Double Degree in Nautical Studies and Maritime Transport and in Marine Technologies

Competencies

Competencies are the set of knowledge, skills and attitudes to be acquired by students throughout the degree, aimed at preparing them for the exercise of professional activities.

The proposed Official Title of Double Degree in Nautical Studies and Maritime Transport and in Marine Technologies, Its main objective is to provide the basic knowledge and techniques, as well as the capabilities and skills that a Merchant Navy 2nd Class Pilot to develop their professional activity.

The fourth transitional provision of RD 1393/2007 establishes that the current general guidelines for the corresponding degrees, both academic (Diploma in Maritime Navigation) and professional (Merchant Navy Pilot), will apply to university degrees linked to regulated professional activities.

Basic skills

Basic competencies provide the academic and scientific foundations necessary for the development of maritime and technological training. They include:

  • Knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry applied to the naval environment. 
  • Analytical skills, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. 
  • Understanding of basic principles of engineering, navigation, and maritime technology. 
  • Development of communicative and technical skills in Spanish and maritime English. 
  • Use of computer tools and graphic representation applied to the naval field. 

General skills

The general competencies are geared towards the comprehensive training of students and their professional performance in the maritime sector. These include:

  • Ability to manage and operate ships safely and efficiently. 
  • Application of technical and regulatory knowledge in the maritime field. 
  • Decision-making in operational and emergency situations. 
  • Organizational skills, leadership and teamwork. 
  • Adaptation to the technological and organizational changes of the international maritime sector. 
  • Technical and operational management of maritime facilities and resources. 

Professional skills

The dual degree program equips students for professional practice in both the operational and technical aspects of the Merchant Marine. Key professional competencies include:

  • Management and operation of merchant ships. 
  • Navigation, maneuvering and maritime planning. 
  • Operation and maintenance of naval machinery and installations. 
  • Energy systems management and maritime automation. 
  • Maritime safety and environmental protection monitoring. 
  • Technical and operational coordination between bridge and machinery. 
  • Human resources management and technical operation of the ship. 

These skills meet the international standards established by the STCW Convention for regulated maritime professions. 

Specific skills

Specific competencies integrate specialized technical knowledge from both degrees and enable comprehensive training in the maritime environment. These include:

  • Astronomical navigation and radioelectronics. 
  • Maritime meteorology and specialized maritime transport. 
  • Ship handling and stowage. 
  • Operation and maintenance of steam engines and installations. 
  • Regulation and control of naval machinery. 
  • Mechanical technology and manufacturing processes. 
  • Electrical and automated systems of the ship. 
  • Maritime safety, risk prevention and combating marine pollution. 
  • Repair, inspection and maintenance of maritime and energy installations. 

These skills allow one to understand the ship as an integral system from a technical, operational and management perspective.

Cross-cutting skills

Transversal skills are geared towards the personal, academic, and professional development of students. They include:

  • Capacity for autonomous learning. 
  • Development of critical and analytical thinking. 
  • Ethical responsibility and professional commitment. 
  • Communication and collaborative work skills. 
  • Adaptation to multicultural and international environments. 
  • Efficient information management and conflict resolution. 
  • Sensitivity towards sustainability and protection of the marine environment. 

STCW Competencies

The dual degree incorporates the competencies regulated by the STCW International Convention, which establishes the minimum training standards for merchant marine professionals. These competencies include:

  • Safe navigation and defeat planning. 
  • Vessel maneuvering and control. 
  • Operation of marine machinery and installations. 
  • Maritime safety and firefighting. 
  • Survival at sea. 
  • Prevention of marine pollution. 
  • Emergency management and protection of people on board. 
  • Use of radiocommunication and electronic navigation systems. 
  • Maintenance and supervision of marine energy installations. 

Descriptors and contents of common basic subjects

The core subjects provide the scientific, technical, and maritime foundation necessary for the subsequent specializations within the dual degree program. Key components include:

  • Physical principles applied to engineering. 
  • Mathematical foundations applied to the naval environment. 
  • Chemistry applied to the ship. 
  • Shipbuilding and ship theory. 
  • Marine auxiliary systems. 
  • Maritime legislation and regulations. 
  • Graphic expression. 
  • Electrical engineering and electronics. 
  • Applied computer science. 
  • Maritime safety and survival at sea. 
  • Marine medicine. 
  • Technical maritime English. 
  • Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. 

These subjects constitute the common basis on which the integrated training of the double degree is developed.