AMC seafaring course aims to allow work-life-study balance

OCEAN seafaring courses are being restructured to provide for flexible study options, the Australian Maritime College has announced. Under the changes, Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) students are to be able to study remotely for up to 45 weeks of their three-year degree, while Bachelor of Applied Science (Marine Engineering) students can complete up to 34 weeks of their studies online. AMC head – ocean seafaring, Captain Darrel Silva, said the qualifications lead to careers onboard oceangoing vessels such as engine watch-keepers, chief mates/masters, engineers and electro-technical officers. The new blended mode of delivery is to be rolled out from 2019-2021. “Typically, students complete their degree in phases, interspersed with time spent working on ships. While the majority of course delivery occurs in semesters one and two, students are also required to complete short courses that are offered outside of those periods,” Captain Silva said. “The new course structure gives students the option of studying remotely, meaning they will no longer have to take leave from work or be away from their families and home town for an extended time.” Captain Silva said that for sponsoring companies, it meant they would not have to release their officers from work for long periods. “Overall, the new program structure is designed to provide a better work-life-study balance,” he said. Students are expected to be able to choose whether to attend on-campus classes or study remotely for the first eight to 10 weeks of the semester.