Chief Mate (Unlimited) - Post HND Route

This Chief Mate (Unlimited) – Post HND Route programme enables candidates to achieve Chief Mate and Master certification by the SQA examination route.

Candidates will receive tuition in ‘Command Management’, NAEST and HELM (Management Level) courses, preparation for the SQA examinations in ‘Navigation’ & ‘Ship Stability’, and MCA Signals & Oral examinations.

Candidates must also hold an STCW certificate in ‘Proficiency in Medical Care aboard Ship’ before taking their MCA Orals. Additionally, candidates who completed the NAEST(O) course prior to 1st January 2005 must have completed an IMO Model 1.27 ECDIS course before undertaking the NAEST(M) course. Both of these courses can be undertaken outside of the main course.

Once a Chief Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) has been achieved, candidates must complete 36 months’ watchkeeping service while holding an OOW unlimited II/1 Certificate of Competency before undertaking examination for Master certification. This period may be reduced to 24 months if at least 12 months of such seagoing service has been served as Chief Mate while holding a Chief Mate unlimited II/2 CoC.

For additional information, please review the Maritime Career Progression Charts for deck certification.

Course content

• Command Management unit.
• SQA preparation for ‘Navigation’ and ‘Ship Stability’ papers.
• MCA Signals Preparation /Examination and MCA Oral Preparation.
• Navigation Aids & Equipment Simulator Training (Management Level) course – NAEST(M)
• Human Element, Leadership & Management (Management Level) – HELM(M)

Course Availability & Fees

Please contact the Admissions and Recruitment team for further information:

Tel: +44 (0)23 8201 5015

Email: wma.admissions@solent.ac.uk