Warsash Maritime Academy (WMA) offers a number of training programmes leading to the Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW), Second Engineer and Chief Engineer Certificates of Competency, under the governance of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The MCA has a comprehensive website giving access to all relevant training guidance documents. Please visit the site at www.mcga.gov.uk

It is the responsibility of candidates to ensure that all the entry requirements for a particular course and any associated MCA Oral examination are met prior to attending the course. Further details and Engineer Officer Training Charts can be found below. The various training programme options are indicated below. Further information on the relevant programme is contained in subsequent pages.

Initial Engineer Officer of the Watch (E00W) Certification – training programme options:

Candidates can follow a number of different routes to initial Engineer Officer of the Watch certification:

• MNTB Engineer Officer Cadet or Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Cadet training programmes (Degree Route), leading to the following qualifications:
  • Foundation Degree in Marine Engineering
  • Direct pathway to BEng (Hons) Marine Engineering Management
  • MCA STCW’95 III/I OOW certification
  • ETO Cadets only - GMDSS Radio Maintenance Certificate and Electronic Navigation Equipment Maintenance Certificate
    
• MNTB Engineer Officer Cadet or Electro-Technical Officer Cadet training programmes (HND Route), leading to the following qualifications:
  • HND in Marine Engineering
  • NVQ Level 3 in Merchant Vessel Engineering
  • MCA STCW’95 III/I OOW certification
  • ETO Cadets only - GMDSS Radio Maintenance Certificate and Electronic Navigation Equipment Maintenance Certificate
    
• Alternative training programmes leading to MCA STCW’95 III/I OOW certification: Specialised Route for candidates with MCA-approved academic qualifications, or Examination Route for Experienced Seafarers.

Candidates wishing to follow these alternative routes must first obtain a ‘Letter of Initial Assessment’ from the UK’s MCA. Please apply to the MCA direct for the ‘Letter of Initial Assessment’, or visit our website for further details.

Second Engineering/Chief Engineer – training programmes

Candidates follow an examination route to Second Engineer/Chief Engineer level certification.

Warsash Maritime Academy also offers the following training programmes:

• Engine Revision

For further details on any Engineering Officer of the Watch, Second Engineer or Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency, please contact Jane Keohane (Professional Studies Administrator), Tel: +44 (0)1489 556241, Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908 or email jane.keohane@solent.ac.uk

On this page you will find entry qualification details, short course requirements, training charts, training options at each level, course and fee guidance notes, and course information for each of the training programmes offered.

Entry Qualifications, Short Course Requirements, Training Charts, Training Options:

	Entry Qualifications for Engineer Officer Courses
	STCW ’95 Safety & Certification Courses – Engineer Officers
	Training Charts
	Engineer Officer of the Watch - Training Options
	Second/Chief Engineer- Training Options

Professional Studies' Course and Fee Guidance Notes: 

Download 'Course & Fee Guidance Notes'

To download these pdf files you will need Adobe Acrobat. Download it for free from www.adobe.com

Course Details (including dates where applicable):

	Engineer Officer of the Watch - Specialised route - STCW'95 III/1
	Engineer Officer of the Watch - Examination route - STCW'95 III/1
	Second Engineer - Examination route - STCW'95 III/2
	Chief Engineer - Examination route - STCW'95 Table A-III/2
	Engine Revision

For further information regarding any senior certification courses, please contact Course Administrator Jane Keohane on +44 (0)1489 556241 or e-mail jane.keohane@solent.ac.uk

To request a brochure detailing all of our courses including ancillary short courses, please use our Brochure Request page.

The Engineer Officer certification courses offered by Warsash Maritime Academy lead to the award of STCW ’95 Certificates of Competency under the governance of the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). The MCA has a comprehensive website giving access to all relevant training guidance documents at: www.mcga.gov.uk

Candidates for Engineer Officer certification courses should refer to the following documents as appropriate in the ‘Marine Guidance Notes’ section of ‘Guidance & Regulations’ on the MCA website for information relating to entry qualifications:

Please refer any queries you may have regarding these Marine Guidance Notes, specific training requirements, Notices of Eligibility enquiries or MCA Oral Examination applications directly to MCA at: 

It is the responsibility of candidates to ensure that all the entry requirements for a particular course and any associated MCA examination are met prior to attending the course, including but not limited to:

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Warsash Maritime Academy offers a number of STCW ’95 safety and certification training courses in support of the Engineer Officer Certificates of Competency.

The following ancillary STCW ’95 certificates are required to achieve initial EOOW certification:

• Personal Survival Techniques
• Fire Prevention & Firefighting
• Elementary First Aid
• Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities
• Proficiency in Medical First Aid aboard Ship
• Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats
• Advanced Firefighting

Please refer to our website for further details about individual courses. These courses can be booked through one of our Short Course administrators as follows:

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An overview on progression from commencement of training as an Engineer/ETO Cadet or experienced seafarer to Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency can be seen in the following charts. Click on the following links to view the relevant Adobe pdf file.

	Degree Route for Officer Cadets
	HND, route for officer cadets
	Specialised route for MCA-approved candidates
	Examination route for Experienced Seafarers

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Warsash Maritime Academy offers a number of training programmes leading to the initial Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) Certificate of Competency under the governance of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

MNTB Engineer Officer Cadet training programmes

The three-year MNTB training programmes for Engineer Officer Cadets lead to the award of MCA STCW ’95 III/1 EOOW certification and an associated academic award, either a Foundation Degree or a Higher National Diploma in Marine Engineering. 

Those candidates following the Foundation Degree route will have a direct pathway option to an Honours degree, while those following the Higher National Diploma route will also achieve an NVQ Level 3 in Merchant Vessel Engineering during their cadetship.

In addition, academic exemptions for MCA senior certification are achieved. Please refer to the associated document on 'Officer Cadet Training Schemes' for more detailed information on these training programmes.

MNTB Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Cadet training programmes  

The three-year MNTB training programmes for ETO Officer Cadets lead to the award of MCA STCW ’95 III/1 EOOW certification and an associated academic award, either a Foundation Degree or a Higher National Diploma in Marine Engineering. 

Those candidates following the Foundation Degree route will have a direct pathway option to an Honours degree, while those following the Higher National Diploma route will also achieve an NVQ Level 3 in Merchant Vessel Engineering during their cadetship. ETO Officer Cadets will also undertake a GMDSS Radio Maintenance Certificate and an Electronic Navigation Equipment Maintenance Certificate. 

In addition, academic exemptions for MCA senior certification may be achieved. Please refer to the associated document on 'Officer Cadet Training Schemes'  for more detailed information on this training programme.

Engineer Officer candidates who are not following approved MNTB Engineer Officer Cadet training programmes are required to follow one of the following alternative training programmes: 

• Candidates with specialised training and/or experience, which is recognised by the MCA, will be required to complete an individual training and examination programme specified by the MCA. 

• Experienced Seafarers will follow an Examination Route to upgrade their existing qualifications to initial EOOW certification level.

All candidates for these alternative training programmes must first obtain a ‘Letter of Initial Assessment’ from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) to determine the appropriate pathway to EOOW certification.

To obtain a ‘Letter of Initial Assessment’, please write to the MCA at the following address detailing all previous training and enclosing details of any relevant training certificates achieved, plus the processing fee of £50 which will later be deducted from your first Certificate of Competency Notice of Eligibility fee:

Seafarer Standards Branch

1. Specialised Route to initial EOOW certification 

The following candidates may be eligible to follow the ‘Specialised Route’, which leads to the award of the MCA STCW ’95 III/1 EOOW certification:

1. Engineering apprentices, whose apprenticeship has been approved by the MCA
2. Ex-Royal Navy Engineering Officers, Artificers or Mechanics, subject to recognition by the MCA.
3. Candidates holding MCA-approved engineering qualifications to HND or Degree level, who complete (or have already completed) workshop skills training to MNTB standards.  

The MCA will specify in their ‘Letter of Initial Assessment’ the elements to be completed prior to award of certification, which may include some or all of the following:

• MNTB Workshop Skills training and/or skills assessment.
• All required STCW ‘95 safety and certification courses:
  • Personal Survival Techniques
  • Fire Prevention & Firefighting
  • Elementary First Aid
  • Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities
  • Proficiency in Medical First Aid aboard Ship
  • Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats
  • Advanced Firefighting
• Sea service as specified by MCA (normally a minimum of 6 months sea service, including 4 months engine room watchkeeping duties).
• Completion of Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) training record book aboard ship.
• Completion of IAMI (International Association of Maritime Institutions) guided studies aboard ship before taking the IAMI Engineering Knowledge (EK) written examinations at Academy.
• MCA Oral examination.

Please refer to the associated document for more detailed information on this training programme.

2. Experienced Seafarer Training Route to initial EOOW certification

An alternative training programme (Examination Route) is available for experienced seafarers who have acquired previous experience in a ship’s engine room (i.e. senior engine room ratings and other certificated personnel) to upgrade their qualifications to initial MCA STCW ’95 III/1 EOOW certification level.  The MCA will specify any individual entitlement to training exemptions (e.g. for prior engineering workshop skills training) in their ‘Letter of Initial Assessment’.

Once a candidate has obtained a ‘Letter of Initial Assessment’ from the MCA, the college can be consulted on how best to meet the specified training requirements.  A Training Plan can then be agreed and arrangements made to complete the Academy-based training elements.

Before commencing this training programme, candidates must hold a valid personal medical fitness certificate recognised by the MCA and have acquired a minimum of 12 months sea service in the Engine Room department whilst holding an Engine Room Watch Rating Certificate.  Candidates should also have a good level of Mathematics and English.

Candidates will follow a structured programme of education and training that is based on a common curriculum and includes knowledge, understanding and proficiencies listed in the STCW Code. Candidates will undertake the IAMI Engineering Knowledge (EK) Written Examinations and MCA Oral Examination to achieve initial EOOW certification.

Unless candidates can demonstrate appropriate prior academic learning to the MCA, they will also have to complete an academic Underpinning Knowledge (UPK) guided studies course in general engineering science, with IAMI Academic Written Examinations to be taken at the Academy. In addition, candidates will be required to complete engineering workshop skills training and/or assessment (if not exempted by the MCA) and all required STCW ‘95 safety and certification courses.  During completion of the sea service specified by the MCA, candidates will complete on-board training as documented in the MNTB Training Record Book.

Candidates following the Examination Route must complete at least 30 months sea service in the Engine Room department (whilst holding an Engine Room Watch Rating Certificate) for entry to the MCA Oral Examination and to complete the overall training programme.  A minimum of 6 months sea service must have been completed whilst following the on-board training programme detailed in the MNTB Training Record Book.  At least 6 months of the last 12 months sea service must be spent on duties associated with Engine Room watchkeeping (or assisting the duty Engineer Officer in a ship with unmanned machinery spaces) under the supervision of a certificated Engineer Officer.

Sea Service Testimonials signed by the Chief Engineer Officer(s) of the ships in which the service is performed must be provided as evidence of satisfactory sea service.  Please see MGN 8 (M) (Training and Certification Guidance - Part 8 - Education and Training Schemes) for examples of the MCA’s standard formats for Sea Service Testimonials, which are recommended for providing the necessary evidence.

Once all other training elements, sea service and on-board training programmes have been satisfactorily completed, candidates will return to the Academy for review of their ISF Record Book.  They will then prepare for and undertake the IAMI EK and Academic Written Examinations, as appropriate, and MCA Oral Examination to achieve EOOW certification.  Please refer to the associated document for more detailed information.

Warsash Maritime Academy offers training programmes leading to Second Engineer and Chief Engineer Certificates of Competency under the governance of the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Candidates are now required to follow an approved training programme (minimum of 80% course attendance) before undertaking either internal academic subject examinations or external professional knowledge subject examinations for a Certificate of Competency.  

In advance of booking a course at WMA, candidates must determine their eligibility for exemptions from academic subjects (if applicable), or to undertake MCA Oral Examination. 

Candidates should allow at least six weeks for the NOE application to be processed by the MCA. The NOE returned to a candidate by the MCA will identify the requirements that have to be met by the candidate to achieve Second Engineer or Chief Engineer certification.

Candidates will not be able to undertake either the external SQA/MCA written examinations in professional engineering knowledge subjects or the external MCA Oral Examination without having first obtained an NOE.

While some candidates may be granted exemption by the MCA from some or all of the internal academic subjects on the basis of previous academic achievement, all candidates must undertake the external professional knowledge subjects and associated examinations conducted by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) on behalf of the MCA, and the MCA Oral Examination. Candidates may only undertake the external professional knowledge subjects once they have passed or gained exemption from the internal academic subjects.

Candidates holding an STCW ’95 EOOW Certificate of Competency who are returning for a Second Engineer training programme may study the academic subjects to Chief Engineer standard and then undertake the associated examinations at Chief Engineer level if they wish. This enables candidates to avoid having to retake academic subject examinations when they return for a Chief Engineer training programme.

However, candidates will be required to undertake professional engineering knowledge training programmes and examination at Second Engineer level for Second Engineer certification, and at Chief Engineer level for Chief Engineer certification, after achieving the requisite sea service for each certificate.

STCW'95 III/2 Second Engineer Certificate of Competency

Candidates require a minimum 18 months sea service (including 9 months as a watchkeeping Engineer Officer) while holding STCW ‘95 Table A III/1 Certificate of Competency (Watchkeeper) or Class 4 certification, and hold a valid personal medical fitness certificate recognised by the MCA. 

Unless candidates have been granted exemption by the MCA, candidates must undertake training programmes and associated internal examinations in the following academic subjects: 

• Mathematics & Engineering Drawing
• Applied Heat & Mechanics   
• Naval Architecture & Electrotechnology

Please note that the Naval Architecture & Electrotechnology and Applied Heat & Mechanics modules are taught to Chief Engineer level at Warsash Maritime Academy. Candidates can then choose to take the associated examinations at either Second Engineer level or Chief Engineer level.

Candidates can then undertake a training programme and associated external examinations in the following professional Engineering Knowledge (EK) subjects to Second Engineer level before taking MCA Oral Examination: 

• General Engineering Knowledge
• Steam or Motor Engineering Knowledge 

Please refer to the associated document for more detailed information on this training programme.

STCW'95 III/2 Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency

Candidates require a minimum 18 months sea service (including 9 months as a watchkeeping Engineer Officer) while holding STCW ‘95 Table A III/2 Certificate of Competency (Watchkeeper) or Class 2 certification, and hold a valid personal medical fitness certificate recognised by the MCA.

Unless candidates have been granted exemption by the MCA or already passed academic subjects at Chief Engineer level, candidates must undertake training programmes and associated internal examinations in the following academic subjects: 

• Applied Heat & Mechanics   
• Naval Architecture & Electrotechnology 

Candidates can then undertake a training programme and associated external examinations in the following professional Engineering Knowledge (EK) subjects to Second Engineer level before taking MCA Oral Examination: 

• General Engineering Knowledge
• Steam or Motor Engineering Knowledge  

Please refer to the associated document for more detailed information on this training programme.

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Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) - Specialised Route - STCW'95 III/1

Course Description
Warsash Maritime Academy offers a programme leading to STCW ’95 III/1 Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) Certification for candidates with specialised academic qualifications and/or experience recognised by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). In addition to any other training requirements specified by the MCA in their ‘Notice of Eligibility’, candidates will undertake International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) Engineering Knowledge (EK) Written Examination and/or the MCA Oral Examination, as required.

Candidates will undertake the requisite Workshop Skills training (unless exempted by the MCA), which is taught and assessed to the satisfaction of the MCA in accordance with MNTB standards. The candidate must hold a valid personal medical fitness certificate recognised by the MCA and pass the initial four STCW safety courses before completing a minimum 6 months sea service (including 4 months engine room watchkeeping duties).

During the sea service period, candidates will be required to complete a Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) training record book to the required standard and complete Guided Study course material before returning to the Academy. During the final academy phase, candidates will complete all additional STCW certification courses, have their MNTB Record Books reviewed and attend tutorials prior to undertaking IAMI EK Written Examination (on General Engineering Knowledge and Steam/Motor Engineering Knowledge) and the MCA Oral examination.

Course Content   

• Workshop Skills Training (completion of MNTB Skills Record Book) – IF REQUIRED
• Guided Studies and MNTB Training Record Book completed during sea phase
• Statutory STCW certification courses
• Review of MNTB Record Book
• Written and MCA Oral Examination Preparation (including tutorials and course notes)

Course Dates
The course is offered in January and September every year.

Summary of course information
Download here

More Information
For further information please contact Jane Keohane on +44 (0)1489 556241 or email jane.keohane@solent.ac.uk

Booking Form
Download the booking form here.

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Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) - Examination Route - STCW'95 III/1

Course Description
Warsash Maritime Academy offers experienced seafarers (i.e. senior engine room ratings and other uncertificated personnel) a programme leading to STCW ’95 III/1 Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) Certification. In addition to any other training requirements specified by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) in their ‘Notice of Eligibility’, candidates will undertake International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) Engineering Knowledge (EK) Examination, IAMI Academic Examinations and/or the MCA Oral Examination, as required.

Candidates will undertake guided study courses in preparation for IAMI EK and Academic Written Examinations at the Academy. While the EK course provides General and Motor/Steam Engineering Knowledge, the Academic course provides underpinning knowledge in a number of key General Engineering Science subject areas as detailed below.

Whilst accumulating a minimum 30 months sea service (including 6 months engine room watchkeeping duties in the last 12 months), candidates complete an Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) Training Record Book to the required standard. Candidates will then return to the Academy for tutorials, review of the MNTB Training Record Book, IAMI Written Examinations and MCA Oral Examinations to gain initial EOOW certification.

If MNTB Workshop Skills training or assessment is also required (unless exempted by the MCA), this would be undertaken separately at the Academy. Candidates must also hold STCW certificates in ‘Medical First Aid’, ‘Advanced Fire Fighting’, and ‘Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats’, before taking their MCA Orals. If not already held, these courses can be undertaken at the Academy outside of the main course.

Course Content (subject to individual requirements)

• Guided Study course for a General and Motor/Steam Engineering Knowledge examination.
• Guided Study course for two Academic examinations (four course modules cover Mechanics, Naval Architecture, Thermodynamics, and Electrics AC & DC). Examination ‘A’ covers Mechanics, Strength of Materials and Naval Architecture, while Examination ‘B’ covers Heat, Fluids and Electricity.
• Academy tutorials for IAMI EK and Academic Written Examinations and review of MNTB Training Record Book prior to MCA Oral Examination.

Course Dates
Guided Study courses: On request
Workshop Skills courses: January, April and September every year. 

Summary of course information
Download here

More Information
For further information please contact Jane Keohane on +44 (0)1489 556241 or email jane.keohane@solent.ac.uk

Booking Form
Download the booking form here.

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Second Engineer - Examination Route - STCW'95 III/2

Course Description  
Candidates will undertake the requisite academic subjects (Mathematics & Engineering Drawing, Applied Heat, Mechanics, Naval Architecture and Electrotechnology), as required. Candidates may not have to take some or all of these subjects if the UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) grants academic exemptions, as specified on the returned Notice of Eligibility.

All candidates must undertake the requisite professional subjects at Second Engineer level in General Engineering Knowledge, and Motor or Steam Engineering knowledge.

Candidates must have a minimum 18 months sea service (including 9 months as a watchkeeping Engineer Officer) while holding STCW’95 Table A III/1 Certificate of Competency (Watchkeeper) or Class 4 certification, hold a valid personal medical fitness certificate recognised by the MCA, and obtain a Notice of Eligibility from the MCA in advance of the course.

Course Content    

Academic Subjects as required:  

Professional Engineering Knowledge subjects to 2EO level:

MCA Oral Examination Preparation

Course Dates – Academic Subjects
Mathematics & Engineering Drawing: April and September each year
Applied Heat & Mechanics: April and September each year
Naval Architecture & Electrotechnology: January and September each year

Course Dates – Professional Subjects
The General/Mortor course is offered in February, May and October each year. The General/Steam course is offered in may each year.

Summary of course information
Download here

More Information
For further information please contact Jane Keohane on +44 (0)1489 556241 or email jane.keohane@solent.ac.uk

Booking Form
Download the booking form here.

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Course Description 
Candidates will undertake the requisite academic subjects (Applied Heat, Mechanics, Naval Architecture and Electrotechnology), as required. Candidates may not have to take some or all of these subjects if the UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) grants academic exemptions, as specified on the returned Notice of Eligibility, or if the subjects have already been passed at Chief Engineer level during the Second Engineer training programme.

All candidates must undertake the requisite professional subjects at Chief Engineer level in General Engineering Knowledge, and Motor or Steam Engineering knowledge.

Candidates must have a minimum 18 months sea service (including 9 months as a watchkeeping Engineer Officer) while holding STCW’95 Table A III/2 Certificate of Competency (Watchkeeper) or Class 2 certification, hold a valid personal medical fitness certificate recognised by the MCA, and obtain a Notice of Eligibility from the MCA in advance of the course.

Course Content  

Academic Subjects as required:       

Professional Engineering Knowledge subjects to CEO level:

Course Dates – Academic Subjects
Applied Heat & Mechanics: April and September each year
Naval Architecture & Electrotechnology: January and September each year

Course Dates – Professional Subjects
The course General/Motor is offered in February, May and October each year. The General/Steam course is offered May each year.

Summary of course information
Download here

More Information
For further information please contact Jane Keohane on +44 (0)1489 556241 or email jane.keohane@solent.ac.uk

Booking Form
Download the booking form here.

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Warsash Maritime Academy offers Engineering students of any level the opportunity to tailor their own personal study programme to refresh and/or update their professional knowledge.

This study option includes full access to the Academy's learning resources, including the nautical library on site.

Students requiring direct tutorial support in addition to this individual study option can discuss and agree their particular requirements in advance with either the Course Administrator or an appropriate lecturer.

Course Description 
An independent study option for students wishing to utilise the Academy's learning resources as part of a personal revision programme to refresh and/or update their professional knowledge.

Direct tutorial support can be arranged in advance if required, with associated costs being determined by the level and amount of support needed. Please discuss your individual requirements with our Course Administrator, although you may be referred to a particular lecturer to answer specific queries.

Summary of course information
Download here

Further Information & Booking
Please contact Jane Keohane on +44 (0) 1489 556 241 or email
jane.keohane@solent.ac.uk for further information or to book on the course.

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