) or https:// as an added precaution.Last Updated: 12 Jan 2026
Nautical Studies
A double award programme that awards you both a diploma and the internationally recognised professional Certificate of Competency (CoC) Class 3 (Deck) Qualification. You would be a certified navigation officer for ships engaged on international voyages.
- Applicants must ensure that they have good eyesight (i.e. visual acuity unaided of 6/60 in both eyes and with visual aids of 6/6 in the better eye and at least 6/9 in the other eye).
- Applicants must also pass the colour vision test as per The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Any offer of admission will be conditional upon applicants showing proof of having passed the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Sight Test which is conducted at the Singapore Polytechnic Optometry Centre or by General Practitioners.
- Applicants who successfully complete the colour vision test as specified in the STCW Convention indicated above, but do not meet the visual acuity requirements, may apply for conditional admission. To do so, they must sign a Letter of Undertaking, agreeing to abide by the conditions outlined in that document.
- Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an interview conducted by the Singapore Maritime Academy. International students are required to find a Singapore shipping company of their choice that is prepared to offer them an internship for phase 2 of this course.
Course details
| Field of study | Maritime Studies |
| Certification offered | Diploma in Nautical Studies |
Minimum entry requirement
You must meet the respective examination requirements in order for us to consider your application.
This course is under the Design, Engineering and Technology cluster
| Subject | Grade |
|---|---|
| English Language Syllabus A | 1-3 |
| Mathematics Syllabus A / Additional Mathematics | 1-3 |
Any one of the following subjects
| 1-3 |
Any 2 other subjects excluding CCA | 1-4 |
| Subject | Grade |
|---|---|
| English Language | 1-7 |
| Additional Mathematics or Mathematics | 1-6 |
Any one of the following subjects
| 1-6 |
Course modules
- Principles of Navigation
- Ship Knowledge
- Meteorology
- Science 1
- Fundamentals of IT and Data Analysis
- Wellness For Life
- Education and Career Guidance
- Financial Education 1
- Financial Education 2
- Financial Education 3
- Introduction to Navigation
- Basic Occupational Safety and Security Training
- Mathematics 1
- Marine Communications and Signals
- Collision Regulations
- Electronic Navigation Systems 1
- Basic Tanker Training
- Common Elective Module
- Advanced Fire Fighting
- Mathematics 2
- Applied Science
- Electronic Navigation Systems 2
- Practical Navigation
- Coastal Navigation
- Ship Operations
- Ship Construction and Ship Stability
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems
- Cargo Work and ISM
Internship
| Internship duration | 12 months |
| Internship timeframe | Year 2 |
| Internship period | Oct (upon completion of Pre-Sea Induction Phase) |
Career prospects
You can explore the following career options upon graduation:
- Junior Navigation Officers on board foreign-going ships
- Vessel Operators, Junior Marine Superintendents and Cargo Planners
- Shipbrokers, Chartering Executives and Port Captains
- Harbour pilots
- As VTS Operators
Use resources and interactive tools that are available on MySkillsFuture Portal to explore various education and career pathways.
How to register
You may apply through the respective polytechnics’ websites. Learn the process and how to apply.
You may register using the Poly EAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.
You may register using the PFPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.