NAUT 002b

Master’s – Advanced Navigation & Seamanship, level IV

USCG Merchant Mariners Masters Credential Preparation Course

Academic Units: 2

Offered: Spring Semester

Prerequisite(s): Nautical Science 001A and 001B

Contact Hours: Total 300 hrs.
Campus Lectures – 28 hours
Sea-time Laboratories – 272 hours:
8-hour “Skipper Preparedness Training”
4-hour Life raft demonstration & training
48-hours “Performance Boat II” Instruction
8-hours “002B Practical Instruction”
48-hours “NROTC Midshipmen Crew Training Sail”
48-hours 2nd Mate Training Sail
96-hours 1st mate voyages as crew for 001A
8-hours “Marine Engine Function and Maintenance” Course, Martin Ball
4-hours CPR, AED, and First Aid – Instructor TBA

Location:
USC Campus for weekly lectures.
Ports of LA and Long Beach for voyages and laboratories.
Course Description:

This course is the culmination of four semesters of training, classroom work and sea time laboratories and is designed for advanced level students who wish to pursue a “Merchant Mariner’s Masters Credential” issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Successful students leave this accredited training course with the necessary skills and understanding to safety navigate a passenger vessel at sea under power or sail. Upon completion, students are able to apply the following concepts and skills as necessary for safe navigation: traditional navigation methods; charting and piloting knowledge; electronic navigation equipment including GPS, Radar, Sonar, AIS and VHF; marine weather meteorology; modeling and forecasting; admiralty law as applied to collision avoidance and coastal piloting; Department of Homeland Security and United States Coast Guard navigation rules for all ships operating in inland and international waters; damage control and emergency procedures for fire, sinking, grounding, injuries, CPR, AED and 1st Aid; seamanship, sail handling, sail trim, maneuvering both under power and sail; and, an understanding of environmental laws and acceptable USCG practices for discharge and stowage of all types of marine fuels, combustibles, sewage and effluents.

At-Sea laboratories will include practical application of advanced sail training and handling skills, advanced vessel maneuvering skills under both power and sail, application of advanced navigation and piloting skills, operation of navigational marine electronics, advanced anchoring docking, mooring skills, man-overboard recovery, engine maintenance course and skipper/command preparedness practical.

Learning Objectives:
Students gain knowledge and understanding of the following vessel command skills:
  • USCG licensing requirements
  • Department of Homeland Security Navigation Rules (Inland and International)
  • Piloting rules for “Lights, Shapes and Sound Signals aboard ship”
  • Advanced navigation
  • Boat handling and seamanship
  • Admiralty laws regarding piloting of vessels
  • Damage control, emergency procedures, lifesaving skills
USCG Accreditation:
This course is Certificated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for sea time toward a “U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Masters Credential”. (USCG Certificate UNIVSC-155)