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MCAST Maritime Institute - Marine Engineering & Deck Programs in Malta

Marine Engineering, Deck Cadet & Officer, STCW, and Professional Marine Training at MCAST Centre for Maritime Studies (CMS)

mcast malta

Established in 2001 and located at Paola and Gozo, Malta campuses, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) is a vocational education and training institution and offers 185 full-time and over 300 part-time vocational courses ranging from certificates to degrees (MQF Level 1 to Level 6). MCAST Technical College provides further programs of study at MQF/ EQF Level 4 in closer collaboration with industry. The Advanced Diplomas on offer prepare the students with the right knowledge, skills and competences in order to take up technical positions within industry or progress to the University College should they prefer to do so.

MCAST University College caters for higher education programs and vocational degrees while also working in close collaboration with industry in order to provide professionals that are both academically prepared and practically trained to satisfy the needs of the local industry. The Institutes and Centers provide all the necessary technical and professional expertise for the delivery of all programs at MCAST while having the main aim of driving forward all the areas of study under their respective responsibility with an outlook towards the future.

MCAST programs are flexible, relevant and industry focused. The Institute of Engineering and Transport - Maritime (MCAST Maritime Institute) is the only institution in Malta providing accredited education & training of seafarers and provides training as sea as officers & ratings in the merchant navy. The Institute also offers the professional seafarer a considerable number of short & ancillary courses, thus enabling officers and ratings to meet the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping of Seafarers. The Institute also runs a training program for the benefit of small craft owners as well as courses for Yachtmasters & near-coastal commercial boat operators.

mcast maritime institute

Education & Training Programs

Undergraduate Programs

  • MCAST BSc (Hons) in Marine Engineering (3 years full-time - MQF Level 6): This course deals with the design, construction, operation and maintenance of engines and machinery in ships and marine installations. You will gain an understanding of developed and emerging technologies while applying theoretical and practical methods in the analysis and solution of marine engineering related problems. Career opportunities like Marine Structural Designer, Marine Systems Designer, Marine Technologist, and Marine Surveyor are open to successful students.
  • MCAST Advanced Diploma in Marine Engineering Level 4 (3 years on Apprenticeship - MQF Level 4): This course is the first step for those who wish to embark in a career in the maritime sector, with opportunities being available both locally and internationally. The course introduces the basics of engineering related to marine vessels and is ideal for those who wish to be introduced into this sector and obtain a formal vocational qualification. After successful completion of the course, you will become a technical person with sound theoretical and practical competences. This course includes work-related training and practice. The job opportunities include - Marine Technician, Ship Repair Technician, Ship Repair Fitter, and more.

Deck Programs

  • Advanced Diploma in Deck Operations (also leading to OIC Navigational Watch) (2 years full-time followed by 12 months experience at sea):  The Advanced Diploma is a 2 year full time course and the qualification is issued by MCAST, whilst the programme also prepares candidates as sea cadets with a further 12 month sea placement and Transport Malta written exams including the final oral exam to qualify for the ultimate maritime qualification with the Certificate of Competence as an Officer In Charge of a Navigational Watch (unlimited) on ocean-going merchant vessels. This qualification is issued by Transport Malta (Maritime) Authority.
  • Diploma in Deck Operations (1 year Full Time): This study program is intended for learners who in future intend to apply for the course leading to an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch. This course is also an opportunity for those learners who would like to find a job and actively work in a maritime environment such as a deck crew on board ships and gain valuable sea time, or in an inshore marina job.
  • Chief Mate (2 years Full Time): This course is a continuation in the career of a Deck Officer in the merchant shipping navy leading to the issue of a Certificate of Competence as a Chief Mate. Practical STCW ancillary courses, namely Medical Care and radar navigation including simulation exercises, are also provided as compulsory short courses for the Chief Mate Certificate of Competency.

Commercial Vessel Courses

  • Commercial Vessel Boatmaster Grade 1
  • Commercial Vessel Boatmaster Grade 2
  • Commercial Vessel Engine Driver Grade 1
  • Commercial Vessel Engine Driver Grade 2
  • Commercial Vessel Engine Driver Grade 3
  • Commercial Vessel Engineer
  • Commercial Vessel General Purpose Hand
  • Commercial Vessel Master
  • Commercial Vessel Mate
  • Refresher Training Course Commercial Vessel Boatmaster Grade 1

STCW & Maritime Courses

Marine Engineering Courses

  • Award in Electrical Principles for Marine Engineering
  • Award in Electrical Wiring for Marine installations (Small Boats)
  • Award in Marine Propulsion Systems (Small Boats)

Other Marine / Port Courses

  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Port Work Foreman Course
  • Port Work induction Course
  • Practical Boathandling
  • Risk Assessment
  • VHF Short Range Certificate

Logistics & Supply Chain Courses

  • Award in Administration and Facilities Management
  • Award in Customs Procedures
  • Award in inventory Management
  • Award in Storekeeping
  • Award in Waste Management
  • Higher Diploma in Transportation and Logistics Management

LAST UPDATED ON Aug 31, 2023