Overview
The International Bridge Watchkeeping Officer (OCQPi) – Master 3000 training takes place over three years, divided into six semesters at Le Havre campus, including one onboard semester during the last year.
Upon completion of this training, the diplomas obtained are:
- Officer in charge of a navigational watch Bridge and Master 3000
- Recognition at the bachelor’s degree level
It trains merchant navy officers who will have bridge responsibilities in the operation of merchant ships, mainly in relation to navigation.
Enrolment
Application on parcoursup.fr from 17 January 2024, for high academy students and graduates without another diploma.
Application on supmaritime.fr from 17 January 2024 for candidates with qualifications higher than two years post-French baccalaureate or in professional retraining, and for foreign candidates. For more information on application procedures outside of Parcoursup, download the “Terms and conditions of application” file below.
Contact: direction.etudes@supmaritime.fr
Course
The course consists of theory, tutorials and hands-on work, as well as sessions on simulators (bridge, radio communication, RADAR, etc.).
Topics taught: navigation, general and maritime English, collision regulations (COLREG), propulsion and auxiliary machinery, mathematics, maritime law, etc.
In addition to the compulsory semester onboard, students also have the opportunity to go onboard during the academy holidays.
Onboard, students are an integral part of the crew and take part in the operations of the ship (watchkeeping, emergency drills, commercial operations, etc.).
The curriculum includes compulsory training to deal with emergency situations onboard (fire-fighting, medical care, survival at sea, etc.).
A certificate of medical fitness for navigation will be required (see ‘Additional information’ at the bottom of the page).
Professional Opportunities
Merchant marine officers are meant to work on commercial ships across all oceans and seas of the world to carry goods, convey passengers, or perform special tasks such as laying cables or supplying offshore installations. This course prepares for the position of bridge watchkeeping officer, then as master onboard commercial ships.
The sectors of activity are numerous, regardless the kind of ships:
- Cargo ships: container ships, oil tankers, gas carriers, roll-on/roll-off ships, bulk carriers…
- Passenger ships: ferries, cruise ships, private yachts…
- Service and maritime works ships: cable layers, tugs, offshore platforms supply ships …
- Oceanographic research ships.
Further Studies
“Master 3000” graduates can, after a minimum period of sea-going service (navigation), join the unlimited master curriculum, allowing them to navigate without tonnage restriction.
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree allows for further studies in higher education or to sit for administrative competitions.
Additional Information
Medical Requirements
ENSM students must be fit to work as seafarers. A medical fitness certificate for navigation, issued by a seafarers’ doctor, is required to enrol for training in September.
OUR ADVICE
To find out if you meet the criteria to seafaring, contact your GP now for an initial medical opinion.
Only the opinion of the seafarers health service can issue the medical fitness certificate required to start the training programmes.
Beware of appointment times; do not hesitate to approach approved centers located along the entire coastline (mainland France and overseas territories).
If you have a disability, the Academy is available to answer your questions: referent.handicap@supmaritime.fr
ENSM Scholarships
ENSM awards its own scholarships; its students are not eligible for CROUS scholarships.
Information related to ENSM 2024-2025 Scholarships Campaign, the social-based criteria scholarship file, and the merit-based grant are to be downloaded.
Additional Costs
Travel and accommodation expenses may be anticipated for certifying internships requiring travel within France… ENSM may contribute to covering part of these costs through its Foundation.