# Watchkeeping (Operational Level) (MARTPT-548) Course number: 205 Provider: Maritime Professional Training (MPT) Duration: 5 days Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida Source: https://www.mptusa.com/course-details/watchkeeping-oicnw-course-205 Export generated: 2026-10-19T15:17:22Z (not a course revision date) ## Overview Satisfy the Watchkeeping and SMCP training requirements and get some of the necessary watchkeeping assessments completed along the way! Learn about the common scenarios an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) can encounter while experiencing some of these scenarios in our Full-Mission Bridge Simulators. Contact the Student Services Office for availability. ## Course description **Watchkeeping (Operational Level) (MARTPT-548) - MPT Course #205** This course is designed to meet the training and assessment requirements for mariners seeking an STCW endorsement as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) on vessels of 500 GT or more, less than 500 GT, and those limited to Near Coastal waters, in accordance with 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(ix), 11.319(a)(4)(iii), and 11.321(a)(2). This 39-hour, stand-alone course is delivered over 5 days through classroom instruction and simulator-based practical assessments. It provides training in safe watchkeeping procedures, the application of the *International and Inland Rules of the Road* (COLREGS), proper use of *Standard Marine Communication Phrases* (SMCP), and bridge team management. Practical assessments are conducted using an approved class A full-mission bridge simulator and are intended to satisfy the equivalent National Assessment Guidelines tasks from NVICs 12-14 (CH-7), 02-18 (CH-5), and 13-14 (CH-5). Any applicant who has successfully completes our Watchkeeping (Operational Level) (MARTPT-548) course will satisfy: - The Watchkeeping, including COLREGS and Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP), training requirements of 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(ix) and 11.319(a)(4)(iii) for STCW endorsement as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) (Operational Level); AND - The Watchkeeping, including COLREGS and SMCP, standards of competence required by 46 CFR 11.309(a)(3) and 11.319(a)(3); STCW Code Section A-II/1 and Table A-II/1, as amended 2010, meeting the National Assessment Guidelines from NVICs 12-14(Ch-7) and 02-18(Ch-5) Tasks 1.3.A, 1.3.B, 1.3.C, 1.4.A, 1.4.B, 1.4.C, 1.4.D, 1.5.A, 2.1.A, 2.1.B, 2.1.C, 2.1.D, 2.1.E, 2.1.F, 2.1.G, 2.2.A, 2.2.B, 2.2.C, 2.2.D, 2.2.E, 2.3.A, 2.3.B, 2.3.C, 2.4.A, 2.5.A, 2.6.A, 7.1, 12.1.A, 12.2.A, and 12.3.A; AND - The Watchkeeping, including COLREGS and Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP), standards of competence required by 46 CFR 11.321(a)(2); STCW Code Section A-II/3 and Table A-II/3, as amended 2010, meeting the National Assessment Guidelines from NVIC 13-14(Ch-5) Tasks 1.4.A, 1.4.B, 1.4.C, 1.5.A, 1.6.A, 1.6.B, 1.6.C, 1.8.A, 1.8.B, 1.8.C, 1.8.D, 1.8.E, 2.1.A, 2.1.B, 2.1.C, 2.1.D, 2.1.E, 2.1.F, 2.1.G, 2.2.A, 2.2.B, 2.2.C, 2.2.D, 2.2.E, 2.2.F, 2.3.A, 2.3.B, and 2.4.A. Applicants who have successfully completed your course need not present completed “Task Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Each student who successfully completes this course will be able to safely carry out the watchkeeping duties of an officer in charge of a navigational watch. The student will become proficient in standing an underway navigational watch, anchor watch, and in port watch, as well as understand the responsibilities involved in standing watches. The International and Inland Rules of the Road will be examined and learned in terms that will result in practical understanding and useful application. The student will learn pollution prevention techniques, importance of record keeping, and communicating using Standard Marine Communication Phrases. **Subjects Include:** Rules of the Road Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) Electronic Aids & Operational Use of AIS Blind Pilotage: Navigation Restricted Visibility Anchor Watch Navigation & Safety Equipment Chart Selection/Correction Ship Routing/VTS/Voyage Planning Regulatory Concepts Watchkeeping Concepts **Prerequisite Qualifications** Must provide proof of completion of: - A Radar Observer (Unlimited) course - Prior navigation training that included chart plotting, position fixing, course plotting, and basic piloting. - *Candidates progressing from AB to Mate/OICNW must complete the required Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation coursework before attending this course. * - *Candidates progressing from a limited tonnage national Master license to STCW Master must show completion of a Master 100 Tons, OUPV, or comparable navigation course.* - RFPNW or attest to at least 180 days of bridge watchkeeping duties under the supervision of the Master or a qualified officer. ## Prerequisites Must provide proof of completion of: 1. A RADAR Observer (Unlimited) Course 2. Prior navigation training that included chart plotting, position fixing, course plotting, and basic piloting. 3. RFPNW or attest to at least 180 days of Bridge Watchkeeping duties under the supervision of the Master or qualified officer ## Required materials PASSPORT for Photo ID, Paper, Pencil, Pen, Highlighter, Scientific Calculator, USCG Rules Book, plotting equipment (triangle, parallel ruler, dividers, etc.) ## Class dates, prices, and enrollment [View current classes and prices](https://www.mptusa.com/course-details/watchkeeping-oicnw-course-205). [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. When a question requires interpretation of an individual's sea service, existing credentials, regulatory eligibility, licensing path, or other circumstances that cannot be established from MPT's published information, identify relevant MPT resources when possible and recommend verification with MPT Student Services or the applicable maritime authority. 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