Watchkeeping and seaman skills (5 cr)

Objective

Knowledge and understanding of and proficiency in:
- steering the ship and acting on helm orders given in English
- keeping a proper look-out by sight and hearing
- monitoring and promoting safe watchkeeping
- operating emergency equipment and applying emergency procedures

Content

- shipboard terminology and definitions
- watchkeeping procedures and communication
- navigational aids and signals
- magnetic and gyro-compasses
- International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
- responsibilities of a look-out person
- responsibilities of the helmsman
- alarm and distress systems and signals
- emergency duties
- basic environmental protection procedures

Course material

The student can study the following literature
• Piira, O., Haavisto, J., 2018. Merenkulun perusteet 2 - Merimiestaito. Helsinki: Opetushallitus.

Other study materials are provided by the teacher in class or via the Learn platform.

Study forms and methods

• The course is carried out by way of contact teaching on Kotka campus according to a weekly schedule. Remote participation is not possible. As a rule, scheduled contact lessons are not recorded nor duplicated by online lectures. Some lesson activities are carried out in a simulation environment. Participation in simulation exercises is mandatory.
• Students make progress by attending scheduled lessons and completing tasks and assignments individually or in groups. The course consists of 12 lessons and individual and small-group assignments. In addition, a simulation exercise must be completed.
• The teacher provides guidance during and after contact lessons
• The assessed assignments are completed independently.
• Feedback is provided by different methods, in writing and/or orally. Also, peer feedback can be used.

RDI and work-related cooperation

The course might includes control hours that can potentially be used for work life projects or visits.

Timing of exams and assignments

An exam must be taken in the last scheduled lesson.

The end date of the course is presented in the course details. By this date, the student must submit all assignments, take the required exams and meet all other conditions set for an approved course completion.

Student workload

• 1 ECTS credits equals 27 hours of work by the student.
• In a 5-credit course, the students total maximum workload is approximately 135 hours including lessons, group work and independent study.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The student’s performance is assessed with reference to the learning objectives and assessment criteria of the course. The completion of the course requires exam and assignment to be completed with a passing grade.