Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt)

MCA Officer of the Watch training consists of several different training modules required to be completed before attending and oral exam to obtain the Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt) Certificate of Competency.

Why UKSA?

  • All food and accommodation is included in the price, so there are no hidden extras or surprises once you get here. We don’t think you’ll find better value for money any where else!
  • All training takes place on our site in Cowes, so you won’t spend time going back and forth between different locations
  • We are not just 9 to 5: we’re open around the clock. We have some evening seminars and you’ll be able to use the facilities to study once lessons are over.
  • There’s a great social aspect to training at UKSA: all our students eat on-site, there’s a lively bar with regular events and a very convivial atmosphere.

Pre-requisites:

  • 19 years old or over
  • Have (since the age of 16) a minimum of 36 months Onboard Yacht Service, in vessels of any size, including not less than 365 days Sea Service in vessels of 15 metres or over in loadline length, where the Sea Service is:
    • a. A minimum of 250 days Actual Sea Service, and
    • b. The balance of 115 days any combination of the following:
      • i. Further Actual Sea Service
      • ii. Stand-by Service to a maximum of 14 consecutive days in one period regardless of any further time spent standing-by. Further periods may be counted only when the vessel returns after proceeding to sea on passage
      • iii. Yard Service to a maximum of 90 days continuously or in separate periods
  • Have completed the MCA approved Training Record Book

Note: A completed Training Record book is not required if the candidate can provide evidence of 36 months Sea Service in vessels of at least 24 metres in load line length.

Required training for Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt):

Navigation and Radar (OOW Yachts)

This course includes sections on the Collision Regulations, chart work, Buoyage, Electronic Navigation Aids, ECDIS, AIS, Radar and ARPA. Theory is covered in the first 10 days, concluding with a written examination. The third week’s training takes place in our simulator suite. This practical part of the course is subject to continuous assessment.

General Ships Knowledge (OOW Yachts)

Introduction to ship construction, stresses and corrosion, transverse stability, reserve buoyancy and damage control, meteorology and seamanship, watchkeeping, preparation for sea and maintenance.

Advanced Sea Survival for Yachtsmen

This course teaches essential prevention, survival and rescue techniques. It includes both theoretical sessions ashore and practical sessions afloat in the pool and at sea. Subject areas include emergencies and drills, survival craft, survival equipment, first aid, survival actions, distress communication and the use of rescue boats.

GMDSS General Operators Certificate (GOC)

This higher level radio communication course is a mixture of theory and practical application as part of the GMDSS examinations, covering general knowledge on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and radio regulations alongside the practice and understanding of radio-telephone communications and procedures for situations such as emergencies and distress.

Human Element, Leadership and Management (Operational Level)

The HELM operational level (3 day) course is now required for candidates applying for the Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt) CoC. The course covers the requirements for young watch keeping officers to work with their superiors and manage their teams.

Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)

The EDH course leads to the EDH examination by the MCA and is required for all Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt) candidates from July 2013. This course covers basic seamanship, ropework and wire work, use of lifting equipment, rigging of stages and bosuns’ chairs, basic painting and maintenance routines, steering and duties of the lookout and the responsibilities of crew members under the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.

Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS)

This course will cover the general principles of operation of an Electronic Chart System and the regulations for the operation and will include time spent on basic software learning the methods of setting up, updating, loading new charts and software.  Two days will be spent learning the basic operation before moving on to passage planning and performing a series of tasks on the ship simulator to fully understand navigating using Electronic Charts. Mandatory training for watch keeping officers on ECDIS fitted ships from 2017.

Orals Preparations Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt)

This course is highly recommended as an intense final preparation after the completion of all OOW modules and immediately before the final oral exam. The course is designed to enhance and test your knowledge and prepare you to answer questions clearly, accurately and comprehensively.

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