Programme Aims and Objectives
The aims of the Diploma in Maritime Operations - Engineering programme are to provide candidates:
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pursuing the Certificate of Competency relevant to 3rd Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) in the merchant navy with the required qualifications; education and training to be awarded the United Kingdom Maritime and Coast Guard Agency (MCA) certificate ‘STCW KNOWLEDGE UNDERSTANDING AND PROFICIENCY’, hence preparing them to become Engineer Cadets/3rd Officers in the Merchant Navy.
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with a university-based education forming the basis of study for progression to degree level studies; in particular, the BSc. Nautical Science/Maritime Operations offered by the university
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with a university-based education in level two Mechanical and Electrical Engineering forming the basis of study for progression to engineering degree level studies offered by the UTT.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On completion of the Diploma in Maritime Operations - Engineering programme, candidates will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
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recall principles of science and engineering knowledge related to the marine engineering discipline.
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recall maritime laws and regulations with regards to ensuring the safety of the seafarer and protection of the marine environment.
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identify the functions and operations of shipboard engineering equipment and machinery; marine propulsion, power and auxiliary systems present aboard vessels of the Merchant Navy.
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define the responsibilities of an Engineer 3rd Officer of the Merchant Navy as outlined in the STCW convention.
Intellectual/Cognitive skills
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apply mathematics, science and engineering knowledge to identify, formulate and solve marine engineering problems.
Practical skills
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communicate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team of Engineer Officers, Deck Officers and other crew member of vessels in the Merchant Navy.
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perform duties of an Engineer Cadet/3rd Officers of the Merchant Navy in a safe, efficient and ethical manner, considering maritime laws and regulations established for the safety of all seafarers and the protection of the marine environment.
Key skills
Communication: Communicate effectively within a multi-disciplinary, multi-national team of Engineer Officers, Deck Officers and other crew member of vessels in the Merchant Navy.
Information Technology: Identify the functions and operations of shipboard engineering equipment and machinery; marine propulsion, power and auxiliary systems present aboard vessels of the Merchant Navy.
Numeracy: Apply mathematics, science and engineering knowledge to identify, formulate and solve marine engineering problems.
Problem solving: Identify and react to various alarms on a Merchant Navy ships Propulsion and Auxiliary Plants.
Working with others: Work within a multi-disciplinary, multi-national team of Engineer Officers, Deck Officers and other crew member of vessels in the Merchant Navy.
Improving own learning and performance: Function in academic and technical learning environments, using personal learning and thinking skills, with reduced supervision.
Enrolling in the Centre for Maritime Studies Diploma in Maritime Studies (Engineering) was one of the defining moments in my life. The entire programme is somewhat challenging and requires full dedication and hard work, the end result however was quite rewarding. As a cadet I had the opportunity to train with some of the best marine engineers in one of the biggest shipping companies trading LNG around Europe. After obtaining my Certificate of Competence as an Engineering officer from the United Kingdom I was again afforded to opportunity to sail and work onboard a number of Offshore Supply Vessels providing support to offshore rigs around Trinidad. Presently, I am employed as a Second Engineer at the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and I am also a final year Master's student pursing my Masters in Operational Maritime Management. Coming from humble beginnings, the University has provided opportunities that I could have only dreamed were possible. Challenging as the programme was, it provided me with the skillset to be a productive member of any engineering team. The entire experience was life changing and after graduating almost 8 years ago, I honestly have no regrets that I chose this career path, after all who wouldn't like to travel the world doing what they love.
- Jason McNeil, Diploma in Maritime Operations - Engineering, Class of 2011.
I knew very little of Maritime industry when I began my journey at UTT and was very intrigued with what institution had to offer; World Class simulators as well as competent instructors.
After two years of intense courses such as Naval Architecture, Ship Construction and Marine Engineering Principles, I was placed on my first ship, the Max Chouest, an anchor handling tug supply vessel which operated in the South Eastern Coast of Trinidad. I acquired fundamental firsthand experience of marine engineering and was able to link theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom with actual day to day operations in the field. This combination of practical and theoretical knowledge was a necessity for my later COC exams. I was then on to my second ship, the Harmen Oldendorff where I sailed on international trade routes across the world such as Puerto Rico, Columbia, Canada and then to dry dock in Portugal. It was an experience like no other. Having the opportunity to see new countries as well as work on large 2 stroke engines was a dream come true. UTT maritime provided me with world class knowledge and experience needed to purse my Certificate of Competency as an Engineering Officer of the Watch from the Maritime and Coast Guard Agency of the United Kingdom. As an Engineering Officer of the Watch on commercial ships and an Electrician's Mate in the United States Navy, I can proudly say that UTT Maritime has provided me with valuable and pertinent knowledge and experience to solve complex engineering issues that I have encountered while on watch.
- Joshua Bodie, Diploma in Maritime Operations - Engineering, Class of 2016.
I am the proud holder of a UK CoC - III/1 and a graduate of The University of Trinidad and Tobago with a Diploma in Maritime Operations-Engineering.
My biggest challenge at UTT was familiarizing myself with technical jargon used in the maritime industry. With minimum hands-on experience in Engineering Workshop Skills, I was trained to a level of competency by my instructors in the skills needed to craft me into the engineer I am today. At the end of completing my theoretical courses, I was fortunate to be provided with the opportunity to do my cadetship onboard an international seagoing vessel; an LPG tanker. That experience to date is one of the best experiences of my career thus far. Seeing the vessel's two stroke Sulzar RTA 72 engine took my breath away. Despite it being my first time onboard a vessel and away from my family, I took advantage of this opportunity to learn and understand all the different systems that work together in running a vessel. After completion of cadetship and success in my IAMI examinations, I achieved one of my greatest accomplishment; a Certificate of Competency to work as a Third Engineer. In my capacity as an Engineer, there were unexpected work challenges that I had to face such as discrimination, gender inequality and stigmatization, however, my passion and love for my job gave me the strength and motivation to overcome those challenges. At present my ultimate goal is to achieve my Chief Engineer Unlimited CoC. Thanks to UTT for the framework they provided in getting my career started.
- Késhon White, Diploma in Maritime Operations - Engineering, Class of 2014.
When I commenced by studies at UTT I hadn't any knowledge of the sea and what it meant to a Merchant navy officer, All I had was the limited what my father had taught me after only spending six months on sea as a chief cook. But the sea was in my blood. The first time I stepped into the campus I was amazed of all the modern facilities the University had to offer from the workshops to the simulators.
On March 10th 2009, I joined the M/V Krakow at the Port of Point Lisas. The Krakow a Bulk Carrier owned and operated by Ship Management and Transport Company (SMT) from Poland. I will never forget my first voyage, the Krakow visited Ports in the USA, China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam and Singapore. I was able to apply the knowledge gained at the University to onboard operations. I was also able to travel an experience different cultures and countries for the first time in my life. The most amazing experience I had was crossing the Panama Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The second vessel I trained on was a LNG tanker; Methane Princess owned by Gola LNG from Norway, this vessel was fully Automated Steam vessel with Unmanned Machinery Space.
I am grateful for the time I spent at the University of Trinidad and Tobago Maritime campus. Its isolated location made it perfect environment for studying, I am grateful to all lecturers and support staff without them it would have been impossible for me to graduate as a marine engineer.
- Darrion Howell, Diploma in Maritime Operations - Engineering, Class of 2013.
On the very first day, at UTT Chaguaramas the then Programme Leader, Mr. Nash came to the classroom room and said, "If you came to this course to become a captain you are in the wrong course. This was the biggest "truth" of this programme, that it wasn't for everyone. The course was not only academically challenging, for most but it was physically challenging as well. From calculating ‘Stress and Strain' forces, to welding and fabricating, then learning how to fight a fire in zero viability; this was not for the faint of heart. It demanded a level of versatility, maturity and responsibility that I struggled with but was extremely relevant to prepare us for the "Cadet/Sea phase" of the course.
After 2 years of academic and practical training, I was catapulted in to harsh working environment to complete a task book in no less than 6 months sea time. It was literally baptism by fire and heat. The engine room can get hot humid and many times you may have to do rigorous difficult work for a long period in this environment. The Cadet phase also had many challenges outside the scope of work. It was my first-time meeting people of different nationalities languages races and cultures. The experience taught me valuable life skills and independence that very few people at that age possess.
I eventually wrote and passed all my examinations to become an Engineering Officer and got employed soon after. The level of responsibility and accountability I now had initially was overwhelming but I grew in knowledge and experience and things became easier with time. It is a constant learning process.
This career is not something you can halfheartedly commit to. It challenging in every aspect of the word however it is extremely rewarding. I became a skillful, versatile and independent individual. All of this is to say the challenge and sacrifice is worth it mentally, physically and yes, financially.
- Kemron Thomas, Diploma in Maritime Operations - Engineering, Class of 2015.
My time spent at The UTT Maritime Campus, was both a challenging and a rewarding experience: this included an extensive and interesting curriculum, between classroom sessions, to the exciting hands on practical workshops. They all paved the way to my acquiring the skills needed to take me to the next level.
On successfully completing the academic programme, my next step involved gaining sea time as a cadet. UTT arranged this cadetship training on board with one of the world's largest International bulk transport company; Oldendorff Carriers. A worldwide voyage over 7 months with a multinational crew, allowed me to apply all practical aspects of my academic knowledge and training received from UTT. This all met the commendation and approval of my engineering department superiors. I completed my training in the offshore sector on board a PSV, where I had to adapt and apply all aspects of my training.
The final step, was combining all my UTT marine engineering training together with my sea time working knowledge on board the vessel's. This allowed me to write the professional written and oral exams, at which I successfully completed at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency in England (UK). This process embraced every aspect of marine engineering. On completion, I obtained my Certificate of Competency, Engineering Officer of the Watch (COC EOOW).
I commend UTT Marine Engineering Programme, it's lecturers and facilities with the guidance, assistance and encouragement. It has been a rewarding experience with sea time preparation for my chosen career as a Marine Engineer.
- David Horsham, Diploma in Maritime Operations - Engineering, Class of 2016.
At the age of just 18 enrolled, at UTT Maritime Studies to begin my journey in Marine Engineering. From Ordinary Seaman to Captain or from Oiler to Chief Engineer, and heads of department shared their expertise preparing us for the future.
The first ship of my cadetship the SS Methania, a LNG Tanker with carrying capacity of 131235 cubic meters Liquid Gas and her length overall (LOA) of 280.02 meters. I had never seen a vessel of that size in my life. There was a crew of 35 persons, with over 10 different nationalities on board, who all worked together in making my learning experience and time away from home as comfortable as possible.
On completion of the programme I completed all other requirements to obtain a Certificate of Competency or CoC issued by the Marine Coastguard Agency (UK). It was my greatest achievement at that time and UTT made it all possible. I went on to sail as an engineer officer of the watch with many different companies locally and internationally. After years of sailing, I returned to UTT to further my studies in Maritime Operations to obtained a Masters in Operational Maritime Management. I presently hold the position of assistant Port Engineer for a company operating out of PLIPDECO. Without UTT, my entire career within the Marine sector would have not have existed and I owe most of my success to the university and its amazing lecturers. It's almost as if I had my own personal lectures by my side at all times.
- Jovanna Timothy, Diploma in Maritime Operations - Engineering, Class of 2011.