Goal
Upgrade your Watchkeeping deck officer degree (A-II/1) to a Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Management, Captain (A-II/2). The programme can be completed as a full-time or part-time student in 1-2 years.
The objective of the education is to train competent and versatile captains for the national, European and international traffic.
The main tasks of a sea captain include being responsible for and maneuvering a vessel, and transporting cargo in such a way which is safe for both people and the environment.
The education also offers bases for functioning in leading positions in land-based organizations within the maritime field.
The training fulfils the requirements set in the international Convention on the Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention).
Eligibility to apply is conferred by a Watchkeeping Deck Officer degree or another comparable STCW approved Watchkeeping Deck Officer degree (i.e. Navy, Coast Guard). You need also Certificate of Competency , atleast watch officer level (STCW A/ll-1) if you don't have Finnish deck officer exam.
Content
The core studies cover the duties of deck officers.
Content of studies:
- navigation
- seamanship
- ship technology
- cargo handling
- radio communication
A large part of the education is realized through on-board training and the school’s simulator bridges.
The education leads to a master mariner competency. The training fulfils the requirements set in the international Convention on the Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention).
Area of Specialisation and Research Focus
Simulation and Automation
In shipping, some major trends can be distinguished. Maritime traffic is increasing and ships are getting faster while energy consumption has to be minimized. Global climate change, among other things, leads to the opening of new shipping lanes in the polar regions.
The cognitive burden is increasing and the demands in command bridge work are tightened. The crews often become multicultural and smaller.
In order for them to work safely and meet the new expectations, new working routines, new technologies and better tools must be developed.
Particularly important is the knowledge of ice navigation, safe navigation and flexibility at work.
All of these areas can be built up and tested using ship simulators.
MasterSIM: Developing of Remote Operation Simulator & Training Programme for Remote Operators
Structure of Studies
The studies consist of:
- Basic studies
- Professional studies
- Elective studies
- Onboard training
- Thesis
The studies include 270 credits containing 108 credits of supervised onboard training. Depending on your background, you can apply for validation for your earlier studies, competencies, and sea time, in which case the realistic study time might be two years (four semesters) when studying full time and in some special cases even shorter. The credit validation for earlier studies takes place during a personal study guidance discussion after arriving on campus.
The study time also depends on the stage of your study year when arriving on campus and how we can optimize your study plan.
You should also take in consideration that the studies are bachelor level, and we have certain academic standards. This requirement may come up closest in our thesis work.
The studies are divided into three levels:
Support Level (Watchman Deck)
Will be accredited against your certificate, sea days and previous exam.
Operational Level (Watch Officer Deck)
Will be accredited against your certificate, sea days and previous exam
Management Level (Captain)
To be able to apply for your certificate of competence as Master Mariner a student must complete their degree (Bachelor of Maritime Management) and gain work experience as Deck Officer on international trade ships. The certificate of competence (Masters/Chief Officers License) is issued by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom).
Scholarships and Tuition Fees
The studies are free for EU citizens.
Tuition fee-paying (non EU/EEA) students can apply for a scholarship. Read more about tuition fees and scholarships on the Admissions Services pages.
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Degree Project
The Bachelor’s thesis comprises 15 credits. It often acts as a link between studies and career and provides students with an opportunity to apply theoretical models to practical problems. The thesis becomes part of the student’s competence profile. The thesis can consist of internal and /or external commissions, joint projects or other projects related to working life.
These can be, for example:
- reports (e.g. investigations, surveys, analyses and/or evaluations)
- development work (e.g. development of working methods or activities)
- product development (e.g. a prototype or a model)
- a plan, a product or an artistic work (e.g. an event, a collection, an artistic production, a course, design of material such as guides/manuals or handbooks)
- a portfolio
Career Opportunities
Graduates from the degree programme in Maritime Management are professional and versatile master mariners, qualified for Finnish, European and International careers. The first self-evident career is at sea can be as officers on board any type of vessel. Shore based careers within the maritime industry are underpinned by a sufficient career at sea. The maritime industry offers land based positions within authorities, shipping companies, brokers, insurance companies, yards, logistics, and so on.
Petteri Niittymäki
Senior Lecturer
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