Diploma in Deck Operations

This course is intended both as a stepping stone toward the next-level deck operations award, which also qualifies graduates as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch, and as preparation for learners who want to work straight away as deck crew on merchant ships or in an inshore marina role. Teaching builds a strong grounding in general shipboard knowledge, seamanship and navigation skills, along with the basic legal framework ships operate within. Practical sessions give learners real experience of boat handling, and those who meet Transport Malta's other requirements can also sit the GMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificate and the Commercial Vessel Boatmaster Grade 1 examinations alongside their studies. Typical first destinations include work as deck crew, a shipping clerk, a water clerk employed by a shipping agency, or as a mooring man.