100% United States Coast Guard Approved Blended-Online
This self-paced online course is based on the 80-hour Celestial Navigation segment of the IMO Model Course 7.03 for Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch. Upon completion, your course certificate may be presented to the USCG within one year to meet the 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(viii) requirements for STCW endorsements A-II/1 and A-II/2 as OICNW on vessels of 500 GT or more. This certificate also satisfies professional examination requirements for increasing endorsements from near-coastal to oceans for various ranks, including Mate or Master (under 1600 GRT), Second or Third Mate (unlimited tonnage), and Master or Mate of OSVs, Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels, and vessels under 200 GRT.
Course Requirements
The following is the minimum computer requirements:
- Desktop or laptop computer (Mac or Windows-based PC). Chromebooks are also acceptable.
- Windows PCs require a minimum of Windows 7.
- Macs require a minimum of macOS 10.10.
- Minimum Recommended Speeds:
- Internet 1 Mbps – Download
- Internet 1 Mbps – Upload
- Google Chrome web browser, version 74 or higher
- Web Camera (final exams only)
- Microphone (final exams only)
Required Texts:
- Nautical Almanac
- Sight Reduction Tables
- Gnomonic Chart
- Universal Plotting Sheets
- Light List
- Tide Table
- Dutton’s Nautical Navigation, 15th Edition
- American Practical Navigator, Bowditch, 1981
Required Equipment:
- Calculator
- Pencils and Erasers
- Plotting Triangles (2)
- Star Finder Circular Slide Rule (available on Amazon)
- Sextant
Testing Requirements:
- Navigation General: 70 Questions 70% to pass
- Oceans
- Ocean Navigation: 15 Questions 80% to Pass
- Problems:
- All exams are conducted online within the course in partnership with our proctoring provider, SmarterServices.
Practical Assessment:
To successfully complete the course, you will demonstrate your ability to use celestial bodies to determine the ship's position through practical assessments as outlined in NVIC 02-18 and NVIC 12-14 (1.1A, 1.1B, 1.1C, 1.1D, and 1.1F). The necessary sign-off paperwork and assessor requirements will be available for download within the course. Once completed, simply upload your documents directly to the course platform.
This course is a self-paced online format based on the 10.5 hour IMO Model course 3.26
Job Description: Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD)
Mariners assigned Designated Security Duties play a key role in implementing and supporting a vessel’s Ship Security Plan in compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and STCW requirements. These personnel assist the Ship Security Officer (SSO) in managing onboard security by monitoring access points, identifying threats, and executing emergency protocols.
As VPDSD-certified crew, you will be responsible for:
- Monitoring and Securing Access Points: Enforcing restricted area controls and verifying credentials.
- Recognizing and Reporting Threats: Identifying suspicious behavior, devices, or situations and escalating appropriately.
- Conducting Security Inspections: Supporting searches of persons, luggage, and cargo.
- Responding to Emergencies: Following security procedures for bomb threats, intrusions, or pirate attacks.
- Assisting with Drills and Training: Participating in onboard security exercises and maintaining readiness.
This course is required for all mariners performing designated security functions and is an essential qualification for crew operating under STCW-compliant security plans.
Regulatory Details
This course satisfies the requirements of:
- 46 CFR 12.625(a)(1)
- STCW Code Table A-VI/6-2
- IMO Model Course 3.26 (10.5 hours)
Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate suitable for submission to the U.S. Coast Guard to meet VPDSD training requirements.
100% Online United States Coast Guard Approved
