Nautical Science (bsc) in Cork Institute of Technology, Ireland

Nautical Science (bsc) in Cork Institute of Technology

Course summary

Nautical Science has three main elements:

• Navigation and ship handling, in other words, the conning and 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, thousands of new cars, or passengers.

In addition to theoretical studies, students gain practical experience in safety, personal survival, rescue and fire-fighting. All students train with experienced seafarers at the National Maritime College of Ireland and aboard merchant vessels worldwide. Whether the choice is nautical science or marine engineering, the student will experience the most modern resources in the world of seafarer training.

Career

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 sea time. Careers exist on all different type 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.

Career prospects are excellent. There is always a need for high quality personnel. At present, there is a shortage of junior ships’ officers and there is an expectation that those starting now should rise quickly to senior positions.

Potential Areas of Employment

• Ship’s Officer (from Junior Ranks to Captain)
• Harbour Master/Pilot
• Marine Surveyor
• Maritime Studies Lecturer

A career at sea does not mean a lifetime at sea. Positions ashore include harbour masters, pilots in the major ports of the world, marine equipment producers/suppliers, marine law and insurance, ship classification societies, marine and ship surveying with the Department of Transport (and its equivalent in other countries) who monitor shipping using its ports and territorial waters, management, cargo handling, training and education.

While many of the career opportunities mentioned above are usually dependant on the applicant having a Master Mariner Certificate of Competency, those with an Honours degree, in addition, will have more attractive employment prospects in these areas.