Whether you are looking to embark on a career at sea or take the next step into the maritime industry, our Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) provides a gateway to many diverse and rewarding opportunities.

The Australian Maritime College’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to safely manage and operate any type of vessel in the merchant fleet. Our program integrates professional short courses and training at sea so that you will not only obtain a Bachelor’s degree, but also a Certificate of Competency issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

You will learn about navigation, vessel handling, cargo and passenger transport, vessel management, marine legislation and shipboard safety. Our program is also fully compliant with the training and educational requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention, as amended in 2010).

Work placement

AMC has strong collaborative connections with the Australian maritime and shipbuilding industry. This means when you study at AMC, you’ll get real-work, hands-on experience that is unmatched.

Sea-time is a built-in phase of the AMC seafaring qualification. You will be encouraged to gain employment as a trainee deck officer (Deck Cadet) with a shipping company in order to obtain qualifying sea service and on the job training as required by the Australian Maritime and Safety Authority (AMSA). Employment may be sort before or after Year 1 studies (also known as pre-sea training).

On completion of relevant phases of study, you will be eligible to undertake the AMSA examinations. Upon successful completion, you will acquire the required certificate of competency to serve on ships.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) is the recognised pathway to becoming an AMSA certified deck officer. Whether you are seeking a career ashore or senior shore-based positions, your studies at the Australian Maritime College will prepare you with a sought-after skill set and a defined understanding of the maritime industry.

Additionally, you will gain the skills and knowledge which will prepare you for diverse and rewarding careers such as:

• Governmental or intergovernmental regulators and organisations such as AMSA, EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency), IMO (International Maritime Organisation)
• Senior position in a shipyard
• Fleet manager in a shipping company
• Crew manager / shipping agent
• Marine superintendent or safety manager in a shipping company
• Product, R&D, sales and service managers in companies supplying maritime equipment
• Surveyor in a Classification Society
• Marine Surveyor with a Port State Control authority such as AMSA
• Work in Marine insurance companies
• Mediators / Arbitrators
• Maritime Education and Training, research and teaching positions

Professional Recognition

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) and nested Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Science) is approved by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for eligibility towards the following Certificates of Competency: Watchkeeper Deck, Mate/Master Less than 500GT, Chief Mate and Master Class 1.