Nautical Studies
Seafaring is the art of doing very technical things safely, under challenging circumstances. Nautical Studies will help you to gain a fundamental understanding of seamanship, and of how professional seafarers think about the problems they face. Students learn the basic principles of seamanship, and how to apply these principles in real situations.
The subject will appeal to those interested in a career in the maritime industries, and to anyone whose work will take them on the water. Nautical Studies is a requirement for those enrolling in the Category A Hydropgraphic Surveying programme.
Career Opportunities
Nautical Studies provides a valuable background for careers in hydrographic surveying, ocean research, port management, maritime tourism, commercial fishing, and shipping operations.
NAUT101 is approved by the New Zealand maritime authorities (MNZ) as the statutory course of studies for masters of inshore vessels (Inshore Launchmaster), but candidates for that certificate of competency must also demonstrate legal prerequisites for age, character, eyesight and sea service before being admitted to the statutory examinations.
100 Level Paper
NAUT101 covers inshore seamanship, law and safety to the level required by the master of inshore fishing and charter vessels. Students undertake two one- day voyages, usually on the University research vessel Polaris II, and are expected to be able to manage the second voyage themselves, as a team, while the vessel's crew take it easy.
200 Level Paper
NAUT201 builds on NAUT101 and presents offshore seamanship with an introduction to global weather, ship construction, deck safety, pilotage and voyage planning. This includes laboratory work onboard the Polaris II. The perspective is that of scientific and technical staff on offshore vessels.