Nautical Science

Overview

Nautical Science has three main elements: navigation, cargo operations, and ship operations. In other words, the control of a ship; the safe operation of a ship, including the protection of life and the environment; Shipboard administration, and the handling, loading and care of cargoes which may be as diverse as petroleum products, general cargo, or thousands of new cars or passengers.

This course is designed for those who wish to pursue a career as a deck officer aboard ship. It provides a comprehensive education in navigation and other ship board activities. Students who successfully complete year 1 can expect to be placed on a series of commercial ships in year 2, gaining between twelve and fifteen months seatime for practical training experience, and to gain the necessary ‘seatime’ for the Department of Transport Certificate of Competency and professional examinations. In addition, students must complete a comprehensive workplace training programme including training records, journals and other documents associated with the training programme, as specified from time to time.

It should be noted that while every endeavour will be made to secure a suitable sea training berth, this is outside the control of MTU/NMCI and the College cannot accept responsibility for difficulties in securing such a berth.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

• Navigation and Meteorology: an introduction to both celestial and terrestrial navigation, together with an understanding of meteorology, as it relates to the seafarer
• General Ship Knowledge: elements of ship construction, stability and cargo operations
• Applied Nautical Science: the application of science and physics as it relates to the marine environment
• Seamanship: the theory and practice of seamanship, having regard to safe working practices
• Introduction to Shipboard Safety: includes short-course elements relating to fire-fighting, sea survival, and first aid training
• Bridge Watchkeeping: an introduction to the theory and practice of keeping a safe navigational watch, having regard to the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

• score the necessary CAO points and
• meet the minimum entry requirements:
  Leaving Certificate in five subjects i.e. O6/H7 in five subjects. The five must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.
• pass the approved medical fitness and eyesight tests as specified by the Irish Maritime Administration of the Department of Transport. Applicants are strongly advised to attend a career advisory session.

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Please Note:

1. The programme is normally available only to Irish citizens and EU citizens who are ordinarily resident in Ireland.
2. Applicants must pass the approved medical fitness and eyesight tests as specified by the Irish Maritime Administration of the Department of Transport. Offer of a place on the course will be subject to passing the medical and eyesight tests at the time of offer.
3. Applicants, other than those indicated in Note 1, will need to be sponsored by an approved internationally trading shipping company, provide an IELTS score of 6.5, and also meet the medical and eyesight requirements for a sea going career.
4. Applicants should note that to qualify for an Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency (CoC), the Department of Transport has set additional criteria with respect to minimum pass marks, academic progression, and students with dyslexia. Download Marine Notice No. 65 of 2013.
5. Applicants who are non-Irish citizens should ensure that they qualify for the issuance of a Seafarer's Discharge Book in their home country.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Graduates first become officer of the watch on a vessel after graduating and passing relevant examinations. They can advance to chief mate or ship’s captain with further study, examinations, and seatime. Career opportunities exist on a range of different types of ocean going vessels: bulk carriers, oil tankers, container ships, cruise and ferry vessels. There are also careers on specialist vessels, such as seismic and exploration ships, pilot vessels, tugs, and mega yachts.

• Ship’s officer (from junior ranks to captain)
• Harbour master/pilot
• Marine surveyor
• Maritime studies lecturer

Progression

Further Studies

Suitably qualified Nautical Science graduates may continue their studies and obtain the BSc (Honours) Nautical Science degree and Chief Mate professional qualification, as an add-on year and continue to obtain the professional qualification of Master Unlimited.