It will
allow the student to check that they have a detailed
understanding across the range of Units covered at the
STCW 95 Operational level. It can also be used by
Higher Education Institutes in determining the
candidate’s suitability for progression onto degree
programmes.
Comments
Graded Units proposal Graded Units 2 and 3 will be used to ensure that
candidates have the overall detailed underpinning
Graded Unit 2 and 3 - Examinations knowledge required for STCW 95 certification at a
management level. They can also be used by Higher
Education Institutes in determining the candidate’s
suitability for progression onto degree programmes.
Comments
Thank you for your time and your comments.
Appendix 8: Mapping of Aims of the HNC to individual Units
Appendix 8
Mapping of the Aims of the HNC to individual Units
The HNC Nautical Science has the following specific aims:
1 To enable candidates to obtain a Certificate of Competency as an Officer Trainee.

3 Develops skills to enable candidates to effectively navigate a vessel by traditional and modern means.
4 Develops skills to enable candidates to operate a vessel in a safe and effective manner.
5 Develops skills to enable candidates to work with others in a safe and effective manner.
8 Prepares candidates for the MCA written and Oral examinations at Officer of the Watch level.
Aim
Unit No Credit Unit title
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
F0LV 34 2.0 Chartwork and Tides √ √ √ √
F0MO 34 1.0 Navigational Mathematics and Science √ √ √ √
F0LH 34 1.0 Marine Meteorology: An Introduction √ √ √ √ √ √
F0LR 34 1.5 Bridge Watchkeeping √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
F0LM 34 1.5 Marine Cargo Operations √ √ √ √ √ √ √
F0LD 34 1.5 Ship Stability: An Introduction √ √ √ √ √ √ √
F0LF 34 1.0 Naval Architecture: Ship Construction √ √ √ √ √
F0LS 35 1.5 Celestial Navigation √ √ √ √
F13B 34 1.0 Nautical Science Graded Unit 1 √ √ √ √
Appendix 9: Mapping of Aims to HND Units
Appendix 9
Mapping of Aims to HND Units
The HND Nautical Science has the following specific aims:
1 To enable candidates to obtain a Certificate of Competency as an Officer Trainee.

3 Develops skills to enable candidates to effectively navigate a vessel by traditional and modern means.
4 Develops skills to enable candidates to operate a vessel in a safe and effective manner.
5 Develops skills to enable candidates to work with others in a safe and effective manner.
8 Prepares candidates for the MCA written and Oral examinations at Officer of the Watch level.
9 Develops the skills required to manage and control the safe navigation of the vessel in all conditions.
10 Develops the skills required to manage and control vessel operations in compliance with current legislation.
11 Develops a sound understanding of shipboard management issues and techniques.
12 Develops a sound understanding of the ship Masters role with respect to the legal aspects of managing the navigation and operation of the vessel.
13 Develops an understanding of the vessels propulsion maintenance and engineering requirements.
14 Prepares candidates for the MCA written and Oral examinations at both Officer of the Watch level and, in the case of mature seafarers, Chief Mate Level.
Unit title Aim
Unit No Credit
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
F0LV 34 2.0 Chartwork and Tides √ √ √ √
F0MO 34 1.0 Navigational Mathematics and Science √ √ √ √
F0LH 34 1.0 Marine Meteorology: An Introduction √ √ √ √ √ √
F0LR 34 1.5 Bridge Watchkeeping √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
F0LM 34 1.5 Marine Cargo Operations √ √ √ √ √ √ √
F0LD 34 1.5 Ship Stability: An Introduction √ √ √ √ √ √ √
F0LF 34 1.0 Naval Architecture: Ship Construction √ √ √ √ √
F0LS 35 1.5 Celestial Navigation √ √ √ √
F13B 34 1.0 Nautical Science Graded Unit 1 √ √ √ √ √
F0LK 34 1.0 Marine Emergency Response and √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Communication
F0LJ 34 1.0 Marine Law and Management √ √ √ √ √ √
D75X 34 1.0 Information Technology: Applications √ √ √
Software 1
F0LG 35 1.5 Marine Passage Planning √ √ √ √ √
F0LW 35 1.5 Management of Bridge Operations √ √ √ √ √ √
F0LP 35 1.5 Applied Marine Meteorology √ √ √ √
F0LC 35 1.5 Ship Stability: Theory and Practical √ √ √ √
Application
F0LY 35 1.0 Marine Vessels: Structures and √ √ √ √
Maintenance
F0LX 35 2.0 Management of Vessel Operations √ √ √ √
F0LN 35 2.0 Shipmasters Business √ √ √ √ √ √
F0LB 35 1.0 Shipboard Management √ √ √ √
F13C 35 1.0 Nautical Science Graded Unit 2 √ √ √ √
F13D 35 1.0 Nautical Science Graded Unit 3 √ √ √
D78P 35 1.0 Marine Engineering Systems √ √
D5VR 35 1.0 Safety Management Systems √ √ √ √ √
Appendix 10: Professional Diploma Programme
Appendix 10
Professional Diploma Programme
Suggested Unit Delivery Sequence
Training Unit No Unit title
Phase
1 F0LS 35 Celestial Navigation
1 F0LD 34 Ship Stability: An Introduction
1 F0LM 34 Marine Cargo Operations
1 F0LF 34 Naval Architecture: Ship Construction
1 F0LH 34 Marine Meteorology: An Introduction
1 F0LV 34 Chartwork and Tides
1 F0M0 34 Navigational Mathematics and Science
1 F0LR 34 Bridge Watchkeeping
1 D75X 34 Information Technology Applications Software 1
1 F13B 34 HNC Nautical Science Graded Unit 1
3 F0LJ 34 Marine Law and Management

3 F0LK 34 Marine Emergency Response and Communications
3 F0LG 35 Marine Passage Planning
3 F0LW 35 Management of Bridge Operations
3 F0LP 35 Applied Marine Meteorology
3 F0LC 35 Ship Stability: Theory and Practice
3 F0LX 35 Management of Vessel Operations
3 F0LY 35 Marine Vessels: Structures and Maintenance
3 F0LB 35 Shipboard Management
3 F0LN 35 Ship Masters Business
3 D78P 35 Marine Engineering Systems
3 F13C 35 HND Nautical Science Graded Unit 2
3 F13D 35 HND Nautical Science Graded Unit 3
Appendix 11: Main Stream/Alternative Route Programme
Appendix 11
Mainstream/Alternative Route Programmes
Suggested Unit Delivery Sequence
Training Unit No Unit Title

Phase
Induction D75X 34 Information Technology Applications Software 1
3 F0LM 34 Marine Cargo Operations

3 F0LF 34 Naval Architecture: Ship Construction
3 F0LH 34 Marine Meteorology: An Introduction
3 F0LV 34 Chartwork and Tides
3 F0M0 34 Navigational Mathematics and Science
5 F0LR 34 Bridge Watchkeeping

5 D75X 34 Information Technology Applications Software 1
5 F0LD 34 Ship Stability: An Introduction
5 F0LJ 34 Marine Law and Management
5 F0LK 34 Marine Emergency Response and Communications
5 F13B 34 HNC Nautical Science Graded Unit 1
7 F0LG 35 Marine Passage Planning

7 F0LW 35 Management of Bridge Operations
7 F0LP 35 Applied Marine Meteorology
7 F0LC 35 Ship Stability: Theory and Practice
7 F0LX 35 Management of Vessel Operations
7 F0LY 35 Marine Vessels: Structures and Maintenance
7 F0LB 35 Shipboard Management
7 F0LN 35 Ship Masters Business
7 D78P 35 Marine Engineering Systems (Optional)
Training Unit No Unit Title
Phase
7 D5VR 35 Safety Management Systems (Optional)
7 F13C 35 HND Nautical Science Graded Unit 2
7 F13D 35 HND Nautical Science Graded Unit 3
Note: The Alternative Route to the Professional Diploma Programme has yet to be finalised.
The above programme is what is currently approved by the MNTB for trainee officers
Appendix 12: Core Skills Mapping to HNC Nautical Science
Appendix 12
Core Skills Mapping of HNC Nautical Science
Unit No Unit Name Written Comms Oral Using Using Using IT Problem Problem Problem WWO
Comms Graphical Number Solving – Solving – Solving –
Reading Writing Info CT P&O R&E
F0LS 35 Celestial
5 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S
Navigation
F0LV 34 Chartwork and
5 S 5 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 5 S
Tides
F0M0 34 Navigational
Maths and 6 S 6 S
Science
F0LH 34 MarineMeteor
ology: An 5 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 5 S 5 S 5 S
Introduction
F0LR 34 Bridge
5 S 5 S 6 S 5 S 5 S 5 S 5 S 5 S 5 S
Watchkeeping
F0LM 34 Marine Cargo
5 S 5 S 5 S 4 S 4 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S
Operations
F0LD 34 Ship Stability:
An 5 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S
Introduction
F0LF 34 Naval
Architecture:
5 S 5 S 6 S 5 S 5 S
Ship
Construction
F13B 34 HNC Nautical
Science Graded N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Unit 1
Appendix 13: Core Skills Mapping to HND Nautical Science
Appendix 13
Core Skills Mapping of HND Nautical Science
S = Core Skills are signposted within the Unit
E = Core Skills are embedded within the Unit (and automatically certificated).
Unit No Unit Name Written Comms Oral Using Using Using Problem Problem Problem WWO
Comms Graphical Number IT Solving – Solving – Solving –
F0LS 35 Celestial
5 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S
Navigation
F0LV 34 Chartwork and
5 S 5 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 5 S
Tides
F0M0 34 Navigational
Maths and 6 S 6 S
Science
F0LH 34 Marine
Meteorology: 5 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 5 S 5 S 5 S
An Introduction
F0LR 34 Bridge
5 S 5 S 6 S 5 S 5 S 5 S 5 S 5 S 5 S
Watchkeeping
F0LM 34 Marine Cargo
5 S 5 S 5 S 4 S 4 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S
Operations
F0LD 34 Ship Stability:
5 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S
An Introduction
F0LF 34 Naval
Architecture:
5 S 5 S 6 S 5 S 5 S
Ship
Construction
F13B 34 HNC Nautical
Science Graded
Unit 1
Unit No Unit Name Written Comms Oral Using Using Using IT Problem Problem Problem WWO
Comms Graphical Number Solving – Solving – Solving –
F0LK 34 Marine
Emergency
5 S 5 S 6 S 4 S 4 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S
Response and
Communications
F0LJ 34 Marine Law and
5 S 5 S 6 S 5 S 5 S 5 S 6 S
Management
D75X 34 IT Software
6E
Applications 1
F0LG 35 Passage Planning 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S
F0LW 35 Management of
Bridge 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S
Operations
F0LP 35 Applied Marine
5 S 5 S 6 S 5 S 6 S 6 S
Meteorology
F0LC 35 Ship Stability:
Theory and 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S
Practice
F0LY 35 Marine Vessels:
Structures and 5 S 6 S 5 S 5 S 5 S
maintenance
F0LX 35 Management of
Vessel 6 S 6 S 6 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S
Operations
F0LN 35 Shipmaster’s
6 S 6 S 6 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S
Business
F0LB 35 Shipboard
6 S 6 S 6 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S
Management
Unit No Unit Name Written Comms Oral Using Using Using Problem Problem Problem WWO
Comms Graphical Number IT Solving – Solving – Solving –
F13C 35 HND Nautical

Unit 1
F13D 35 HND Nautical
Unit 2
D78P 35 Marine
Engineering 5 S 6 S 5 S 5 S 5 S 5 S 5 S 5 S 5 S
Systems
D5VR 35 Safety
Management
Systems
Appendix 14: Mapping of Old NOS to new NOS
Appendix 14
National Occupational Standards
Series A — Mapping old Units to new standards

New Old Unit Title
standard
A01 114/115 Contribute to the stability and watertight integrity of a vessel
A02 111/112/113 Ensure the stability and watertight integrity of a vessel
A11 121 Take personal emergency action on board a vessel
A12 122 Respond to emergencies on board a vessel
A13 123/124 Control the response to emergencies on board a vessel
A14 127 Direct the response to emergencies on board a vessel
A15 125 Take control of survival craft and rescue boats
A16 126 Provide medical services on board a vessel
A21 131 Maintain steelwork and deck equipment on board a vessel
A22 132 Organise the maintenance of the vessel’s hull, fittings and equipment during operational activities
A31 141 Maintain personal health, safety and environmental standards on board a vessel
A32 142 Maintain safe, legal and effective working practices on board a vessel
A33 143 Ensure safe, legal and effective working practices on board a vessel
A34 144 Create, maintain and enhance productive working relationships on board a vessel
A35 145 Ensure compliance with the commercial obligations of a vessel
Appendix 14
National Occupational Standards
Series B — Mapping old Units to new standards
New Old Unit Title
standard
B01 203 Contribute to maintaining a navigational watch
B02 205/206/207 Maintain a navigational watch
B03 211/212/213 Plan a navigational voyage
B04 214 Control navigation and vessel-handling
B11 231/232 Initiate the response to navigation emergencies
B12 233 Direct the response to navigation emergencies
B13 411/421 Contribute to vessel operations
B14 412 Monitor and control vessel operations
B15 413 Plan and direct vessel operations
B21 201 Contribute to vessel mooring, anchoring and securing operations
B22 202 Control vessel mooring, anchoring and securing operations
Appendix 15: NOS Mapping of HNC Nautical Science
Unit NOS UNIT /HN
No Unit
A 01
A 02
A 11
A 12
A 13
A 14
A 15
A 16
A 21
A 22
A 31
A 32
A 33
A 34
A 35
B 01
B 02
B 03
B 04
B 11
B 12
B 13
B 14
B 15
B 21
B 22
F0LS35 Celestial Navigation
√ √ √
F0LV34 Chartwork and Tides

√ √ √
F0M034 Navigational
Mathematics and √
Science
F0LH34 Marine Meteorology: √
An Introduction √
F0LR34 Bridge √ √
Watchkeeping √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
F0LM34 Marine Cargo √ √

Operations √ √ √ √ √ √ √
F0LD34 Ship Stability: An √ √

Introduction √ √
F0LF34 Naval Architecture: √ √

Ship Construction √ √ √
F13B34 Nautical Science

Graded Unit 1
Additional Units
F0LK34 Marine Emergency √ √ √ √
Response and √ √
Communication
F0LJ34 Marine law and √ √ √
Management: an √
introduction
Appendix 16: NOS Mapping of HND Nautical Science
Appendix 16
NOS Mapping of HND Nautical Science
Unit NOS UNIT/

No HN Unit
A 01
A 02
A 11
A 12
A 13
A 14
A 15
A 16
A 21
A 22
A 31
A 32
A 33
A 34
A 35
B 01
B 02
B 03
B 04
B 11
B 12
B 13
B 14
B 15
B 21
B 22
F0LS35 Celestial Navigation
√ √ √
F0LV34 Chartwork and Tides
√ √ √
F0M034 Navigational Maths
√
and Science
F0LH34 Marine Meteorology: √
√
An Introduction
F0LR34 Bridge Watchkeeping √ √
√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
F0LM34 Marine Cargo √ √
√ √ √ √ √ √ √
Operations
F0LD34 Ship Stability: An √ √
√ √
Introduction
F0LF34 Naval Architecture: √ √
√ √ √
Ship Construction
F13B34 Nautical Science:
Graded Unit 1
F0LK34 Marine Emergency √ √ √ √
Response and √ √ √
Communication
F0LJ34 Marine law and √ √ √
Management: an √
introduction
D75X 34 Information
Technology:
Applications
Software 1
F0LG35 Marine Passage
√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Planning
F0LW35 Management of √
√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Bridge Operations
F0LP35 Applied Marine
√ √ √
Meteorology
F0LC35 Ship Stability:
Theory and Practical √ √ √
Application
F0LY35 Marine Vessels:
Structures and √ √ √ √ √
maintenance
F0LX35 Management of
√ √ √ √ √ √
Vessel Operations
F0LN35 Shipmaster’s
√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Business
F0LB35 Shipboard √
√ √ √ √ √ √
Management
F13C35 Nautical Science
Graded Unit 2
F13D35 Nautical Science
Graded Unit 3
D78P35 Marine Engineering
√ √
Systems
D5VR35 Safety Management
√ √ √
Systems
Appendix 17: STCW 95 Mapping of HNC Units
STCW Reference
WN Navigation at The Operational Level
WN1 Plan and conduct a passage and determine position Outcome

WN 1.1 Celestial Navigation
WN 1.1.1 Know the concept of the celestial sphere and use the Nautical Almanac Celestial O1
Navigation
WN 1.1.2 Use instruments and apply corrections to obtain True Altitude and UTC Celestial O1
Navigation
WN 1.1.3 Obtain Latitude by meridian altitude Celestial O3
Navigation
WN 1.1.4 Obtain latitude by pole star observation Celestial O3
Navigation
WN 1.1.5 Obtain the direction of a position line and a position through which it passes from celestial observations Celestial O3
Navigation
WN 1.1.6 Obtain Compass Error from celestial observations Celestial O2
Navigation
WN 1.1.7 Fix the vessel's position by means of celestial observations Celestial O4
Navigation
WN 1.1.8 Select suitable stars for observation Celestial O4
Navigation
WN 1.2 Terrestrial Navigation
WN 1.2.1 Demonstrate a knowledge of charts and publications carried aboard ship Chartwork & O1
Tides
WN 1.2.2 Demonstrate a knowledge and use of Mercator Charts Chartwork & O1
Tides
WN 1.2.3 Demonstrate a knowledge of chart folio systems and their care Chartwork & O1
Tides
WN 1.2.4 Understand and demonstrate the proper use of Electronic Chart Display Systems NARAST
(OPS)
WN 1.2.5 Know the procedures for and make the necessary corrections to update charts and publications NARAST
including ECDIS (OPS)
WN 1.2.6 Know navigational terms and use formulae to calculate DR and EP Chartwork & O2
Tides
WN 1.2.7 Know and use visual methods of position fixing using charted objects and compass errors by transit Chartwork & O2
Tides
WN 1.2.8 Know the general theory on the causes of tides and perform calculations involving times and heights of Chartwork & O3
tides (UK Ports only) Tides
WN 1.2.9 Know how to make adjustments to the vessels course and speed to take account of the passage plan Chartwork & O2
requirements Tides
WN Understand fundamental principles of passage planning Chartwork & O4
1.2.10 Tides
WN Understand routeing instructions and guidelines Chartwork & O4
1.2.11 Tides
WN1.3 Electronic systems of position fixing and navigation
WN 1.3.1 Understand the principles of operation and demonstrate the proper use of electronic navigational NARAST
position fixing systems (OPS)
WN 1.3.2 Understand the principles of operation and demonstrate the proper use of the Loran C System NARAST
(OPS)
WN 1.3.3 Understand the principles of operation and demonstrate the proper use of satellite positioning systems NARAST
(OPS)
WN 1.3.4 Understand the principles of operation and demonstrate the proper use of the electronic log NARAST
(OPS)
WN 1.3.5 Select position fixing methods from those available NARAST
(OPS)
WN 1.4 Echo sounders
WN 1.4.1 Understand the principles of operation and demonstrate the proper use of the marine echo sounder NARAST
(OPS)
WN 1.5 Compass — magnetic and gyro
WN 1.5.1 Understand the information supplied by ships compasses Navigational O2
Maths &
Science
WN 1.5.2 Demonstrate a knowledge of the causes and nature of magnetic compass errors Navigational O2
Maths &
Science
WN 1.5.3 Know limitations of the gyro compass Navigational O3
Maths &
Science
WN 1.6 Steering and control systems
WN 1.6.1 Know the components of steering systems, and their function Bridge O2
Watchkeeping
WN 1.6.2 Know the various forms in which steering information is relayed to the helmsman Bridge O2
Watchkeeping
WN 1.7 Meteorology
WN 1.7.1 Know how to make accurate meteorological observations and use W.M.O. codes Marine O1
Meteorology:
An Introduction
WN 1.7.2 Know the structure, and methods of heating and cooling of the troposphere Marine O2
Meteorology:
An Introduction
WN 1.7.3 Understand the forces producing winds Marine O2
Meteorology:
An Introduction
WN 1.7.4 Understand the processes of formation of cloud and precipitation, and the causes of reduced visibility Marine O2
Meteorology:
An Introduction
WN 1.7.5 Know the general circulation of the atmosphere and the main climatic zones over the oceans Marine O3
Meteorology:
An Introduction
WN 1.7.6 Identify on surface charts the main synoptic patterns and air masses, and describe the weather Marine O3
associated with each including local winds Meteorology:
An Introduction
WN 1.7.7 Know the weather services available to shipping (in the near coastal area) Marine O1
Meteorology:
An Introduction
WN 1.7.8 Know principal ocean currents Marine O4
Meteorology:
An Introduction
WN 2 Maintain a safe navigational watch
WN 2.1 Watchkeeping
WN Know and use regulations and systems for the safe movement of vessels Bridge O1
2.1.1 Watchkeeping
WN Know bridge watchkeeping procedures Bridge O2
2.1.2 Watchkeeping
WN Understand the procedures relating to communications with bridge and engine personnel Bridge O2
2.1.3 Watchkeeping
WN Understand the basic principles of and demonstrate ability to apply effective bridge watchkeeping and Bridge O2
2.1.4 teamwork procedure Watchkeeping
WN Know action to take if ice or icing is observed or suspected Bridge O2
2.1.5 Watchkeeping
WN 3 Use of radar and ARPA to maintain the safety of navigation
WN 3.1 Radar Navigation
WN Understand the principles of operation and demonstrate the proper use of marine radar and ARPA NARAST(OPS)
3.1.1 equipment to maintain safety of navigation
WN 4 Respond to emergencies
WN 4.1 Emergency Procedures
WN Know the meaning and type of alarms fitted to bridge equipment, and know the action to take in the Marine O1
4.1.1 event of malfunction or failure of bridge equipment Emergency
Response &
Communications
WN Know the contingency plans and action to take as OOW in the event of emergencies at sea or in port Marine O1
4.1.2 as applicable, including Emergency
Response &
Communications
WN 5 Respond to a distress signals at sea
WN 5.1 Search and Rescue
WN Recognise Distress, Urgency and Safety signals Marine O2
5.1.1 Emergency
Response &
Communications
WN Know how to communicate with the distressed craft in accordance with International Regulations and Marine O2
5.1.2 procedures Emergency
Response &
Communications
WN Know how to obtain information on the position and nature of the distress Marine O2
5.1.3 Emergency
Response &
Communications
WN Know the further action required to comply with contingency planning and master's instructions Marine O2
5.1.4 Emergency
Response &
Communications
WN Know the general arrangements for search and rescue Marine O2
5.1.5 Emergency
Response &
Communications
WN 6 Use of English to communicate
WN 6.1 Action to take when language difficulties arise
WN Know and use the sources of phrases and codes to aid communication Marine O3
6.1.1 Emergency
Response &
Communications
WN 7 Transmit and receive information by visual signalling
WN 7.1 Visual Signalling
WN Send and receive signals in the "International Code of Signals” Marine O4
7.1.1 Emergency
Response &
Communications
WN Know visual safety, urgency and distress signals Marine O4
7.1.2 Emergency
Response &
Communications
WN 8 Manoeuvre the ship
WN 8.1 Manoeuvring the vessel
WN Knowledge of the effects on manoeuvring, turning circles and stopping distances Bridge O3
8.1.1 Watchkeeping
WN Know how to make the following manoeuvres Bridge O3
8.1.2 Watchkeeping
WN 8.2 Anchoring and Mooring
WN Know the safety precautions to be observed when securing the vessel when mooring and anchoring EDH
8.2.1
WN Knowledge of anchors, cables and associated gear EDH
8.2.2
WN Know the use of anchors sufficient to ensure that the OOW could undertake duties involved in coming EDH
8.2.3 to a single anchor
WN Knowledge of mooring terminology and the mooring systems of various ship types EDH
8.2.4
WN Know the characteristics, safe handling and use of ropes used in mooring EDH
8.2.5
WN 8.3 Safe Means of Access
WN Know the safety requirements and how to rig, recover and maintain means of access to the vessel EDH
8.3.1
WC Cargo handling and stowage at the Operational Level
WC 1 Monitor the loading, stowage, securing and unloading of cargoes and their care during the
voyage
WC 1.1 Cargo Handling, Stowage and Securing
WC Know the principles and safe working practices for the proper loading, stowage and carriage of Dry, Marine Cargo O1
1.1.1 Refrigerated, Unitised, Containerised, Ro Ro and Bulk Cargoes Operations
WC Know and apply the principles and safe methods of arranging for the proper loading, stowage and Marine Cargo O2
1.1.2 carriage of Oil, Gas and Chemical Cargoes and related ballasting operations Operations
WC Know how to conduct a deck watch alongside or at anchor. Marine Cargo O3

1.1.3 Operations
WO Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the
operational level
WO1 Ensure compliance with pollution-prevention requirements
WO 1.1 Prevention of Pollution of the Marine Environment and anti-pollution procedures
WO Understand how the MARPOL Convention and current legislation provide knowledge of the precautions and Marine Cargo O4
1.1.1 procedures to be taken to prevent pollution of the marine environment Operations
WO 2 Maintain seaworthiness of the ship
WO 2.1 Ship’s Stability
WO 2.1.1 Understand and apply the principles of ship stability for box and ship shape vessels to routine situations Ship Stability: All
An Introduction
WO 2.1.2 Not Applicable
WO 2.1.3 Understand the causes of stress in a ship’s structure Naval O3
Architecture:
Ship
Construction
WO 2.2 Ship Construction
WO Identify the significant features of a ship’s structure Naval O1
2.2.1 Architecture:
Ship
Construction
WO Identify salient features of a range of ship types Naval O2
2.2.2 Architecture:
Ship
Construction
WO 3 Prevent, control and fight fires on board
WO 3.1 Fire prevention and fire fighting appliances Basic
Firefighting
WO4 Operate life saving appliances
WO 4.1 Life saving CPSCRB
WO 5 Apply medical first aid aboard ship
WO 5.1 Medical Aid Medical First
Aid Aboard
Ship
WO 6 Monitor compliance with legislative requirements
WO 6.1 Understand relevant marine law, codes and guidance notes
WO 6.1.1 Understand the relationship between law, codes and other forms of guidance Marine Law and O1
Management:
An Introduction
WO 6.1.2 Have an awareness of the law, codes, principles and procedures and other forms of guidance relating Marine Law and O2
to: Management:
An Introduction
WO 6.1.3 Appreciate the requirements of records for commercial and legislative purposes Marine Law and O2
Management:
An Introduction
WO 6.1.4 Know that there are personal and corporate penalties, for unlawful Acts or Omissions and for breaches Marine Law and O2
of company regulations Management:
An Introduction
WO 6.1.5 Understand the fundamental principles of anti-pollution legislation Marine Law and O2
Management:
An Introduction
WM Management at the Operational Level

WM 1 Understand the principles of personnel management
WM Understand the officer's managerial role and key responsibilities Marine Law and O3
1.1.1 Management:
An Introduction
WM Understand the principles of planning, directing and monitoring progress Marine Law and O3
1.1.2 Management:
An Introduction
WM Know how to communicate effectively Marine Law and O3
1.1.3 Management:
An Introduction
WM Understand the importance of creating a safety culture in the workplace Marine Law and O3
1.1.4 Management:
An Introduction
WM Understand principles relating to the management of people Marine Law and O3
1.1.5 Management:
An Introduction
WM1.2 Types of conflict which may occur between people at work and action to take
WM Know how to deal with problem individuals and individuals with problems Marine Law and O3
1.2.1 Management:
An Introduction
Appendix 18: STCW 95 Mapping of HND part 2 Units
STCW Reference
MN Navigation at The Management Level
MN1 Plan a voyage and conduct navigation

MN 1.1 Planning and conducting navigation Outcome
MN 1.1.1 Know the principles of Great Circle Sailing Marine Passage Planning O1
MN 1.1.2 Obtain correct tidal information Marine Passage Planning O1
MN 1.1.3 Know the principles of effective passage planning Marine Passage Planning O1
MN 1.1.4 Select the appropriate charts and publications to appraise the propsed passage Marine Passage Planning O1
MN 1.1.5 Appraise the intended passage, taking into account the following factors Marine Passage Planning O1, 2
MN 1.1.6 Prepare and document the intended passage plan Marine Passage Planning O2
MN 1.1.7 Make contingency plans for emergency situations in critical navigation areas Marine Passage Planning O3
MN 1.1.8 Evaluate the completed passage plan prior to commencement of the passage Marine Passage Planning O3
MN 1.1.9 Accurately evaluate, plot and record necessary alterations to the passage plan Marine Passage Planning O1
MN
1.1.10
Plan and conduct a simulated passage NARAST (Man)
MN 2 Determine position and the accuracy of resultant position fix by any
means
MN 2.1 Celestial Navigation
MN 2.1.1 Use instruments and apply corrections to apply to obtain True Altitude and UTC Emergency Planning
MN 2.1.2 Obtain Latitude by meridian altitude Emergency Planning
MN 2.1.3 Obtain latitude by pole star observation Emergency Planning
Obtain the direction of a position line and a position through which it passes from
MN 2.1.4 Emergency Planning
celestial observations
MN 2.1.5 Fix the vessel's position by means of celestial observations Emergency Planning
MN 2.1.6 Select suitable stars for observation Marine Passage Planning O4
MN 2.2 Terrestrial and coastal navigation
MN 2.2.1 Know and use visual methods of position fixing using charted objects and compass Marine Passage Planning O3
errors by transit
MN 2.2.2 Know how to make adjustments to the vessels course and speed to take account of the Marine Passage Planning O4
passage plan requirements
MN 2.2.3 Determine the reliability of celestial and terrestrial fixes Marine Passage Planning O3,4
MN 2.3 Electronic systems of position fixing and navigation
MN 2.3.1 Select position fixing methods from those available
MN 3 Determine and allow for compass errors
MN 3.1 Magnetic and gyro compasses and their errors
MN 3.1.1 Understand the information supplied by ships compasses Bridge Management O3
MN 3.1.2 Demonstrate a knowledge of the causes and nature of magnetic compass errors Bridge Management O3
MN 3.1.3 Demonstrate a knowledge of the operation and use of the gyro compass Bridge Management O3
Understand the systems under the control of the master gyro and have a knowledge of
MN 3.1.4 Bridge Management O3
the operation and care of the main types of gyro compass
MN 3.1.5 Obtain compass errors from celestial observations Emergency Planning
MN 4 Co-ordinate search and rescue operations
MN 4.1 Search and Rescue Operations
MN 4.1.1 Know the obligations and responsibilities for assistance at sea and the action to be Emergency Planning
taken to render assistance
MN 4.1.2 Plan and prepare a search NARAST (Man)
MN 4.1.3 Know how to conduct a search NARAST (Man)
MN 4.1.4 Know how to conduct a rescue NARAST (Man)
MN 4.1.5 Know how to terminate SAR operations Emergency Planning
MN 5 Establish watch-keeping arrangements and procedures
MN 5.1 Bridge Resource Management
MN 5.1.1 Understand statutory and international requirements regarding navigation, navigational Bridge Management
O1
equipment and the qualifications and fitness of watchkeeping personnel
MN 5.1.2 Prepare and write standing and night orders outlining the duties and responsibilities of Bridge Management
O1
navigation watchkeepers
MN 5.1.3 Plan contingency actions Bridge Management O1
Know the information which should be exchanged between the Master and Pilot in
MN 5.1.4 Bridge Management O1
accordance with current guidance
MN 5.1.5 Understand the need to ensure the adequacy of an engineering watch Bridge Management O1
MN 6 Maintain safe navigation through the use of radar and ARPA and modern
navigation systems to assist command decision making
MN 6.1 Navigational information availability and relative importance
MN 6.1.1 Evaluate available navigational information and determine its relative importance NARAST (Man)
MN 7 Forecast weather and oceanographic conditions
MN 7.1 Weather systems and oceanographic conditions
Analyse and identify the major features of surface and upper air charts establishing the
MN 7.1.1 Applied Marine Meteorology O1
factors that affect the development, decay and movement of surface pressure systems
MN 7.1.2 Know the weather conditions associated with the surface pressure systems Applied Marine Meteorology O1
Interpret and evaluate meteorological and climatological data, with the objective of
forecasting the weather and sea conditions that may be encountered during a voyage
Know the general surface water circulation of the oceans and adjoining seas and how
the information is presented
Know the main types of floating ice, their origins, distribution, movement and
nomenclature
MN 7.1.6 Know the conditions that may cause ice accumulation on ships Applied Marine Meteorology O3
MN 8 Respond to navigation emergencies
MN 8.1 Planning for navigational and operational emergencies
MN 8.1.1 Know the contingency plans and action to take as Master in the event of emergencies Emergency Planning
at sea or in port as applicable, including:
MN 8.1.2 Understand emergency towing arrangements and procedures Emergency Planning
MN 8.1.3 Understand procedures for refloating a vessel with and without assistance Emergency Planning
MN 8.1.4 Appreciate the value of drills and other training to cope with emergencies Emergency Planning
MN 9 Manoeuvre and handle the ship in all conditions
MN 9.1 Manoeuvre and handle the ship in all conditions
MN 9.1.1 Understand ship design features affecting the manoeuverability including: Bridge Management O2
MN 9.1.2 Know other factors affecting manoeuvrability including Bridge Management O2
MN 9.1.3 Compare manoeuvring data for a range of ship types Bridge Management O2
MN 9.1.4 Know manoeuvring procedures when berthing and unberthing, in all conditions of wind, Bridge Management O2
current and tidal stream, with and without tugs:
MN 9.1.5 Know the procedures when manoeuvring the vessel for anchoring In all conditions of Bridge Management O2
wind, current and tidal stream
MN 9.1.6 Know the procedures relating to manoeuvring in routine circumstances including: Bridge Management O2
MN 9.1.7 Know the procedures relating to manoeuvring in emergencies including: Bridge Management O2
MN 10 Operate remote controls of propulsion plant and engineering systems and
services
MN 10.1 Marine Power Plant
MN
Describe diesel plant Marine Engineering Systems O1
10.1.1
MN
Describe steam turbine plant Marine Engineering Systems O1
10.1.2
MN
Describe gas turbine plant Marine Engineering Systems O1
10.1.3
MN
Describe the transmission of power to the propulsion system Marine Engineering Systems O1
10.1.4
MN Describe the function and operational limitations of the following, and have an
Marine Engineering Systems O2
10.1.5 awareness of the relevant regulations:
MN Describe steering and manoeuvering systems Marine Engineering Systems O2
10.1.6
MN Understand marine engineering terms Marine Engineering Systems O3
10.1.7
MN Understand the concepts of control systems Marine Engineering Systems O3
10.1.8
MN Understand the need for and describe the function and operation of: Marine Engineering Systems O3
10.1.9
MN Describe the principles of bridge control Marine Engineering Systems O3
10.1.10
MN Understand factors affecting fuel consumption Marine Engineering Systems O1
10.1.11
MC Cargo handling and stowage at the management level
Plan and ensure safe loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage
MC1
and unloading
MC1.1 Cargo handling and stowage
MC 1.1.1 Understand the structural requirements for vessels with respect to the handling and Management of Vessel O1
carriage of cargo Operations
MC 1.1.2 Understand stability/stress diagrams and stress calculating equipment Ship Stability:Theory and O3
Application
MC 1.1.3 Know the planning and operational procedures for the stowage and securing of dry Management of Vessel O1
cargoes, stores and equipment Operations
MC 1.1.4 Know the planning and operational procedures for handling oil, liquid and gas cargoes Management of Vessel O2
Operations
MC 1.1.5 Know the planning and operational procedures for passenger operations Management of Vessel O3
Operations
MO Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on
board at the management level
MO 1 Control trim, stability and stress
MO 1.1 Factors affecting trim, stability and stress
MO 1.1.1 Understand the theories and factors affecting stability and trim Ship Stability:Theory and O1
Application
MO 1.1.2 Understand the factors affecting stability at moderate and large angles of heel Ship Stability:Theory and O2
Application
MO 1.1.3 Know the effect of damage and flooding on stability [no calculation required) Ship Stability:Theory and O2
Application
MO 1.1.4 Know the current national and IMO regulations concerning stability Ship Stability:Theory and O1
Application
MO 1.1.5 Understand stability/stress diagrams and stress calculating equipment Ship Stability:Theory and O3
Application
MO 2 Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements and
measures to ensure safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine
environment
MO 2.1 Responsibilities under International Maritime Law
MO 2.1.1 Understand agreements and conventions Shipmasters Business O1
MO 3 Maintain safety and security of the ship’s crew and passengers and the
operational condition of LSA, FFA and other safety systems
MO 3.1 Drills, maintenance and procedures
MO 3.1.1 Know the drills, and their organisation, required to comply with current national and Emergency Planning
international legislation to include the following situations:
MO 3.1.2 Know the operational maintenance requirements of FFA, LSA and other safety systems ADVANCED FIRE FIGHTING
MO 3.1.3 Know the procedures to adopt prior to departure including Management of Bridge O1
Operations
MO 3.1.4 Know the procedures to adopt prior to heavy weather at sea and in port Management of Bridge O1
Operations
MO 4 Develop emergency and damage control plans and handle emergency
situations
MO 4.1 Emergency planning
MO 4.1.1 Prepare plans for response to emergencies, including: Management of Bridge O2
Operations
MO 4.2 Ship Construction
MO 4.2.1 Know the ship construction features and systems that may be used to limit damage Marine Vessels Structures O1
and Maintenance
MO 4.3 Methods and aids for fire prevention, detection and extinction
MO 4.3.1 The criteria specified in the STCW Training in Advanced Fire Fighting document ADVANCED FIRE FIGHTING
MO 4.4 Functions and use of LSA
MO 4.4.1 The criteria specified in the STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (other CPSCRB
than Fast Rescue Boat) document
MO 5 Organise and Manage the Crew
MO 5.1 Personnel and resource management
MO 5.1.1 Understand personnel management theory Shipboard Management O1
MO 5.1.2 Understand application of management theory and skills Shipboard Management O2
MO 5.1.3 Understand budgetary control Shipboard Management O2
MO 5.2 International maritime conventions, recommendations and national legislation
MO 5.2.1 Understand Employment Law Shipboard Management O3
Understand Safety Management and Quality Assurance Legislation, Codes and
MO 5.2.2 Shipboard Management O3
Guidance
MO 5.2.3 Application of Safety Management Systems Shipboard Management O3
MO 6 Organise and manage the provision of medical care on board
MO 6.1 Medical care on board
MO 6.1.1 The criteria specified in the STCW Medical Care on Board document MEDICAL CARE
ML Law at Management Level
ML 1 Understand the principles and application of UK and international law
ML 1.1 UK and International Legislation
ML 1.1.1 Understand the relationship between law, codes and other forms of guidance Shipmasters Business O1
ML 1.1.2 Understand the principles of UK and international legislation Shipmasters Business O2
ML 1.1.3 Understand the application of UK and international law Shipmasters Business O2
ML 2 Understand and apply commercial law
ML 2.1 UK and international legislation
ML 2.1.1 Understand and apply relevant international regulations, codes and standards Management of Vessel
Operations O1
concerning the safe handling, stowage, securing and transport of cargoes
ML 2.1.2 Understand the procedure on arrival at, and on departure from a port Shipmasters Business O3
MM Maintenance and materials at Management Level
MM 1 Maintain the vessel
MM 1.1 Properties and protection of materials
MM Understand the range and application of materials and processes Marine Vessels Structures O1
1.1.1 and Maintenance
MM Know the properties and safe use of maintenance equipment and materials Marine Vessels Structures O2
MM 2 Drydocking and Survey Preparation
MM 2.1 Dry-docking procedures
MM Know the procedures for dry-docking Marine Vessels Structures O3
MM 2.2 Survey Preparation
MM Marine Vessels Structures
Know the preparations required for surveys and Maintenance
O3
2.2.1

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Arrangements for:

HNC Nautical Science

HND Nautical Science

Validation date: June 2006

Date of original publication: October 2007

2 Rationale for the development of the Group Awards

Accordingly it is a requirement of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

As a signatory to IMO, the UK Government is responsible for ensuring compliance

The consultation phase of the revision

This resulted in the introduction of a Foundation Degree-based training programme

In Scotland however, providers of HNC and HND Nautical Science in consultation

♦ raise the levels of management skills in the workforce in particular the

Analysis of the results can be summarised as follows:

Working with Others

Additionally the following comments/views on Core Skills were expressed:

Communication: Officer Trainees must be able to interpret technical

Numeracy: Numeracy is essential for calculations involving

Information Technology: There is a need for Officer Trainees to be proficient

Problem Solving: Decision making ability was underlined as a major

Cross cultural communications and management of multinational crews should be

Increased expertise in management and leadership would be required within the

3 Aims of the Group Awards

3.1 General aims of the Group Awards

3.2.1 Specific aims of the HNC Nautical Science

1 To enable candidates to obtain a Certificate of Competency as an Officer

3.2.2 Specific aims of the HND Nautical Science

3.3 Target groups

Officer Trainee entrants

Candidates can be broadly split into three main groups:

Group (1) Entrants with basic Standard Grade/GSCE qualifications.

3.4 Employment Opportunities within the wider maritime sector

As well as UK Officer Trainees, the qualifications can be used for overseas

♦ Personal Management within the marine industry

4.1 Entry guidelines

4.1.1 Standard Grade entrants

Standard Grade passes at a minimum of Grade 3 or GCSE passes at a minimum of

(i) Mathematics (Standard Grade at Grade 2)

Completion of a Marine Foundation Course which includes at least the following:

(i) All mandatory STCW 95 Elementary Courses

4.1.2 Higher/A Level entrants (less than 120 UCAS points)

Standard Grade passes at Grade 3 or better (Mathematics to Grade 2) or GCSE

4.1.3 Higher/A Level entrants (more than 120 UCAS points)

Standard Grade passes at Grade 3 or better (Mathematics to Grade 2) or GCSE

Consideration would be given to candidates with alternative subjects at Higher, A

Consideration will also be given to postgraduate entrants with a degree in a relevant

4.1.4 Mature serving seafarers

There is no requirement for an English subject as an entry requirement. This is

4.2 Progression from HND Year 1 to HND Year 2

Core Skills Recommended

5.1 Framework of HNC and HND Nautical Science

5.1.1 Framework of HNC Nautical Science

Summary of design principles — HNCs will:

♦ be at SCQF level 7 and have 96 SCQF credit points (12 HN credits)

Additionally for candidates who require an Officer of the Watch Certificate of

♦ F0LK 34 Marine Emergency Response and Communication

Summary of design principles — HNDs will:

5.1.3 Graded Units

♦ Graded Unit 1 assesses the above at the level of operational responsibility as

♦ Grade Unit 3 assesses the above at the level of management responsibility as

Specific Aims 9, 11, 12, 14

Specific Aims 10, 11 ,12, 14

As detailed in Appendix 1, the UK MCA requires candidates following a non-VQ

MCA Certificate MCA/SQA Safety HNC/HND Nautical Science

Chief Mate Stability HND Nautical Science