The academically accredited Management Level qualification that satisfies the education and training requirement for the MCA Chief Mate (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency under STCW Convention Regulation II/2.
The Foundation Degree in Marine Operations (Distance Learning) is a Level 5 higher education qualification designed to provide the underpinning academic knowledge required for MCA Deck Officer Certification at the Management Level under STCW Convention Regulation II/2. It is delivered jointly by South Shields Marine School (part of Tyne Coast College) and Onboard Maritime, with the degree awarded by the University of Sunderland. The programme covers six subject modules: Management of Navigation, Bridge Management, Ship Stability, Ship Operations, Marine Law and Management, and Engineering and Structure.
The course uses a blended-learning model: the majority of study is self-directed and online with no scheduled live classes, supported by tutor access throughout. Students receive up to four years to complete all six modules, and the structure is designed so that study can be completed around an ongoing watchkeeping career at sea. Mandatory in-person attendance at South Shields Marine School is required for the practical and assessed elements of three modules — Management of Navigation, Bridge Management, and Ship Stability — amounting to approximately six to eight weeks in total across the programme.
The Foundation Degree is part of the MCA's Cadet Modernisation Programme, set out in Marine Information Note MIN 720 (M) published in 2025, which is modernising the UK officer qualification pathway. The programme replaces the legacy SQA written-paper route with new MCA digital assessments at Management Level, with these assessments rolling out from September 2025 and full implementation expected in 2026. Candidates should confirm with South Shields Marine School which assessment format applies to their particular intake, as the transition is ongoing.
Modules can be enrolled and paid for individually, allowing candidates to spread the cost across their study period.
The Chief Mate (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency authorises the holder to serve as Chief Officer on merchant vessels of any size trading worldwide on unlimited voyages. Beyond Chief Mate, the next step is Master (Unlimited) — the highest MCA deck officer certificate — which requires 12 months' sea service as Chief Mate and a pass at MCA Oral Examination A. Officers seeking further academic progression can top up the Foundation Degree to a full BSc (Hons) in Nautical Science or Marine Operations at a range of UK universities.
In addition to the Foundation Degree itself, candidates must hold a number of ancillary STCW certificates before the MCA will issue the Chief Mate CoC — including NAEST(O) or an approved ECDIS course, Proficiency in Medical Care on Board Ship, GMDSS, and valid STCW Basic Safety Training. Confirm the full current list with South Shields Marine School or the MCA before applying.
Module fees (Onboard Maritime, indicative as at mid-2026): Module 1 (Management of Navigation) is £1,355, which includes a £300 University of Sunderland registration fee. Modules 2–6 are £1,060 each, bringing the total for all six modules to approximately £6,655. Modules can be enrolled and paid for individually, allowing candidates to spread the cost across their study period. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider before enrolling.
Certificate validity: The Foundation Degree is a permanent academic award — it does not expire and requires no renewal or revalidation. This distinguishes it from STCW short-course certificates (such as STCW Basic Safety Training, HELM, or Medical Care on Board Ship), which require periodic revalidation. The Chief Mate Certificate of Competency that the degree feeds into is subject to STCW five-year revalidation (Regulation I/11), but that obligation applies to the CoC rather than to this qualification.
The Foundation Degree is delivered jointly between South Shields Marine School and Onboard Maritime (the online study platform), with the degree awarded by the University of Sunderland. Online study is managed through the Onboard Maritime platform; in-person practical sessions take place at South Shields Marine School. Enquire directly with South Shields Marine School or Onboard Maritime for current intake dates, module availability, and enrolment procedures.