Program volume: 240 ECTS
Academic year is composed of 2 semesters and includes 60 ECTS credits (30 credits in semester). Taking into account of individualized educational program of a student it is allowed to determine annual load of a student as less or more than 60 credits but no more than 75 credits (in BNTU 1 credit= 26 hours). Program duration - 8 semesters. Conferring of Bachelor’s academic degree provided for by this program shall be made on the basis of fulfillment of program requirements and collection of no less than 240 credits.
The programme is composed of academic components and its structure within 240 credits includes: 60 credits – general component aimed at formation and development of transferable competencies (compulsory, elective part) and 180 credits- specialty component aimed at formation and development of industry-specific competencies (compulsory, including practice - 35 credits, and elective part). Order of study of programme components (of academic courses, practice etc. considered under curriculum) provides knowledge transfer in accordance with the principle: “From general to particular, from simple to difficult” and gradual development of already acquired knowledge and skills.
Taking into account of integration processes of Georgia into global economy and based on increasing requirements in Maritime industry, it is necessary to offer Maritime field educational programmes, which in accordance with standards, established by International Maritime Organization (hereinafter referred to as -IMO), and national legislation and educational standards, provide training of highly competitive and qualified Maritime field experts, including ship’s navigator, able to meet responsibilities and obligations established under modifications of corresponding regulations of International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978/95, as amended in 2010 (hereinafter referred to as - STCW Convention). The basis of this Programme is IMO International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978/95, as amended in 2010, Law of Georgia On Training and Certification of Maritimers, Law of Georgia On Higher Education, other legislative and subordinate acts, Sector Benchmark of the Higher Education of “Maritime Navigation”.
Program objective
Training of highly skilled, fieldwork-oriented Maritime field expert –Ship’s Navigator, able to meet competition requirements existing in Georgian and international educational and labor markets, who understands specificity of the profession and obligations to be fulfilled, has theoretical knowledge and practical skills, required for the professional activity, able to fulfill obligations and liabilities of Ship’s Navigator in accordance with the requirements of STCW Convention (ship navigation, planning, execution and management of cargo loading and unloading and cargo handling operations, provision of navigation safety and protection of Maritime environment, deck maintenance control and management, usage of rescue and fire-fighting equipment, control of ship repairing works, if required, taking of measures for shipboard damage control and rescue operations etc.), evaluate and analyze situation/data/information using relevant methods, understand cause-effect relationship of a problem and make corresponding decisions, communicate in writing and verbally using industry-specific terms, use information and communication technologies and special software, has ability of professional growth etc. Moreover, the programme is aimed at formation of competencies, on the basis of which an alumnus will be able to continue study at next level of higher education (Master’s degree program), realize his abilities in public or professional activity and advance in rank - gradually obtain next rank of navigator of commanding staff of ocean-going and trade ship on the basis of recognized term of service on a ship and corresponding training and hold the position from captain's mate through shipmaster“.