Advanced Diploma in Deck Operations (also leading to OIC Navigational Watch) programme is designed to prepare candidates for a career in the maritime sector.

The Advanced Diploma is a 2 year full time course and the qualification is issued by MCAST, whilst the programme also prepares candidates as sea cadets with a further 12 month sea placement and Transport Malta written exams including the final oral exam to qualify for the ultimate maritime qualification with the Certificate of Competence as an Officer In Charge of a Navigational Watch (unlimited) on ocean-going merchant vessels. This qualification is issued by Transport Malta (Maritime) Authority.

Candidates can opt to take the course leading to Officer In Charge of Navigational Watch alone and sit for Transport Malta examinations OR the course leading to Advanced Diploma in Deck Operations alone and sit for MCAST examinations OR both with full qualifications.

It is to be noted that those candidates taking the Advanced Diploma in Deck Operations course will not be entitled to work as navigation ship officers.

The course consists of a number of maritime related subjects such as Navigation, Meteorology, Signals, Ship Knowledge and Stability, Cargo Operations, International Regulations, and leadership training in which all candidates are expected to participate.

Officer Cadets are expected to wear a merchant marine uniform whilst undergoing training both ashore and on board ships.

Officer Cadets attending the course will be expected to find own ship sponsor for the practical training period at sea during the third phase of training of the course. However, assistance will also be offered.

• Advanced Diploma holders:
• Port Inspector,
• Terminal Inspector,
• GMDSS Operator,
• Cargo Operator in Yard/Ship Terminal

Officer In Charge of Navigational Watch (unlimited) holders:

Second Officer onboard Ocean going ships of any size and operations.

Internal Progression Route…

• MCAST Diploma in Deck Operation, or
• Any MCAST MQF Level 3 Diploma offered by the Institute of Engineering and Transport

OR

4 subjects at SEC / SSC&P / SSQP, or equivalent, with a Pass Grade / Level 3

Compulsory: Physics AND Mathematics AND English Language

At point of application, all Applicants are expected to present a full Medical Clearance, as per Protocol issued by Transport Malta

Students must reach the age of 18 years prior to start of sea experience

An Applicant aged 21 years and over, and not in possession of the above Entry Requirements, may wish to apply via the Maturity Clause route.  Applicants under Maturity Clause must still present clear documentation showing that they have a number of achievements in hand together with their School Leaving formal Certificate / document (to confirm their successful completion of compulsory schooling).  Age is not the only eligibility factor in such instances.  Besides documents showing their past achievements, applicants must present a detailed CV using the Europass format, as well as the most recent official JobsPlus Employment History.

Further important information can be found under the respective Admissions FAQ https://mcast.edu.mt/maturity-clause/.