Training course at the operational level for an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) – English

Rating forming part of the navigational watch
13 May 2026
Training course for Chief Engineer Officer on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more
13 May 2026

Training course at the operational level for an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) – English

from 6 000 EUR

Course duration: 20 weeks

Note: Exam dates are set by the Maritime Office.

The Operational level course in the Deck Department (Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch in international shipping) is intended for seafarers who are candidates for the position of Officer of the Watch (OOW), preparing to independently keep a navigational watch on seagoing ships in international shipping. During the training, you will learn to safely conduct navigation using modern equipment (e.g., radar, ARPA, and ECDIS), properly plan and supervise cargo operations, and effectively lead people and manage resources on the bridge.

Requirements:

  • A valid identity document (ID card / passport / mObywatel app)

  • An advance payment (deposit) of 1500 EUR – if the course does not take place (e.g., due to an insufficient number of participants), the deposit will be refunded.

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IMPORTANT: Documents must be submitted to the Central Maritime Examination Board (CMKE) 21 days before the practical exam date (strict deadline!)

The course price includes:

  • Issuance of certificates for the exam at the Maritime Office

  • Practical exam on the simulator

  • Coffee / tea

  • Free parking

Additional fees:

  • Courier delivery of documents (upon request)

Certificate validity:

  • Not applicable

Course program

  • Navigation, navigational equipment, and meteorology – the scope covers comprehensive voyage planning, celestial navigation, analysis of tides and currents, operation of ECDIS and ARPA systems, and the interpretation and forecasting of hydrometeorological phenomena. Exercises focus on advanced work on nautical charts, route setting and monitoring, correction of nautical publications, and classes on radar and navigation simulators.

  • Maneuvering, rescue, and communication – covers the kinetics and theory of ship maneuvering in various conditions (wind, current, shallow waters), organization of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations taking into account IAMSAR guidelines, and conducting maritime communication (GMDSS, ICS signals). Exercises include, among others, simulated emergency maneuvers, the “man overboard” (MOB) procedure, and communication training.

  • Ship construction, stability, and cargo handling – the scope covers hull construction, calculation of shear forces and bending moments, seamanship knowledge, as well as procedures for stowing, securing, and transporting various types of cargoes (including dangerous goods according to IMDG and IMSBC codes). During the exercises, you will perform complex draft and stability calculations and prepare cargo stowage plans.

  • Ship management, law, and safety – the scope covers the requirements of international conventions (including SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC), ISM and ISPS code procedures, as well as the psychology of command, preventing crew fatigue, and crisis management. In accordance with the guidelines, the module places great emphasis on watchkeeping procedures, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), and the ship’s operational documentation.

What will you learn on the course?

  • Independently and safely keep a navigational watch, flawlessly using radionavigational equipment, radar, ARPA, and ECDIS electronic charts.

  • Execute correct ship maneuvers in diverse water area conditions and efficiently coordinate maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations.

  • Plan cargo handling operations for various goods, strictly monitoring the ship’s stability condition, reserve buoyancy, and hull strength.

  • Anticipate and minimize emergency situations by applying the ship’s safety procedures (ISM) and taking care of the protection of the marine environment (MARPOL).

  • Communicate fluently and assertively manage the team (Bridge Resource Management), using standard marine communication phrases in English.

What does the training look like?

The training is extremely comprehensive. The teaching method combines lectures with rigorous navigational training on charts, advanced stability calculation workshops, and simulations of maneuvers and watchkeeping. Course completion is divided into a multi-stage exam: a theoretical exam and a practical exam on a simulator verifying the candidate’s navigational and maneuvering skills.

Where does the training take place and is there parking?

The training takes place in Gdynia at 13A Polska Street. Free parking is located at 6 Chrzanowskiego Street. The barrier code is provided when the course is confirmed by the secretariat staff.