We thought it might be a little helpful to create an article summarizing the OOW (Officer of the Watch) courses.

The MCA Officer of the Watch Certificate consists of seven different modules, these are required to be completed for the MCA Officer of the Watch (Yachts Less Than 3000 GT) Certificate of Competency and are preparation for the MCA oral exam. Learn More

Yachting Certificate: MCA Officer of the Watch

Obtaining your MCA Officer of the Watch certificate is no easy task – just ask anyone who’s gone through the course and they’ll tell you straight up. However, if you’re thinking of taking the next step to advance your yachting career, there are a few things you’ll need to know before jumping into this. We always suggest getting in touch with us first, but if you just want a brief summary before you commit, then look no further.

Overview of MCA Officer of the Watch (OOW)

This course includes seven different modules (which are outlined below). In order to receive your MCA Officer of the Watch of yachts less than 300GT certificate of competency, you’ll have to complete these modules and the MCA oral exam.

This course is not for beginners to the yachting industry as you’ll need to have the following: be over 19 years of age, have an IYT Master of Yachts Limited Certificate and have completed the MCA approved training record book. You must also have a minimum of 36 months onboard yacht service – for a full list of qualifying details, please see the PYT USA OOW Training Overview

Navigation and Radar including ARPA

The longest of the seven modules, this takes 15 days to complete, with the first two weeks being classroom theory and the remaining week kicking it up a notch in the simulator. This course section focuses on chart and compass work as well as a variety of electronic navigational aids.

General Ships Knowledge

This section of course entails exactly as it sounds: everything you need to know about the general use of the ship itself. Everything from its building stages, to wear and tear and how the ship will hold up amongst ever changing weather and even meteorological instruments, safe seamanship principles and maintenance.

Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats/ Advanced Sea Survival

For three days this section goes in depth using a combination of theory and practice in rescue techniques as well as the ever-important prevention and survival skills needed. Don’t worry, lifejackets and immersion suits will be put to very good use during this course.

Human Elements of Leadership and Management

Providing students with the very necessary and human elements of working on yachts at sea, this course follows a strict structure to meet the required Regulations II and III of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping for Seafarers (STCW)
The following course structure is not offered at Professional Yacht Training USA

Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems

For ten days, this course goes in depth for everything you need to know on radio communication. With a mix of practical and theory, it will also cover radiotelephone procedures for search and rescue.

Efficient Deckhand

If you can think of everything you need to know to become a well-versed deckhand, this course covers it.

Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems

For five days, this course will go over general principles and operation of Electronic Chart Systems. From set up to basic navigation functions, this section covers it all.

Looking to update your yachting position? Look no further. We’ve got SOO many upcoming courses, it would be impossible to list them all.
Check it out for yourself.