Deck Officer Class 1 Certificate of Competency (Fishing Vessel) Written Exam Preparation Course

What is special about this course?

This course is suitable for candidates who are aiming to obtain a Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 1 Certificate of Competency from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It is designed to prepare candidates to sit the SQA written examinations which are required as part of this qualification.

A Deck Officer Class 1 Certificate of Competency (Fishing Vessel) is required by skippers of UK registered fishing boats of more than 30 metres in length operating in the Limited Area around the UK, and of fishing boats of any size operating in the unlimited area.

Funding may be available through Seafish for this course.

Entry requirements

Sea Service Requirement :

  • 12 months in fishing vessels of over 12m in length operating in unlimited waters;
    OR
  • 6 months in fishing vessels of over 12m in length operating in unlimited waters PLUS 12 months in fishing vessels of over 12m in length operating in limited waters;
    OR
  • at least 2 years in fishing vessels operating in limited waters and at the discretion of the MCA Chief Examiner.

Candidates should satisfy themselves that they can meet all the entry requirements for the issue of a Notice of Eligibility (NOE) by the MCA.

This course prepares students to undertake the written examinations that are part of the requirements to obtain a Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 1 Certificate of Competency from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

These written examinations are as follows :

  • Navigation 1 (Passage Planning and Celestial Navigation)
  • Navigation 2 (Electronic Navigation and Radar Plotting)
  • Ship Construction and Stability
  • Safety and Management

How will I study my course?

    Face-to-face classroom based learning 

    How long will my course last?

    12 Weeks

    How will I be assessed?

      This is a preparation course, so is not assessed.

    Where can I study my course?

    Start date

    15th April 2024 

    Fees

    For the latest information on fees please see our fees policy.

    Additional costs

    Funding may be available through Seafish for this course.

    What can I do on completion of my course?

    On completion of the course candidates should be ready to sit their written exams. If successful in these exams, and once they have completed the additional elements, candidates can then go on to obtain their Deck Officer Class 1 Certificate of Competency (Fishing Vessel).

    To obtain a Deck Officer Class 1 Certificate of Competency (Fishing Vessel) candidates are required to achieve the following ancillary courses :

    • STCW Medical Care Onboard Ship
    • NAEST (Management)
    • NAEST (Operational)
    • STCW Advanced Fire Fighting
    • GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) or GMDSS Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC)

    You will also be required to complete an oral examination. An oral examination preparation course is offered separately.

    Holding this Certificate of Competency qualifies the individual to be skipper of a UK registered fishing boat of more than 30 metres in length operating in the Limited Area around the UK, and of fishing boats of any size operating in the unlimited area.

    Is there more information available online?

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    Apply for Deck Officer Class 1 Certificate of Competency (Fishing Vessel) Written Exam Preparation Course

    If you are interested in this course please contact student records and admissions on 01595 771000

    We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Shetland. UHI Shetland operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.

    Apply here.