Academic Calendar - Fisheries and Marine Institute - Memorial ...

DIPLOMA OF TECHNOLOGY - NAUTICAL SCIENCE
The Diploma of Technology in Nautical Science is a globally
recognized, co-operative program which is accredited by
Transport Canada in accordance with the International
Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 as amended in 1995 (STCW
Convention). This cadet program is designed to:
• provide a strong theoretical and practical education in the field
of nautical science;
• prepare students for employment in marine transportation;
• produce graduates who are capable of accepting the
responsibilities and performing the duties assigned to them as
ship’s officers.
• prepare students for professional recognition as seafaring
officers by Transport Canada and to sit for the remaining
Transport Canada examinations for the Watchkeeping Mate
Certificate of Competence.
PROGRAM ENTRY
Please refer to the Admissions section of this Calendar.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants seeking entry to Marine Institute programs which lead
to Transport Canada Certification for Seafarer’s should note that
Transport Canada requires proof of satisfactory physical fitness
prior to sitting for any Transport Canada exams. This includes
satisfactory visual acuity, colour vision, and hearing among other
physical requirements.
These programs include the Marine Institute Diplomas of
Technology in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, the
Vocational Certificate in Marine Diesel Mechanics and the
Technical Certificate in Bridge Watch Program. Proof of physical
fitness is also required for students to participate in Marine
Emergency Duties (MED) Training which is a compulsory part of
these programs.
Proof of physical fitness must be provided by way of a signed
medical from an approved physician. Signed Seafarer’s and
Marine Institute medicals from an approved physician are
required for admission to each respective program. The list
of physicians approved to conduct either the Seafarer’s or Marine
Institute medical is available from the Marine Institute Office
of the Registrar. Details of the physical requirements for the
Seafarer’s Medical may be obtained from Transport Canada at
the following address:
Marine Safety Directorate
John Cabot Building,10 Barter’s Hill
P.O. Box 1300, St. John’s, NL A1C 6H8
(709) 772 - 5167
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
As a co-operative program, the Nautical Science diploma
consists of periods of study at the Marine Institute which alternate
with periods at sea. The entire program consists of:
• First Year consists of semester one and two followed by an
eight-week technical session and;
• a two-month sea phase following the first technical session;
• a second or intermediate year of study consisting of semesters
three and four, followed by an eight-week technical session;
• a fifteen-month sea phase following the second technical
session.This sea phase may by completed over two work term
periods; and,
• a third or advanced year of study consisting of semesters five
and six followed by a final eight-week technical session.
The total time to complete the program is normally four years.
As indicated, the first year of study, commencing in September,
consists of two terms (fall and winter). Here the focus is on math,
the sciences, and communications. Students are introduced to
ships and shipping in their first and second term which is followed
by an eight-week Technical Session.The Technical Session is
completed in the spring following Term 2 The focus in technical
session is on hands on courses and on short courses in Marine
Emergency Duties.
The first Technical Session therefore serves the twin purposes
of further introducing the cadet to the technical content of
the program while carrying out practical exercises at sea and
taking a series of short courses in Marine Emergency Duties
(MED). The MED training prepares the students for the realities
of emergencies at sea and the part that they might play in them.
This, in combination with the practical exercises at sea, provides
for safer sea phases for the cadets.
The second year focuses entirely on such technical subjects
as navigation systems, stability, and seamanship. The second
technical session serves the same purpose and its made up
of technical courses which not only contribute to the overall
technical competence of the cadets but provides them with other
skills which employers consider essential. The student who has
successfully completed all of the primary and intermediate parts
of the program may be eligible to sit for the Transport Canada’s
Bridge Watch Rating examination.
The final year of study covers advanced materials in courses
introduced previously. Other subjects involving the business
and management of shipping are also introduced here. The final
Technical Session again involves technical materials including
the practice of bridge resource management which, in part, is
carried out on the Institute’s full mission bridge simulator.
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