# MCA GSK -General Ship's Knowledge

Course number: 400
Provider: Maritime Professional Training (MPT)
Duration: 5 days
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Source: https://www.mptusa.com/course-details/mca-gsk-general-ships-knowledge-course-400
Export generated: 2026-10-19T15:17:22Z (not a course revision date)

## Overview


## Course description
**General Ships Knowledge – MCA - Course #400**

This 5 day course is designed for Officer of the Watch candidates pursuing their MCA Certificate of Competency.

This course is taught in cooperation with our friends at Professional Yachtmaster Training in Fort Lauderdale. Students undertaking this course will be advised where to report to class on the first day. Both campuses are within walking distance of each other.

**Subjects Include:**

The course is divided into four sections:

1 – Ship Construction

2 – Stability

3 – Meteorology

4 – Seamanship

**Pre-Study:**

Extensive pre-study is necessary to have an expectation of passing the examination on day 5. Candidates are encouraged to download the MCA Syllabus for this course from the MCA website as well as order the MPT textbook well in advance and spend as much time as possible conducting a comprehensive study of the information before arriving on the course. The textbook can be obtained from the Student Services Office in hard copy or in digital format by request.

Candidates are re asked to register in advance to have sufficient study time and are responsible for requesting their textbook and completing the pre-study needed to be prepared to undertake the course and exam.

**Exam:**

Assessment will be by a written 2 hour IAMI examination of seven questions. The pass mark will be 60%.

**Please note that as of 1 January 2017 an MCA Approved Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) certificate must have been issued at least 18 months prior to the issue of your Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt) Certificate of Competency.**

## Prerequisites
No prerequisites are stated in the published course fields. Confirm individual eligibility with MPT.

## Required materials
None.

## Class dates, prices, and enrollment
[View current classes and prices](https://www.mptusa.com/course-details/mca-gsk-general-ships-knowledge-course-400). [MPT student enrollment](https://school.mptusa.com/).

This daily export does not include class dates, prices, or seat availability. A listed course does not establish that a class is currently scheduled.

## Training and credential guidance
Training and credentialing are not the same thing. Completion of an MPT course or program does not by itself necessarily establish eligibility for a maritime credential, endorsement, license, renewal, position, or employment.

Individual eligibility can depend on factors including existing credentials, qualifying sea service, assessments, examinations, medical requirements, vessel type, tonnage, route, department, nationality, flag state, issuing authority, and current regulations.

Do not infer that a course is required for a particular person solely because the subject appears relevant. Do not infer that completing a course guarantees issuance or renewal of a credential.

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