Course Description

Advanced Diploma in Deck Operations (also leading to OIC Navigational Watch) programme is designed to prepare candidates for a career in the maritime sector.
The Advanced Diploma is a 2 year full time course and the qualification is issued by MCAST, whilst the programme also prepares candidates as sea cadets with a further 12 month sea placement and Transport Malta written exams including the final oral exam to qualify for the ultimate maritime qualification with the Certificate of Competence as an Officer In Charge of a Navigational Watch (unlimited) on ocean-going merchant vessels. This qualification is issued by Transport Malta (Maritime) Authority.
Candidates can opt to take the course leading to Officer In Charge of Navigational Watch alone and sit for Transport Malta examinations OR the course leading to Advanced Diploma in Deck Operations alone and sit for MCAST examinations OR both with full qualifications.
It is to be noted that those candidates taking the Advanced Diploma in Deck Operations course will not be entitled to work as navigation ship officers.
The course consists of a number of maritime related subjects such as Navigation, Meteorology, Signals, Ship Knowledge and Stability, Cargo Operations, International Regulations, and leadership training in which all candidates are expected to participate.
Officer Cadets are expected to wear a merchant marine uniform whilst undergoing training both ashore and on board ships.
Officer Cadets attending the course will be expected to find own ship sponsor for the practical training period at sea during the third phase of training of the course. However, assistance will also be offered.

Career Prospects

Advanced Diploma holders:
Port Inspector,
Terminal Inspector,
GMDSS Operator,
Cargo Operator in Yard/Ship Terminal

Officer In Charge of Navigational Watch (unlimited) holders:
Second Officer onboard Ocean going ships of any size and operations.

Entry Requirements

Internal Progression Route…
MCAST Diploma in Deck Operation
or
Any MCAST MQF Level 3 Diploma offered by the Institute of Engineering and Transport

OR

4 SEC / SSQ&P or equivalent with a Pass Grade / Level 3
Compulsory: Physics AND Mathematics AND English Language

At point of application, all Applicants are expected to present a full Medical Clearance, as per Protocol issued by Transport Malta

Students must reach the age of 18 years prior to start of sea experience

Other Important matters to be noted and considered:

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