Nautical Science – National Diploma

A career in Nautical Science prepares a person for work in maritime transport as a deck officer on board a marine vessel such as a ship. The National Diploma in Nautical science course is a two year course that results in an undergraduate diploma after which the student joins a ship as trainee cadet officer (commonly referred to as a deck cadet).

After sufficiently completing required time for experience at the sea and clearing necessary certificate of competency exams, the cadet becomes eligible to be employed as a navigating officer onboard a merchant ship. This first promotion comes with the designation of a Third Mate (or Junior Officer in some cases wherein the shipping company might require additional experience before becoming an Officer of the Watch, OOW).

The National Diploma in Nautical Science Course at FCFMT provides theoretical and practical knowledge required for seamanship, chart work, collision prevention, navigation, bridge equipment & watch keeping, cargo handling & stowage, ship stability, naval architecture (elementary), meteorology, marine signaling, ship maintenance and operation. Hands-on training is extremely important as a deck officer and thus detailed procedure and maintenance techniques of important deck machinery is an integral part of this course.

Prospects

Study in nautical science can create opportunities for jobs as a navigation officer. Major Opportunities include becoming a deck or navigation officer and rising to Captain of a merchant vessel. Products of the College have continued to maintain a strong presence on board ships owned and managed by various shipping companies.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the ND Nautical Science programme is through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Candidates are expected to meet the required cut off score in the JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The required UTME subjects for Nautical Science are Mathematics, English, Physics and Geography.

Candidates are also required to have passed five (5) subjects at Ordinary Level of WAEC/NECO/GCE or NABTEB. The Required ‘O’ Level Subjects are English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Geography and any one (1) of Chemistry, Technical Drawing and Economics/Commerce.