DECK OFFICER DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM: 1. NAVIGATION

Introduction
This innovative Deck Officer Flexible Learning Programme is in compliance with the revision to the STCW95 and leads to Merchant Navy Deck Officer certification.

Who the course is designed for
This course is intended for all starting out in a career as a Deck Officer.

Course Pre-requisites
None

Course Objectives
The programme is designed to be of particular benefit to those studying the basis syllabus, as well as being an essential building block for refresher training purposes. It can be used onboard ship or ashore and is designed for individual self-study.

Course Outcomes
The course aims to ensure that the user has sufficient knowledge and understanding necessary for NVQ Level 3 qualification for Merchant Vessel Operations.

Structure
It is systematic in approach incorporating detailed information, structured work sections, examples, SATs (Self Assessment Tests), TMTs (Tutor Marked Tests) and a help area. Each module has been created within a user-friendly graphic environment, which will enable users to easily comprehend and learn the complexities of each subject.

Contents
The course consists of four topic sections:

• Navigation
• Coastal Navigation
• Tides
• Ship Stability

Each section is divided into Modules relevant to the Section topic.

The learning content is illustrated with video clips, animations and graphics. It is recommended to proceed through the sections in the order in which they appear. However, any area of the CD can be accessed at any time.

Mode of Delivery
This course is delivered using Computer Based Training. The material is delivered on CD-ROM and students follow comprehensive on-screen instructions to get started. The programme contains text with (optional) English language voiceover, still photographs, video clips and animations.

Projects
There are examples, which demonstrate how to put key learning concepts into action. They have been grouped into sets according to the concepts they demonstrate. Accompanying the examples are Self Assessment Tests (SATs) which are designed to stimulate a method of presentation that will be convincing, accurate and authentic when you are seeking to convey to an Assessor or Examiner the range of your competence. And, Tutor Marked Tests (TMTs) are for your attempts at the questions to be assessed by a professional tutor who is also an experienced Master Mariner.

Course Duration
Each of the four topic sections differs in guided learning hours (GLHs), the subjects and learning times for 'Navigation' are shown below.

• Navigation
  
  The Sailings (NV 1)
  25 hours
  
  Nautical Almanac, Time and Azimuths (NV 2)
  23 hours
  
  Sextant Altitudes and Position Fixing (NV 3)
  17 hours

Course Certification and Assessment The programme is in compliance with the revision to the STCW95 and leads to Merchant Navy Deck Officer certification. With tutorial support, if required, and a self-assessment strategy, it offers a flexible approach towards obtaining the underpinning knowledge required by Deck Officers.

The course has been written in conjunction with the School of Maritime Operations at the Fleetwood Nautical Campus of Blackpool and The Fylde College. The overall course is acknowledged by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).