Watchkeeping Mate Near Coastal (WKMNC)

The Watchkeeping Mate position is the second or third person in the line of command on a vessel depending on the area and the type of vessel the person is serving on. The person’s role is to safely monitor the ship’s passage, and the safety of its crew and cargo. While at sea, the Mate on watch has three fundamental responsibilities:

• navigating the ship
• safely avoiding traffic
• responding to emergencies

While in port, the Mate focuses on duties such as:

• cargo operations
• fire and security watches
• mooring and anchoring
• responding to emergencies

The program

The Watchkeeping Mate Near Coastal program consists of modular based courses, offered throughout the year, to prepare students towards the Watchkeeping Mate Near Coastal Certificate of Competency. The holder of this certificate may be employed as:

• Officer in charge of the watch on board a vessel of any tonnage engaged on a near coastal voyage, class 1 and 2.
• Chief Mate on board a vessel of not more than 3000 GT engaged on a near coastal voyage class 1 and 2.
• Chief mate on board a vessel of any tonnage engaged on a sheltered-waters voyage.

Individuals wishing to obtain the STCW Watchkeeping Mate Certification will be required to complete one more course: NAUT 1826 – Astro Navigation 2. It is possible to take this course within the Watchkeeping Mate Near Coastal program.