BSc (Hons)Nautical Science

Core modules

Celestial Navigation, Maths and Science

In this module, you'll learn how to determine the vessel’s position through observation of celestial bodies, and to calculate the course and shortest possible distance between positions on the earth’s surface to enable you to navigate the vessel safely when out of sight of land and without the use of electronic position fixing systems. You'll also learn how to evaluate the accuracy of gyro and magnetic compasses using celestial bodies, and to demonstrate the use and maintenance of relevant precision navigational instruments.

Marine Cargo Operations

During this module, you'll gain an understanding of how merchant ships generate revenue by safely and efficiently carrying cargo. This includes the proper loading, stowage and carriage of dry bulk, liquid, and chemical cargoes, as well as the legal aspects of cargo operations. The knowledge gained here will enable you to apply the law to other operational modules on this cadetship programme.

Marine Meteorology

This module will provide you with an understanding of the meteorological observation methods, use of meteorological instruments and world meteorological organisation (WMO) codes, and the weather services available to shipping. In addition, you'll learn about meteorological processes and to be able to describe the weather associated with the main features of a synoptic chart, the general circulation of the atmosphere, the main climatic zones over the oceans, and the ocean currents of the world.

Operational Bridge Watchkeeping

This module will provide you with the knowledge and skills to carry out the safe navigation of a ship from a ship’s bridge. You'll learn about modern navigation systems, manoeuvring the vessel using modern engineering systems, the preparations to deal with various emergencies at sea, and the use of IMO approved communication systems and procedures.

Operational Maritime Law and Project Management

This module will familiarise you with the relationship between laws, codes, and various forms of guidance related to ship and crew safety, as well as operational procedures. You'll gain an understanding of the laws governing the shipping industry, both nationally and internationally, and an insight into the organisational structures used by your company, both ashore and onboard. Additionally, you'll explore the factors that can influence decision-making, such as stress, fatigue, culture, and situational awareness, and learn techniques to mitigate these influences.

Operational Naval Architecture and Stability

This module will familiarise you a typical ship’s structure and the salient features of a range of ship vessel types, in addition to applying the principles of ship stability to box- and ship-shaped vessels in routine situations.

Operational Passage Planning and Electronic Charts

This module will familiarise you with the methods of planning a safe passage and determining a ships position using appropriate charts and publications to maintain the navigational safety of a merchant vessel.

Core modules

Applied Marine Meteorology

During this module, you'll learn to understand and analyse the electronic weather reports available on a ship and to compare synoptic charts and actual weather conditions experienced by the vessel. This includes an awareness of the use of data science in weather forecasting and modelling.

Management of Bridge Operations

This module builds on the operational level module and deals with the management of navigation of a ship from a ship’s bridge. You'll enhance your navigation and ship handling skills using modern navigation systems as well as engineering systems. You'll also learn to be prepared to deal with various emergencies at sea as a ship’s captain, the sole person in charge of lives and property at sea.

Management of Passage Planning

Building on knowledge gained in the operational module in year one, you'll learn to evaluate a completed passage plan considering all factors that may affect the safety of navigation, and to implement and monitor appropriate solutions for situations which arise during a passage.

Management of Vessel Operations

This module builds on your knowledge of operational requirements for different ship types and will improve your understanding of the planning and cargo operational procedures for all dry, oil, liquid gas and chemical cargoes at the management level. Cargo operations earns revenue for the ship owners, so as managers of all the operations on board ship, including cargo operations, it is the responsibility of deck officers to ensure the cargo operation is carried out both safely and efficiently. This module will enable deck officers to prepare viable plans and understand how to manage cargo operations.

Marine Engineering and Vessel Maintenance

In this module you'll learn to define engineering terms, describe the operating principles of marine power plants, the function and operation of a vessel’s auxiliary machinery, and the concepts of control systems. The advanced ship construction teaching and learning embedded in this module will help prepare you to manage ship maintenance, survey and repair activities.

Ship Stability: Theory and Practical Application

This module covers advanced and specialist ship stability theory and its application aboard merchant vessels. As the module progresses, you'll learn to determine whether a ship is stable and therefore safe to sail using a combination of metrics and you'll acquire knowledge and skills to be able to efficiently improve a vessel’s stability without having to rely on computer algorithms and a process of trial and error.

Shipboard Management

This module will allow you to analyse shipboard management and safety management systems, including the management of personnel, operations and resources on board, in accordance with current legislative requirements. You'll analyse the role of the senior officer with regard to health and safety, budgeting, employment law, and management of shipboard resources.

Shipmasters Law and Business

During this module, you'll learn about key management principles and become familiar with the most important international conventions. The module focuses on essential knowledge relating to maritime law and management to help prepare you to be effective in a management role on board a merchant vessel.

Core modules

Dissertation

In this module you'll bring together the skills and knowledge gained throughout your course, both in the classroom and at sea. You'll have the opportunity to choose a topic that excites you and to undertake a piece of in-depth research and analysis. The aim is to demonstrate your best work and to highlight your knowledge of your chosen topic.

Leadership and Management

This module will enable you to understand how effective and efficient people management adds to a company’s success. The module analyses the integrated nature of people management and how this is achieved through a range of management tools and techniques, and identifies current themes and issues that relate to managing people from the perspective of the line manager in an organisation.

Marine Surveying and Accident Investigation

The module focuses on the process of statutory surveys and inspections, and the investigation of potential breaches of statutory requirements resulting in damage and loss. During the module, you'll explore the role of investigators appointed by maritime certifying authorities, government maritime accident investigation agencies, shipping companies, and protection and indemnity (P&I) insurers.

Maritime Business and Commercial Practices

Throughout your cadetship, you will have started to develop a much greater understanding of the commercial elements of the industry such as chartering and brokering and the relationships between the many agencies and businesses involved in the maritime world. This module will examine some of the key global business factors you'll need to identify and evaluate to support your decision-making processes. You'll also develop knowledge of management, and the processes involved making commercially appropriate strategic management decisions.

Maritime Sustainability

During this module, you will develop the skills in leadership and management needed to sustainably manage business activity and projects. The module begins by focusing on developing your understanding of sustainability and addresses the development of sustainability, its contested nature and interdisciplinary application. The module then moves on to discuss the concepts of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and their application to the industry, followed by a consideration of the tools and technology available to meet the needs of industry in reaching a more sustainable future.