Diploma in Nautical Studies

Set course for an officer's career on the world's oceans

(MQA/PA 19041)

Qualification
Diploma
Duration
5 Semesters Full-time (incl. 12 Months Sea Time)
Location
Kuala Lumpur

About This Programme

The Diploma in Nautical Studies at Meritus University is your gateway to one of the world's truly borderless professions. Built to the International Maritime Organization's Model Course 7.03 and the STCW Code — the same global standards that govern officer training in every major maritime nation — it prepares future deck officers in navigation, seamanship, ship stability, meteorology, maritime law, cargo operations and bridge watchkeeping.

What sets this diploma apart is 12 months of structured, supervised onboard training built directly into the qualification, so students graduate with real sea service already logged — not just classroom theory. Backed by Meritus' shipping heritage within the Halim Mazmin Group, students learn from an institution rooted in the maritime industry itself.

Graduates emerge eligible to pursue the internationally recognised Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) certification for vessels of 500 GT or more on unlimited voyages — a licence to build a career on any ocean, with globally benchmarked earning power — or to progress with advanced standing into the BSc (Hons) Maritime Business at Meritus.

Programme Highlights

  • Total Credits: 93
  • Location: Meritus Campus & Langkawi Campus

What makes this programme unique?

Certification Pathway Upon Graduation:
Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW)

Ships of 500 GT or more — subject to Malaysia Marine Department requirements, approved sea time, STCW modular course completion and oral examination.

BSc (Hons) Maritime Business

MERITUS University — advanced standing entry into degree programme.

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The Course

For Malaysian Students

Any ONE of the following entry routes:

  • SPM / SPMV — Minimum 5 credits, including Bahasa Melayu, a Science / Pure Science / Technical subject, Mathematics or Additional Mathematics, two other subjects, and a pass in English; or
  • SPM with SKM Level 3 — Relevant SKM Level 3 fields may include engineering, mechanical, mechatronic, electrical, automotive, marine or maritime. Specific screening and academic guidance may be required; or
  • SVM — Credit in Bahasa Melayu, Academic CGPA 2.00, Vocational CGPA 2.67, and a pass in English; or
  • STPM — Minimum Grade C / Grade Point 2.00 in any two subjects; or
  • Equivalent qualification approved by the Director of Marine.

For International Students

Recognised international entry qualifications with 5 credits, including Mathematics, a Science / Technical subject, and three other subjects.

English Competency Requirement:

  • MUET — Band 3
  • IELTS / IELTS Online — 5.0
  • TOEFL iBT — 40
  • TOEFL Essential Online — 7.5
  • PTE Academic / PTE Academic Online — 47
  • Cambridge English Qualifications — 154
  • ELS Certified Intensive English Programme — Level 107

International students may be exempted from English proficiency requirements if English is the official language of their country or if their previous academic qualification was conducted fully in English, subject to applicable requirements.

Medical & Physical Requirements

Due to the safety-critical nature of shipboard duties, all applicants must meet the following maritime medical fitness requirements:

  • Normal eyesight without aids
  • Normal colour vision as stipulated under STCW medical standards and Malaysia Marine Department requirements
  • Physical and mental fitness certified by a medical practitioner approved by the Malaysia Marine Department

Subjects Offered

A 93-credit programme structured across 5 semesters — 3 academic semesters of classroom, practical and chartwork learning, followed by 12 months of mandatory onboard training at sea:

Semester 1 — Foundation and Maritime Basics

Applied Mathematics
Community Services
English for Business and Career Advancement
General Physics
Kursus Integriti dan Anti Rasuah
Marine Navigation: Earth, Charts and Sailings
Maritime English
Penghayatan Etika & Peradaban
Pengajian Malaysia 2

Semester 2 — Navigation, Ship Knowledge and Seamanship

Astronomical Navigation
Electronics
Physics of Heat, Light and Sound
Seamanship
Ship Stability
Ship Structure and Design
Voyage Planning and Chartwork
Watchkeeping Rules and Signalling

Semester 3 — Advanced Navigation and Maritime Operations

Applied Collision Regulations
Cargo Operation
Coastal Navigation
Introduction to Maritime Law and Convention
Magnetic and Gyro Compass
Magnetism and Electricity
Marine Navigation Instrument
Meteorology

Semesters 4 & 5 — Mandatory Onboard Practical Training

Onboard Training and Competency Development — Phase I (6 months)
Onboard Training and Competency Development — Phase II (6 months)

Prior to embarkation, students must complete the required mandatory pre-sea STCW modular courses for service onboard merchant vessels, subject to applicable Malaysia Marine Department requirements.

Career Options

A career in the deck department of merchant vessels is structured, globally mobile and built on internationally recognised qualifications. Here is where Nautical Studies graduates typically begin and where they go:

Deck Cadet

The starting point — onboard training in watchkeeping, navigation and seamanship under the supervision of senior officers.

Trainee Navigating Officer

Develops operational competency in bridge watchkeeping, collision regulations and voyage planning while building approved sea time.

Junior Deck Officer

Holds watchkeeping responsibilities on commercial vessels, progressing towards full Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch certification.

Shipboard Operations Personnel

Supports cargo operations, stability management and safety procedures across all vessel types on international voyages.

Port and Marine Operations

Applies shipboard knowledge ashore in port operations, vessel traffic management and marine support roles.

Offshore and Shipping Operations

Navigational and operational expertise sought across offshore platforms, supply vessels and specialised shipping sectors.

Academic & Professional Progression Pathway

The Diploma in Nautical Studies opens two progression routes — a professional maritime certification pathway and an academic degree pathway:

Professional Certification Pathway

A diploma holder who holds a watchkeeping certificate may qualify for the Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (more than 500 GT) Oral Examination, leading to a Certificate of Competency issued by the Malaysia Marine Department, subject to applicable requirements.

Degree Progression

Graduates may progress with advanced standing into a relevant Meritus bachelor's degree programme.

Academic Pathway — Diploma in Nautical Studies

Get in Touch

Ready to begin your maritime career? Contact our admissions team

Contact Information

HALIM MAZMIN PLACE
44, Jalan Utusan, Off Jalan Chan Sow Lin
55200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Email
enquiries@meritus.edu.my
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Whatsapp
General: +(6) 012 794 4922

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