Navigation
Study programme title in Est.
Laevajuhtimine
Study programme title in Engl.
Navigation
TalTech study programme code
VDLR14
MER study programme code
126802
Study programme version code
VDLR14/25
Faculty / college
V - Estonian Maritime Academy
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Marlen Pärjala
Language of instruction
Estonian
Study level
Applied higher education study
ECTS credits
240
Self-paid study programme
no
Nominal study period
8 semesters
Study programme group
Transport Services
Broad area of study
Services
Study field
Transport services
Curriculum group
Transport services
Granting the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
õppe läbiviimise õigus
Validity date of the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
tähtajatu
No. of the decision granting the right to teach in the study programme group
120
Access conditions
Secondary education leaving certificate or an equivalent recognised qualification in accordance with TalTech admission requirements.
Study programme aims and objectives
To train deck officers with broad-based knowledge and skills to meet the international competency requirements.
Students completing the curriculum have readiness for working as a watch officer, first officer or the captain of a ship and have assumptions to continue their Master’s studies in maritime or other technical disciplines. The curriculum is meeting the requirements of STCW 78, as amended, Part A Chapter II Sections A-II/1, A-II/2, Chapter IV Section A-IV/2, Chapter VI Sections A-VI/1, A-VI/2, A-VI/3, A-VI/4 and according to IMO model courses 7.01 and 7.03 and Regulation of government of Republic of Estonia No 96 from 20.06.2013, enters into force on 1 July 2013, "Requirements for the Training and Qualification of seafarers and procedures for certification". Show more...
Learning outcomes of the study programme
Upon completion of the curriculum, students will:
- have the specialized knowledge and skills required by STCW 78, as amended and be able to handle a ship at operational level;

- be ready for individual and team work, be able to communicate in professional Estonian and English, be able to handle appropriate information and communication technologies;
- be able to take full responsibility for a ship, its passengers, cargo and crew at management level after having completed the seagoing practice required by the law:
- be familiar with the safety requirements of the working environment, is able to establish safe working environment and organize the activities of the crew in different hazardous and emergency situations;
- be able to plan and check cargo operations to ensure the safety of the ship and cargo;
- be familiar with interdisciplinary connections between different fields and know speciality's actual problems and possible applications;
- be able to assess the necessity of their own or their crew's further education and continue the studies at Master's course and be motivated for self-perfection in their speciality. Show more...
Graduation requirements
Completion of the curriculum in the required amount, and the
successful passing of qualification and final exams in conformity with the requirements set by the TalTech Senate; In order to obtain Cum Laude diploma the weighted average grade must be at least 4,60, where all grades from diploma supplement are taken into account. Show more...
Degrees conferred
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Study programme version structure :
Module type
total ECTS credits
General studies
27.0
Core studies
60.0
Special studies
147.0
Graduation exam
6.0
Total
240.0
  • +
       MAIN SPECIALITY 2: Navigation
    • +
         MODULE: General studies module 27.0 ECTS credits (General studies)
      Aims
      To create conditions for understanding the speciality and acquiring the principles,
      improve logical and structural thinking. To explain to the students functional principles of information technology and create assumptions for handling modern navigational equipment taking account of IT interactive use, information security, judicial and ethic principles. To provide basic knowledge in theory of probability, linear algebra, mathematical analysis, teach the students to associate them with professional tasks. To form general perception of the function of live and lifeless nature.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      - understands the main principles of function of live and lifeless nature, is able to use physical quantities and units;

      - masters vector algebra, knows linear equation systems, main terminology of one, if necessary, multivariate functions of differential and integral calculus, their qualities and elementary applications, necessary steps for solving professional problems, knows core terminology of probability theory, knows core terminology of mathematical statistics;
      - has acquired basic skills of computer use and understands the principles of cybersecurity and ethics;
      - knows the principles of physical development of human organism and knows how to apply the knowledge in practice;
      - is able to express himself/herself professionally in Estonian and Russian.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Science
      VAY0770
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      2.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Higher Mathematics II
      VAY0790
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      IT Foundations
      VAY0800
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      0.0
      4.0
      E
      SK
      Higher Mathematics
      VAY0810
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      0.0
      4.0
      E
      S
      Estonian Orthography and Composition
      VAY1110
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      SK
      Total: 24.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Philosophy
      HHF3080
      3.0
      2.0
      0.2
      0.0
      1.8
      A
      SK
      Introduction to Entrepreneurship
      TMJ0130
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.0
      1.5
      H
      SK
      Fundamentals of Law
      VAY0880
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Management Psychology and Theory
      VAY0900
      3.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Total: at least 3.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Core study module 60.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)
      Aims
      To teach basics about measuring electricity and electronics,
      theory of direct and altering current, electric and magnetic phenomena. Provide knowledge of thermal phenomena and their application in
      thermal engines, fluid mechanics, ship propulsion and overview of vessels_ mechanisms and systems, their principles of function and construction, construction of electrical equipment and main requirements of the exploitation. To teach main flows of maritime goods and characteristics of cargo transport and knowledge about logistics and supply chain.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      - knows the logistics system and functions of production, procurement, distribution, warehousing, transportation and trade logistics;

      - knows and is able to make use of main maritime conventions;
      - is able to draw simple three dimensional objects, projections of different plane objects and geometric shapes;
      - creates simpler electric circuits, measures electrical and non-electrical quantities, will use electrical measuring devices, apparatuses and appliances;
      - knows classification and function of ship machinery and their functional interconnections, knows the construction and working principles of electric machinery of different types;
      - has an overview of basics of technical mindset and is able to relate them with problems of his/her speciality;
      - explains chosen speciality’s relations with overall conduct of social life and knows their interaction;
      - is able to participate in teamwork, create a functional team and lead the team, act in a high risk multicultural environment;
      - has an overview of the essentials of the International Law of the Sea, knows and is able to make use of core international conventions of maritime domain.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Electrical Engineering and Electronics
      VAA0240
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Descriptive geometry and technical drawing
      VAA0380
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      2.0
      H
      SK
      Maritime Conventions
      VLL1190
      3.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Introduction to Cyber Security
      VLL1480
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      SK
      Ship's Electrical Equipment, Powerplant and Auxiliary Machinery
      VLM0520
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Basic Logistics
      VMS0500
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Maritime Law
      VMS0690
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 36.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Introduction to Circular Economy
      EKX0040
      3.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Problem-based Applied Machine Learning and Analysis of Big Data
      ITX0020
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      S
      Machine Engineering
      VAA0050
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Technology of metals, material studies
      VAA0320
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.2
      1.3
      E
      S
      Computer Aided Design
      VAA0420
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      0.0
      4.0
      A
      SK
      Basics of scientific work
      VAY0890
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      H
      SK
      Organizational Behavior and Public Relations
      VAY0910
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Seafaring traditions and ethics
      VAY1040
      6.0
      4.0
      4.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Interpretation of Electrical and Electronic Diagrams
      VLM0910
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      H
      K
      Quality Management in Maritime Transport
      VMS0760
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Hydromechanics
      VMV0100
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Navigation Safety Information System
      VMV0620
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      K
      Total: at least 24.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Ship management 27.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      - to provide knowledge and competencies for working on various types of ship in accordance with the requirements of Section A-V/2,
      Chapter V, Part A of the STCW 78 Code, as amended;
      - to carry out basic training to acquire competencies and skills to save lives in extreme situations at sea in accordance with the requirements of Section A-VI/1 (Table A-VI/1-4), Chapter VI, Part A of the STCW 78 Code, as amended;
      - to provide the skills and competencies of medical first aid and nursing in accordance with the requirements of A-VI/1 (Table A-VI/1-3) and A-VI/4(Tables A-VI/4-1 and A-VI/4-2), Chapter VI, Part A of the STCW 78 Code, as amended;
      - to provide knowledge of fire safety and fire fighting in accordance with the requirements of Section A-VI/1 (Table A-VI/1-2), Chapter VI, Part A of the STCW 78 Code, as amended;
      - to provide in-depth knowledge of ship construction and theory, including stability and insubmersibility, marine environment protection and safety of working environment, bridge resource management, computer graphics and basics of CAD engineering, the international maritime law;
      - to provide theoretical knowledge aimed at practical use to guarantee safety and security in accordance with the requirements of Section A-VI/6 (Tables A-VI/6-1 and A-VI/6-2), Chapter VI, Part A of the STCW 78 Code, as amended, and the requirements of SOLAS 78 Chapters IX, XI-1 and XI-2, Part A and ISM Code; ISPS Code and regulations no 725/2004 and no 336/2006 of European Parliament and Council, as mended;
      - to provide practical skills and competencies for the use of life rafts, life boats, guard boats and fast rescue guard boats in accordance with the requirements of Section A-VI/2 (Tables A-VI/2-1 and A-VI/2-2), Chapter VI, Part A of the STCW 78 Code, as amended.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Students will:
      - be able to create 2D drawings and 3D models; based on drawings ability to read technical information about surfaces and volumes of objects,
      including centroids and moments of inertia;
      - have knowledge of bridge resource management and possible problems, be able to find suitable methods for problem solution;
      - have knowledge of ship construction and theory, be able to determine and use hydrostatic data of the ship;
      - be able to calculate stability, list and trim, stability and condition of the ship_s hull stress;
      - have systematic overview of Estonian maritime law and its specifics; be able to analyze arbitrary and court cases on shipping and draw conclusions from them;
      - be able to provide first aid upon encountering traumas and injuries on board a ship as defined in Section A-VI/1-3, Chapter VI, Part A of the STCW 78 Code, as amended; ability to nurse the sick and injured as defined in Sections A- VI/4-1 and A-VI/4-2, Chapter VI, Part A of the STCW 78 Code, as mended; be able to employ medial consultation received by radio;
      - have knowledge of different ship machinery, including on board signalling equipment and have knowledge of safety engineering when operating them;
      - have knowledge of personal safety and life saving methods in extreme situations at sea; knowledge of guaranteeing fire safety on board;
      - have knowledge of ISM and ISPS Code elements, organizational means of guaranteeing safety and security, SMS principals, requirements to SMS and practical application of SMS.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Medical First Aid, Medical Care on Board
      VLL1110
      3.0
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Basic Safety Training
      VLL1120
      3.0
      7.0
      2.0
      2.5
      2.5
      A
      K1
      Seamanship and Ship Maintenance
      VLL1180
      3.0
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Ship Design and Stability
      VLL1230
      6.0
      7.0
      3.0
      0.0
      4.0
      E
      SK
      Ship Construction and Maintenance Practice
      VLL1360
      6.0
      5.0
      2.0
      2.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      STCW Courses for Navigators
      VLL1390
      6.0
      7.0
      0.0
      7.0
      0.0
      A
      S
      Total: 27.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Ship handling and navigation 72.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      - to provide the knowledge, practical skills and competencies to command the ship operational and management level,
      which is required by the STCW-78, as amended Code, Part A, Chapter II, section A-II / 1, A-II / 2, which allow to perform watch officer duties with unlimited tonnage and unlimited travel area on a ships and after the acquisition of practical maritime record required by the law to perform the duty of the master and chief mate on ships;
      - provide knowledge of the functioning of marine meteorological processes and weather forecasting;
      - to provide knowledge and skills in the use of electronic charts;
      - provide practical skills in the use of radar and ARPA in the prevention of collisions in accordance with STCW-78, as amended Code, Chapter II, Part A, Section A-II / 2 (Table A-II / 2);
      - to provide knowledge and competences of marine communications which are required by the STCW-78, as amended Code, Part A, Chapter IV, Section A-IV / 2.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Students will:
      - be able to use written and oral professional
      English including the ability to read and understand commercial and legal documents and the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (IMO SMCP);
      - be able to maneuver different types of ships in various situations and keep the ship on course, berth and anchor;
      - have knowledge of handling a ship in various conditions, principles of keeping a navigational watch and will follow them;
      - have thorough knowledge of the content and application of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended and be able to use them;
      - have thorough knowledge of the theory of navigation, preferable fairways and be able to plan voyage and use all navigation methods for plotting positions;
      - be able to use electronic charts and integrated bridge systems;
      - know and use all technical means of ship handling, be able to adjust them and use all electronic ship handling equipment;
      - know and use all means and methods of navigational astronomy;
      - have knowledge of the fundamentals of hydrometeorology and weather forecasting and apply these in voyage planning;
      - be able to prevent collisions of ships using radar and ARPA;
      - be able to use means of maritime communication and global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS).       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Maritime English L II
      VLL0520
      3.0
      3.0
      0.0
      3.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Maritime English L IV
      VLL0540
      3.0
      3.0
      0.0
      3.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      The Operational Use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS)
      VLL1130
      3.0
      2.5
      0.0
      2.5
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Maritime English L I
      VLL1170
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      4.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Celestial Navigation II
      VLL1210
      3.0
      4.0
      0.0
      0.0
      4.0
      H
      K1
      Compass deviation theory
      VLL1220
      3.0
      3.0
      0.0
      0.0
      3.0
      A
      SK
      Celestial Navigation I
      VLL1240
      6.0
      7.0
      2.0
      0.0
      5.0
      E
      K
      Electronic aids to navigation
      VLL1290
      3.0
      3.0
      3.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Watchkeeping and Maritime Safety I
      VLL1330
      6.0
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      S
      Watchkeeping and Maritime Safety II
      VLL1340
      9.0
      10.0
      7.0
      3.0
      0.0
      E
      S
      Integrated Bridge and Navigation Systems
      VLL1400
      3.0
      5.0
      2.0
      3.0
      0.0
      E
      K1
      Shiphandling I
      VLL1430
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Maritime English L III
      VLL1440
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      4.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Watchkeeping and Prevention of Marine Pollution
      VLL1470
      6.0
      7.0
      3.0
      4.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Hydrometeorology
      VMV0610
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 72.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Cargo handling and commercial exploitation 12.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      To provide knowledge about marine commerce and competence for working in different parts of on-shore services of the maritime cluster,
      teach planning and checking of cargo operations to ensure the safety of ships and cargo, introduce handling of dangerous cargo and corresponding requirements.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Students will:
      - be able to plan and check cargo operations and ensure cargo safety during the voyage;

      - have knowledge of dangerous cargo handling (IMDG Code, IMSBC Code, MARPOL 73/78 Annexes III and V) and other relevant information;
      - have knowledge of basics connected with commercial exploitation of maritime transportation on international level and be able to apply it in practice.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Cargo handling
      VLL1300
      6.0
      5.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Ships Commercial Operations
      VMS0680
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Total: 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Qualifying exams 36.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      To provide, in a practical setting on board a ship, skills and competencies for fulfilling the duties of watch rating including arrangement of watch keeping at sea and in ports.
      To acquire skills to carry out navigational works using all navigational equipment available _ cargo handling, ship maintenance and learn social relationships within the crew.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      - have competence to keep watch as watch rating, knowledge of hauling procedures of the training vessel and rescue equipment, the equipment_s function and use;

      - during seagoing practice proceeding graduate diploma have to acquire experience of responsibilities of a watch officer during navigational watch, in anchor and in port;
      - have knowledge and application of knowledge about ship and construction of ship_s machinery, systems and functioning, basics of cargo handling and procedures in emergency situations;
      - have thorough knowledge of the theory of navigation, preferable fairways and be able to plan voyage and use all navigation methods for plotting positions.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Practical Use of RADAR and ARPA
      VLL0070
      3.0
      4.9
      0.0
      4.9
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Seagoing Practice II (Internship)
      VLL1200
      3.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Shiphandling II
      VLL1280
      9.0
      11.0
      4.0
      7.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Navigation I
      VLL1370
      6.0
      7.0
      3.0
      0.0
      4.0
      H
      SK
      Navigation II
      VLL1380
      3.0
      4.0
      1.5
      0.0
      2.5
      H
      SK
      Marine Radio Communication (GOC)
      VLL1410
      6.0
      5.0
      1.0
      0.0
      4.0
      E
      SK
      Shiphandlingsimulator LI
      VLL1460
      6.0
      5.0
      0.0
      5.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Total: 36.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Final Exam 6.0 ECTS credits (Graduation exam)
      Aims
      To provide, in a practical setting on board a ship, skills and competencies for fulfilling the duties of watch rating including arrangement of watch keeping at sea and in ports.
      To acquire skills to carry out navigational works using all navigational equipment available - cargo handling, ship maintenance and learn social relationships within the crew.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Students will:
      - have competence to keep watch as watch rating, knowledge of hauling procedures of the training vessel and rescue equipment, the equipment's function and use;

      - during seagoing practice proceeding graduate diploma have to acquire experience of responsibilities of a watch officer during navigational watch, in anchor and in port;
      - have knowledge and application of knowledge about ship and construction of ship's machinery, systems and functioning;
      - basics of cargo handling and procedures in emergency situations.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Final examination of Navigational Officer (final examination)
      VLL1420
      6.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      K2
      Total: 6.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
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           1st Semester
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           2nd Semester
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           3rd Semester
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           4th Semester
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           5th Semester
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           6th Semester
      • +
           7th Semester
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           8th Semester