Examining The Maritime Academy Engineering Essay

Arabian Gulf countries have a long history and tradition on maritime affairs, and Arabs considered as the most skilled and experienced seafarers and traders. These traditional and historical ties with sea, the proposed Maritime Academy trusts to cultivate to the highest level by providing the Arab youth with vocational and professional maritime training that meets all current international standards.

The proposed Maritime Academy will be dedicated to the training of Arab seafarers to be and will give students the best possible start to their careers in the international shipping industry.

It is well known that seafaring offers a stimulating, fulfilling and well paid career to young men who enjoy the associated challenges and responsibility, and who want more from a career than the usual “nine to five” routine. A career at sea brings with it a wealth of opportunity, providing individuals with the training and experience for a lifetime of rewarding challenges, which in the long term can be continued either at sea or ashore.

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While many will aspire to reach the ranks of Captain or Chief Engineer aboard ship, others may decide later on to move ashore and pursue one of the many opportunities available to experienced ship’s officers in the international shipping industry or elsewhere (e.g. shipping management, port management, ship broking, maritime law, ship and cargo surveying etc.)

Most Arab countries are blessed with excessive oil reserves and this oil is transported to countries all over the world. This oil industry needs competent and reputable shipping industry to take care of the oil transport and has to be run by skilled, well trained, and educated officers both aboard ships and ashore. Technical and managerial skills learned at sea are readily transferable and can be developed by further training. And is the scope of the proposed Maritime Academy to provide.

1.2 Building up of Students Professional Qualifications

In the Maritime Academy young cadets will learn and trained in such a way as to enhance all these personal qualities existing in every man and which are essential for a successful ship’s officer in order to cope with the demands of the profession. As a merchant marine officer he will spend several months at a time away from home living in close proximity with other crew members. The ability to cope with the stresses of separation whilst exercising tolerance towards others on the ship is therefore essential.

In the Maritime Academy young cadets will learn to accept, later as ship’s Officers, a higher level of responsibility than would be expected at a similar age in most other professions and possess the leadership qualities necessary to direct the work of others, often under difficult circumstances. Self-reliance, self-discipline, initiative and the ability to work as part of a team are also part of the training as well as the commercial awareness and management skills demanded in today’s competitive shipping industry.

1.3 The Roles of Navigation (Deck), Marine Engineering, and Electro – Technical Officers

Navigation (Deck) Officers

Navigation Officers maintain watches on the bridge at sea and about the ship in port. They are responsible for passage planning, the safe navigation of the ship, cargo loading and discharge, ship stability, communications, and the maintenance of the hull and deck equipment.

The ship’s Captain or Master is in overall command with ultimate responsibility for the safety of the crew, ship, cargo, and environment. Only navigation Officers can be promoted to the rank of Master.

Marine Engineering Officers

Marine Engineering Officers are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship’s main propulsion machinery and auxiliary plant, including deck machinery, air conditioning plants, refrigeration plants, and domestic and electrical services. Depending on the type of ship and operational circumstances, Engineer Officers will be required to keep watches in the ship’s Engine Room.

The Chief Engineer Officer is in charge of the department and is responsible to the ship’s Master for its efficient operation. Whilst the law demands that only one person can be in overall command of the ship and by tradition that person is the Master, the Chief Engineer Officer’s status and salary is very similar to that enjoyed by the Master.

Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs)

These specialist officers work within the Engineering Department where they take particular responsibility for the maintenance of on board control engineering and electronic systems including propulsion control, radio communications and electronic navigation aids.

OFFICER CADET PROGRAMMES TO BE OFFERED BY THE MARITIME ACADEMY

The Maritime Academy shall offer 3 or 31/2 – year Officer Cadet training programmes according to National and International (STCW) requirements, which will lead to professional certification by the Academy and either a degree qualification or a Higher National Diploma (HND).

Officer Cadets following the Degree route will initially achieve professional certification by the Academy and a foundation Degree in either Marine Operations (Deck cadets) or Marine Engineering (Engine & ETO Cadets). Successful candidates will then have the opportunity to top-up their academic qualification to an Honours Degree, achieving either a BSc (Hons) in Marine Operations Management (Deck Cadets) or a BEng(Hons) in Marine Engineering and Management.

Officer Cadets following the HND route will initially achieve professional certification by the Academy and an HND in either Nautical Science (Deck Cadets) or Marine Engineering (Engine and ETO Cadets).

After gaining initial Academy certification, junior officers prepare for the higher certificates of competency, leading finally to a Master Mariner’s or Chief Engineer’s Certificate of Competency, by a combination of sea service and Academy based training. Promotion to senior officer rank depends rather on merit than simply the possession of a senior certificate.

The Academy may arrange, through various international shipping companies, for the Officer Cadets to obtain the required sea experience.

OFFICER CADETS TRAINING PROGRAMMES

PROGRAMME

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Deck Cadets

Foundation Degree in Marine Operations, with top-up to BSc(Hons) in marine Operations Management

A minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points, preferably including a numerate subject,

PlusGSCE grade “C” or above in the following subjects:

Mathematics (preferably Higher Tier)

English

Science (with Physical Science content)

HND in Nautical Science

Students will be required to complete an HE Entry course at the Academy prior to commencing the HND. Entry requirements for the induction course are as indicated.

Successful completion of a full HND may facilitate later top-up to BSc(Hons) in Marine Operations Management.

4 GCS’s Grade C or above including:

Mathematics

Science (with Physical Science content)

English or a subject using English (i.e. Geography, History)

Engine/ETO Cadets

Foundation Degree in Marine Engineering, with top-up to BEng(Hons) in Marine Engineering and Management

A minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points, including a numerate subject,

PlusGSCE grade “C” or above in the following subjects:

Mathematics (preferably Higher Tier)

English

Science (with Physical Science content)

HND in Marine Engineering

Students will be required to complete an HE Entry course at the Academy prior to commencing the HND. Entry requirements for the induction course are as indicated.

Successful completion of a full HND may facilitate later top-up to BEng(Hons) in Marine Engineering and Management.

4 GCS’s Grade C or above including:

Mathematics

Science (with Physical Science content)

English or a subject using English (i.e. Geography, History)

UCAS TARIFF FOR ACCESS TO DEGREE COURSES

UCAS Points

GCE A Level

GCE AS Level

GCC Nationals (Award)

Key Skills

120

Grade A

Distinction

100

Grade B

80

Grade C

Merit

72

60

Grade D

Grade A

50

Grade B

48

42

40

Grade E

Grade C

Pass

30

Grade D

Level 4

20

Grade E

Level 3

10

Level 2

The 120 UCAS points required for Academy’s maritime Foundation Degrees can be made up of any combination of qualifications. No UCAS credit is given for GCSEs but Foundation Degree students will be required to hold GCSE Mathematics (minimum Grade C, preferably higher tier syllabus), English and a GCSE science with a significant content of Physical Science.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Officer Cadets must have good health and be capable of passing the Merchant Navy Medical Examination tests. Navigating Officer Cadets must also have normal colour vision and be able to pass the Academy’s Sight Test, although corrective lenses may be acceptable in some cases.

COURSE STRUCTURES

Each Officer Cadet programme consists of a number of training phases, alternating between phases at the Academy and phases at sea aboard a shipping company’s vessels.

At the Academy, Officer Cadets will develop the academic underpinning knowledge (UPK) required for professional certification, and also undertake specific safety courses required by International Convention (STCW ’95). While aboard ship, Officer Cadets will gain practical shipboard experience and develop their operational competency as watchkeeping Officers.

In addition to their academic studies, Officer Cadets must undertake a number of safety and survival courses during their cadetship. These include the following:

Personal Survival Techniques (PST)

Personal Social and Safety Responsibilities (PSSR)

Basic Fire Fighting (BFF)

Elementary First Aid (EFA)

Medical First Aid aboard ship (MFA)

Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (CPSC & RB)

Advanced Fire Fighting

In addition Deck cadets must complete the following courses:

Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System General Operator’s Certificate (GMDSS)

Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulation Training: Operational Level (NARAS O)

NAVIGATING (DECK) OFFICERS

5.1 DEGREE PROGRAMME

ACADEMY PHASE

DURATION

CONTENT

Induction

Phase 1

3 Weeks

15 Weeks

Freshers Week / General induction to shipping industry.

Assessment for entry to Degree programme.

Intro to EDH / STCW short courses – PST, BFF, EFA, PSSR.

Foundation degree (FdSc) units:

Maritime Analytical Methods

Navigation

Ship Operations

Phase 2

(At Sea)

35 Weeks

Work Based Learning (Operations Level)

MNTB Deck Training Record Book

Phase 3

30 Weeks

Foundation Degree (FdSc) units:

Meteorology

Cargo operations

Voyage Planning

Shipboard Management

Marine Operations

Command Management

NARAS(O) preparation / assessment

Phase 4

(At Sea)

47 Weeks

Work Based Learning (Management Level)

MNTB Deck Training Book

Phase 5

Part 1

5 Weeks

Consolidation of Work Based Learning and any outstanding academic assessments prior to award of:

Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Marine Operations

Phase 5

Part 2

10 Weeks

STCW short courses: AFF, EDH, MFA, GMDSS, NARAS(O), PSC &RB

MCA Orals Preparation

Successful completion of MCA Oral examination leads to award of the initial MCA Certificate of Competency and end the Cadetship.

Phase 6

(Optional)

Top up to

BSc (Hons)

Degree

11 Weeks

Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours degree units:

Project

Maritime Technology

Optional Units (2 of 4)

Safety Management

Financial Management

Mercantile Law

Curriculum Plus

Phase 7

(At sea / on leave)

(Optional)

Blended Learning with Tutorial Support

10 Months

Complete self-study elements of Maritime Technology and two Optional Units undertaken.

Complete Project – Up to 18 months to complete.

Successful completion of all units leads to award of:

BSc (Hons) Degree in Marine Operations Management

5.2 HND PROGRAMME

ACADEMY PHASE

DURATION

CONTENT

Phase 1

16 Weeks

Freshers Week / General induction to shipping industry.

HE Entry Course, including Academic Study Skills, Mathematics Foundation and introductions to Navigation, General Ship Knowledge and Ship and Port Operations.

Successful completion of HE Entry Course leads to award of:

National Certificate of Further Education (NcFE)

Intro to EDH and PSC and RB / STCW short courses – PST, BFF, EFA, PSSR

Phase 2

(At Sea)

36 Weeks

MNTB Training Record Book

Guided Studies (HND Level 1 preparation)

Phase 3

28 Weeks

HND Level 1 units (STCW II/1 UPK):

Navigation

Passage Planning

Watchkeeping and Communications

Ship Construction, Cargo ad Stability

Law and Management

For SQA examinations

NARAS(O) preparation / assessment

Phase 4

(At Sea)

48 Weeks

MNTB Training Record Book

Guided Studies (HND Level 2 and MCA Orals preparation)

Phase 5

17 Weeks

For completion of OOW CoC

+

26 Weeks

For completion of HND Part 2 (Academic exemptions to Chief Mate &Master Level)

STCW short courses: AFF, EDH, MFA, GMDSS, NARAS(O), PSC &RB

Preparation for SQA/MCA written and oral examinations

Successful completion of HND level 1 units, SQA/MCA written and oral examinations and STCW short courses leads to the award of the initial MCA Certificate of Competency and end of cadetship.

HND Level 2 units (STCW II/2 UPK)

Command Passage Planning

Advanced Ship Stability and Construction

Cargo and Port Operations

Law and Management for Mates and Masters

Bridge and Engineering Systems

Successful completion of all HND academic assessments at the required pass rates provides full academic exemptions to Chief Mate/Master level and leads to the award of Higher National Diploma (HND)

Candidates who successfully achieve a full HND should later be eligible to top-up the academic award to:

BSc (Hons) Degree in Marine Operations Management

Phase 5

Part 2

10 Weeks

STCW short courses: AFF, EDH, MFA, GMDSS, NARAS(O), PSC &RB

MCA Orals Preparation

Successful completion of MCA Oral examination leads to award of the initial MCA Certificate of Competency and end the Cadetship.

Phase 6

(Optional)

Top up to

BSc (Hons)

Degree

11 Weeks

Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours degree units:

Project

Maritime Technology

Optional Units (2 of 4)

Safety Management

Financial Management

Mercantile Law

Curriculum Plus

Phase 7

(At sea / on leave)

(Optional)

Blended Learning with Tutorial Support

10 Months

Complete self-study elements of Maritime Technology and two Optional Units undertaken.

Complete Project – Up to 18 months to complete.

Successful completion of all units leads to award of:

BSc (Hons) Degree in Marine Operations Management

MARINE ENGINEERING OFFICERS

6.1 DEGREE PROGRAMME

ACADEMY PHASE

DURATION

CONTENT

Induction

Phase 1

3 Weeks

24 Weeks

Freshers Week / General induction to shipping industry.

Assessment for entry to Degree programme.

STCW short courses – PST, BFF, EFA, PSSR.

Marine Engineering Principles

Workshop Skills Training

Foundation Degree (FdEng) units:

Mathematics

Mechanics / Thermodynamics

Marine Legislation and Management Principles

Work Based Learning

Phase 2

(At Sea)

25 Weeks

Work Based Learning (Operations Level)

MNTB Engineer Training Record Book

Phase 3

30 Weeks

Foundation Degree (FdEng) units:

Marine Electrics / Marine Auxiliary System Principles

Marine Propulsion System Principles

Ship Construction / Ship Stability

Further mathematics

Further Mechanics / Further Thermodynamics

Engineering Design and Project Part 1

Work based Learning

Workshop Skills Training

Phase 4

(At Sea)

23 Weeks

Work Based Learning (Management Level)

MNTB Engineer Training Record Book

Phase 5

Part 1

14 Weeks

Consolidation of Work Based Learning

Foundation Degree (FdEng) units:

Advanced Marine Electrics

Engineering Design and Project Part 2

Instrumentation and Control Principles

Engineering management

Successful completion of academic assessments leads to the award of:

Foundation Degree (FdEng) in Marine Engineering

Phase 5

Part 2

9 Weeks

STCW short courses: MFA, AFF, PSC &RB

Workshop Skills Training

MCA Orals Preparation

Successful completion of MCA Oral examination leads to award of the initial MCA Certificate of Competency and end the Cadetship.

Phase 6

Top up to

BEng (Hons)

Degree

15 Weeks

Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) Honours degree units:

Engineering Project

Project Management

Professional Engineering Management

Optional Subjects (2 of 4): Control Systems, Naval Architecture, materials and Manufacturing, Curriculum Plus

Phase 7

(At sea / on leave)

Blended Learning with Tutorial Support

10 Months

Complete self-study elements of Project management and Professional Engineering Management.

Complete Project – up to 18 months to complete.

Successful completion of all units leads to award of:

BEng (Hons) Degree in Marine Engineering and Management

6.2 HND PROGRAMME

ACADEMY PHASE

DURATION

CONTENT

Phase 1

30 Weeks

Freshers Week / General induction to shipping industry.

HE Entry Course. Study skills, Mathematics, IT skills, UPK for 1stsea phase plus intro to: Electrics, Ship Construction and Stability, Marine Engineering Principles, Marine Legislation, Applied Heat/Mechanics.

Successful completion of HE Entry Course leads to award of:

National Certificate of Further Education (NcFE)

MNTB Workshop Skills and Technology

STCW short courses – PST, BFF, EFA, PSSR

Phase 2

(At Sea)

22 Weeks

MNTB Engineer Training Record Book

Consolidation of UPK (underpinning knowledge)

Phase 3

37 Weeks

HND Level 1 units:

Mathematics

Mechanics

Marine Propulsion Systems

Marine Auxiliary Systems

Thermodynamics

Marine Electrics

Marine Legislation and Management

Preparation for Project

MNTB Workshop Skills

Phase 4

(At Sea)

28 Weeks

MNTB Engineer Training Record Book

Consolidation of UPK/IAMI EK and MCA Orals preparation

Phase 5

9 Weeks

For completion of OOW CoC

+

26 Weeks

for completion of HND Part 2 (Academic exemptions to CEO Level)

STCW short courses – MFA, PSC &RB, AFF

Completion of MNTB Workshop Skills

Preparatory courses for IAMI EK &MCA Orals examinations

Successful completion of IAMI EK/MCA Oral examinations leads to the award of the initial MCA Certificate of Competency

HND Level 2 units

Further Mathematics

Further Mechanics

Further Thermodynamics

Ship Stability and Construction

Advanced Marine Electrics

Instrumentation and Control Systems

Engineering Management

Engineering Design and Project

Successful completion of all HND academic assessments at the required pass rates provides full academic exemptions to Chief Engineer level and leads to the award of Higher National Diploma (HND)

Candidates who successfully achieve a full HND should later be eligible to top-up the academic award to:

BEng (Hons) Degree in Marine Engineering and Management

MARINE ENGINEERING OFFICERS

7.1 DEGREE PROGRAMME

ACADEMY PHASE

DURATION

CONTENT

Induction

Phase 1

3 Weeks

24 Weeks

Freshers Week / General induction to shipping industry.

Assessment for entry to Degree programme.

STCW short courses – PST, BFF, EFA, PSSR.

Marine Engineering Principles

Workshop Skills Training/Introduction to Electronics

Foundation Degree (FdEng) units:

Mathematics

Mechanics / Thermodynamics

Marine Legislation and Management Principles

Work Based Learning

Phase 2

(At Sea)

25 Weeks

Work Based Learning (Operations Level)

MNTB Engineer Training Record Book / Electronics (Guided Studies)

Phase 3

30 Weeks

Foundation Degree (FdEng) units:

Marine Electrics / Marine Auxiliary System Principles

Marine Propulsion System Principles

Ship Construction / Ship Stability

Further Mathematics

Further Mechanics / Further Thermodynamics

Engineering Design and Project Part 1

Work based Learning

Electronic Principles and Systems / Workshop Skills Training

Phase 4

(At Sea)

23 Weeks

Work Based Learning (Management Level)

MNTB Engineer Training Record Book (plus ETO specific tasks)

Phase 5

Part 1

14 Weeks

Consolidation of Work Based Learning

Foundation Degree (FdEng) units:

Advanced Marine Electrics Instrumentation and Control Principles

Engineering Management / Engineering Design and Project Part 2

Instrumentation and Control Principles

Engineering management

Successful completion of academic assessments leads to the award of:

Foundation Degree (FdEng) in Marine Engineering

Phase 5

Part 2

9 Weeks

STCW short courses: MFA, AFF, PSC &RB

Workshop Skills Training

MCA Orals Preparation

Successful completion of MCA Oral examination leads to award of: MCA Certificate of Competency and end the Cadetship.

Phase 6

Part 1

Top up to

BEng (Hons)

Degree

15 Weeks

Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) Honours degree units:

Engineering Project

Project Management

Professional Engineering Management

Optional Subjects (2 of 4): Control Systems, Naval Architecture, Materials and Manufacturing, Curriculum Plus

Phase 6

Part 2

ENEM &GMDSS

10 Weeks

Additional units:

Electronic Navigation Systems

Navigation Systems Fault Diagnosis

Radio Communication Engineering

GMDSS Radio Maintenance &ENEM Certificates

Phase 7

(At sea/on leave)

Blended learning Tutorial Support

10 Months

Complete self-study elements of Project management and Professional Engineering Management.

Complete Project – up to 18 months to complete.

Successful completion of all units leads to the award of:

BEng (Hons) Degree in Marine Engineering and Management

6.2 HND PROGRAMME

ACADEMY PHASE

DURATION

CONTENT

Phase 1

30 Weeks

Freshers Week / General induction to shipping industry.

HE Entry Course. Study skills, Mathematics, IT skills, UPK for 1stsea phase plus intro to: Electrics, Ship Construction and Stability, Marine Engineering Principles, Marine Legislation, Applied Heat/Mechanics.

Successful completion of HE Entry Course leads to award of:

National Certificate of Further Education (NcFE)

MNTB Workshop Skills and Technology / Introduction to Electronics

STCW short courses – PST, BFF, EFA, PSSR

Phase 2

(At Sea)

22 Weeks

MNTB Engineer Training Record Book / Electronics (Guided Studies)

Consolidation of UPK (underpinning knowledge)

Phase 3

37 Weeks

HND Level 1 units:

Mathematics

Mechanics

Marine Propulsion Systems

Marine Auxiliary Systems

Thermodynamics

Marine Electrics

Marine Legislation and Management

Preparation for Project

Electronic Principles and Systems

MNTB Workshop Skills

Phase 4

(At Sea)

28 Weeks

MNTB Engineer Training Record Book (plus ETO – specific tasks)

Consolidation of UPK/IAMI EK and MCA Orals preparation

Phase 5

9 Weeks

For completion of EOOW CoC

+

26 Weeks

for completion of HND Part 2 (Academic exemptions to CEO Level)

STCW short courses – MFA, PSC &RB, AFF

Completion of MNTB Workshop Skills

Preparatory courses for IAMI EK &MCA Orals examinations

Successful completion of IAMI EK/MCA Oral examinations leads to the award of the initial MCA Certificate of Competency

HND Level 2 units

Further Mathematics

Further Mechanics

Further Thermodynamics

Ship Stability and Construction

Advanced Marine Electrics

Instrumentation and Control Systems

Engineering Management

Engineering Design and Project

Successful completion of all HND academic assessments at the required pass rates provides full academic exemptions up to Chief Engineer level and leads to the award of Higher National Diploma (HND)

Candidates who successfully achieve a full HND should later be eligible to top-up the academic award to:

BEng (Hons) Degree in Marine Engineering and Management

Phase 6

10 Weeks

Additional units:

Electronic navigational Systems

Navigation Systems Full Diagnosis

Radio Communication Engineering

GMDSS Radio Maintenance &ENEM Certificates

AFTER THE OFFICER CADETSHIP

NAVIGATION OFFICERS

NEWLY QUALIFIED Navigation (Deck) Officers will usually join a shipping company’s fleet as 3rd Officer, undertaking bridge watchkeeping duties at sea and operational duties in port, with responsibility for the safety of the crew, ship, cargo and environment. As their skills and experience develop, young officers progress to higher certificates of competency, leading eventually to certification as ship’s Captain (Master) and possibly to the command of their own vessel.

Numerous opportunities also exist for qualified navigation Officers ashore. Shipping companies often recruit shore based superintendents and fleet operations staff from their seagoing officers. Harbour Authorities recruit experienced officers to train as Pilots, Harbour Masters and Port Operations managers, while Classification Societies and Marine Insurance Companies require the fficers’ skill and experience to fill such roles as hull and cargo surveyors. The MCA also require surveyors and examiners while Marine Colleges recruit lecturers and assessors.

MARINE ENGINEERING OFFICERS

Newly qualified Marine Engineering Officers will usually join a shipping company’s fleet as 4th Engineer Officer, undertaking engine room watchkeeping duties and having responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the ship’s main propulsion unit and other vitl services. As their skills and experience develop, young officers progress to the higher certificates of competency, leading eventually to the Chief Engineer Officer’s Certificate and possibly to the position of Chief Engineer Officer.

Marine Engineering Officers acquire a range of transferable skills through professional development and experience, which have many applications in jobs ashore both related and unrelated to the marine industries. Shipping companies often recruit their shore based engineering superintendents from seagoing staff, and Classification societies and marine insurance companies recruit their surveyors from the same source. The MCA also require surveyors and examiners while maritime colleges recruit lecturers and assessors.

ELECTRO – TECHNICAL OFFICERS

After completing the cadetship, ETOs have the choice of following a similar career path to that of Marine Engineering Officer (as above) or remaining within the ETO specialisation. Job opportunities and career progression within the ETO specialisation will depend on the shipping company concerned.