Maritime Transport (MT) | Sharjah Maritime Academy

Overview

The Bachelor of Maritime Transport program equips students with skills and knowledge to excel in the global maritime sector. This program focuses on advanced navigation techniques, ship operations, maritime safety, and leadership, preparing graduates for high-demand roles across the industry.

Graduates meet entry requirements for the 2nd Officer Watchkeeper Certificate, gaining the skills and passion to positively impact the maritime industry.

Program Highlights

Accreditation

Recognised by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)

Duration

Four years of comprehensive study

Credits

122 credit hours

Why Choose This Course?

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This program is your gateway to a career at sea, offering hands-on training in navigation, ship handling, and maritime safety. With a curriculum aligned to STCW and IMO standards, graduates are eligible for the 2nd Officer Watchkeeper Certificate. The program blends classroom learning with simulations, sea training, and applied projects to ensure real-world readiness. You'll gain critical thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills essential for roles in maritime transport, offshore operations, and port management.

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Industry-Relevant Curriculum

1. Provide a strong foundation in updated knowledge and skills related to the Shipping and Maritime Industry.

2. Qualify students to pursue professional careers and managerial roles by gaining skills and competencies that enhance their ability to communicate effectively using transferable and soft skills.

3. Support the Shipping and Maritime Industry with highly qualified marine officers capable of implementing maritime duties at sea and efficiently operating modern technological tools.

4. Enhance students' analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling them to prepare and implement impactful projects related to the shipping and maritime industry.

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Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate thorough understanding of current practices in maritime transport and related fields as they apply to the wider maritime industry.

Evaluate information from diverse sources and use appropriate research techniques to explore complicated roblems in the maritime field and identifypotential solutions.

Manage complex maritime transport operations and challenges in both familiar and new situations.

Apply technical and analytical skills to develop innovative solutions for specialized maritime transport problems.

Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a variety of group roles to successfully achieve professional or academic goals in maritime transport related contexts.

Communicate effectively on complex issues related to maritime transportin professional or academic settings.

Make informed judgements in maritime transport contexts based on relevant legal and ethical principles aligned with professional responsibilities and responsible citizenship.

Program Structure

GED 111 Emirati Studies

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Explain how history and geography have shaped Emirati society.
CLO2: Analyse the influence of culture and gender in social and national development
CLO3: Evaluate sustainability policies and create a reflective project on national identity.

GED 103 General English

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Deduce main ideas, meanings, and concepts in specialized reading and listening texts and excerpts respectively.
CLO2: Utilize specialized maritime vocabulary and terminology accurately.
CLO3: Communicate effectively in English in spoken and written contexts using general and maritime English.

GED 109 Study Skills

Credit Hours: 3

CLO3: Communicate effectively in English in spoken and written contexts using general and maritime English.
CLO 2: Utilize active reading and strategic note-taking methods
CLO 3: Apply info literacy skills to evaluate research sources
CLO 4: Demonstrate knowledge of test taking strategies and stress management techniques
CLO 5: Recognize and describe academic writing and groupwork skills

T 1121 Introduction to Ship & Cargo Knowledge

Credit Hours: 2

CLO1: Demonstrate fundamental maritime knowledge by identifying and pointing out the structure, components, and operational functions of ship parts and equipment.
CLO2: Demonstrate the understanding of different types of cargo operations and cargo equipment.
CLO3: Explain cargo securing plans theoretically, including safety requirements for different cargo types.

SL 111 Seafaring & Leadership I

Credit Hours: 0

P 101 Physical Education I

Credit Hours: 0

GED 202 Islamic Studies

Credit Hours: 3

CLO 1: Explain the key principles and ethical values of Islamic culture.
CLO 2: Analyze impact of Islamic teachings on society/law.
CLO3: Compare Islamic and other worldviews and values.

T 1211 Introduction to Navigation & Chart Work

Credit Hours: 2

CLO1: Demonstrate the ability to interpret marine navigation data and utilize Mercator chart key features effectively.
CLO2: Apply navigation principles to convert courses to true using variation and deviation data and calculate the difference in Latitudes and difference in Longitudes for given sets of geographical coordinates effectively.
CLO3: Plot and interpret vessel positions on a Mercator chart in a variety of navigational scenarios utilizing position-fixing methods.

T 1331 Introduction to Bridge Watchkeeping & Marine Communication

Credit Hours: 2

CLO1: Demonstrate understanding the key rules of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), including responsibilities between vessels, safe speed, and conduct in restricted visibility, to ensure safe navigation during watchkeeping duties.
CLO2: Demonstrate the ability to maintain a proper navigational watch, identify standard bridge procedures, including the use of navigational instruments, communication protocols, and lookout responsibilities, to ensure safe vessel operation.
CLO3: Demonstrate the correct use of standard marine communication methods of visual signalling concerning single-letter signals and single-letter signals with complement.

T 1210 Introduction to Digital Navigation

Credit Hours: 2

CLO1: Identify the purpose and basic components of common shipboard navigation sensors (Echo sounders, Doppler and electromagnetic speed logs), eLORAN receivers, and Voyage Data Recorder.
CLO2: Explain how these sensor systems operate and produce data (e.g. sound-wave propagation for echo-sounders, electromagnetic principles for speed logs, and radio timing for eLORAN), and interpret their outputs in navigation scenarios.
CLO3: Demonstrate the use and integration of sensor data in a bridge simulation (including initializing and reading the VDR and logs) to support routine watchkeeping and navigational tasks, following accepted safety and professional standards.

SL 122 Seafaring & Leadership II

Credit Hours: 0

P 102 Physical Education II

Credit Hours: 0

GED 1305 Technical Writing and Communication

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Identify and interpret the content of key maritime documents such as oil record books, charter parties, deck logs and incident reports.
CLO2: Demonstrate sound knowledge of the main principles and processes of communication skills and leadership skills.
CLO 3: Recognize barriers to communication and apply strategies for overcoming them in maritime contexts.
CLO4: Apply effective English communication skills in interviews, presentations, meetings and technical communication.

MET 231 Introduction to Ship Stability & Construction

Credit Hours: 2

CLO1: Demonstrate understanding of the outline of the overall shipbuilding and ship design process with stakeholder’s roles and basic regulations.
CLO2: Demonstrate the use of the proper terminology for ship's particulars, various parts, hull structures and outfitting.
CLO3: Calculate to demonstrate the effect of principles of laws of floatation on ships buoyancy.
CLO4: Compute the draft/displacement change of a ship when moving from different water densities.

MT 292 Introduction to Maritime Law

Credit Hours: 2

CLO1: Recognize the legal maritime framework that governs a ship’s operations in the various sea areas as outlined by the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in shaping maritime law.
CLO2: Recognize the legal aspects of the main international conventions governing maritime safety of ships, crews, and the protection of the marine environment from all types of pollution.

T 1311 Ship Emergency Procedures

Credit Hours: 2

CLO1: Explain the precautions for protection in the contingency plans and duties of the emergency teams.
CLO2: Explain the measures which can be taken following collision or grounding.
CLO3: Express procedures to be followed for rescuing a person from the sea.
CLO4: Express the measures for assisting a vessel in distress.

SL 133 Seafaring & Leadership III

Credit Hours: 0

P 203 Physical Education III

Credit Hours: 0

MTP 2101 Maritime Placement

Credit Hours: 6

CLO1: Apply maritime techniques and principles to complete assigned Training Record Book tasks under real-life shipboard conditions.
CLO2: Maintain a reflective journal and collect ship-specific data relevant to onboard operations and safety drills.
CLO3: Communicate effectively with academic and shipboard supervisors to report progress and seek guidance.
CLO4: Demonstrate responsibility and professionalism in shipboard duties and emergency drills, while respecting and adapting diverse international and cultural practices.
CLO5: Present a technical project based on shipboard observations and submit it for academic assessment.

GED 113 Physics 1

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Describe dimensional analysis, vectors and scalars, and the motion of objects with uniform acceleration.
CLO2: Apply Newton’s laws of motion to problems related to linear, circular, and rotational motion.
CLO3: Demonstrate the work-energy theorem and the principle of conservation of mechanical energy, and analyze fluid mechanics, including buoyancy and fluid dynamics.
CLO4: Illustrate the concepts of linear momentum, impulse, and conservation of momentum to solve problems involving collisions and system interactions.
CLO5: Demonstrate the concepts of torque, moment of inertia, and angular momentum to solve problems involving rotational motion.

T 2212 Advanced Navigation & Chart Work

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Demonstrate the understanding of the dead reckoning navigation.
CLO2: Demonstrate the effect of wind /current factors on the vessels position and course to steer.
CLO3: Apply the counter act action to wind/current factors.
CLO4: Apply the counter act action on the combined effect of wind and current.

T2252 Advanced Maritime Law

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Demonstrate thorough understanding of the provisions of key International Maritime Organization (IMO) safety conventions for ships that ensure a ship’s safe operations at sea.
CLO2: Understanding the legal responsibilities of shipowners, operators, and crew under international maritime law and regulatory requirements related to safety, labour standards, and cargo transport.
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MET 161 Chemistry & Alternative Fuels

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Describe key chemical principles including reactions, energy changes, electrochemistry, and hydrocarbon chemistry and explain their applications in maritime operations.
CLO2: Define oxidation-reduction reactions, corrosion mechanisms, and corrosion protection methods, and demonstrate solutions for enhancing material performance in maritime environment.
CLO3: Explain the environmental impacts of combustion processes and chemical pollutants and illustrate sustainable chemical strategies to reduce environmental harm.
CLO4: Perform essential laboratory techniques in chemical and water analysis, including volumetric analysis, water quality testing, electrochemical reactions and interpret experimental data to address sustainability challenges.

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T 2313 Electronic Chart & Passage Planning

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Develop and evaluate comprehensive passage plans that ensure navigational safety, optimizing routes using electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS).
CLO2: Solve complex navigational problems related to distances, courses, and arrival positions using Rhumb Line and Great Circle Sailing techniques.
CLO3: Analyze and apply tidal data using standard and secondary port formulas to determine the height of tide for safe and efficient voyage planning.

T 2222 Advanced Ship & Cargo Knowledge

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Apply knowledge of ship structural components to assess their role in supporting safe and efficient cargo operations.
CLO2: Apply operational procedures to inspect, maintain, and operate shipboard cargo handling systems in line with STCW requirements.
CLO3: Analyse the layout and functions of different cargo terminal types to evaluate their impact on shipboard cargo handling and turnaround efficiency.

T 2332 Advanced Bridge Watchkeeping & Marine Communication

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Demonstrate the ability to maintain a safe navigational watch according to international regulations under various operational and environmental conditions.
CLO2: Apply a navigational scenario using COLREGs and real-time decision-making skills, reinforced through simulator-based training.
CLO3: Demonstrate the use of the “INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS” to transmit and receive messages in the General Selection and the Medical Section between vessels.

T 3114 Ship Compasses

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the earth’s magnetism, ship’s magnetism, and the role of the compass binnacle in maritime navigation.
CLO2: Analyze the working principles of a fluxgate compass and analyse the causes of deviation in a standard magnetic compass to apply corrections for efficient maritime navigational operations.
CLO3:Apply technical knowledge to explain the principles behind the gyro compass alignment with true north, considering the effects of the earth’s rotation and its impact on maritime navigation.
CLO4: Assess and manage the functionality of gyrocompass repeaters on modern ships, ensuring accuracy and reliability in navigational systems.

T 3115 Marine Radar & Automatic Plotting Aid

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Explain the principles and components of marine radar and ARPA in accordance with IMO performance standards.
CLO2: Perform manual radar plotting to determine CPA (Closest Point of Approach) and TCPA (Time to Closest Point of Approach).
CLO3: Analyse factors affecting radar performance, including technical limitations, environmental conditions, and target characteristics.
CLO4: Operate ARPA system to evaluate the navigational situations in a simulated environment

T 3116 Advanced Digital Navigation Systems

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Critically apply GNSS concepts, including satellite segments and signal correction techniques, for accurate navigation in dynamic maritime conditions.
CLO2: Integrate AIS data, GNSS inputs, and augmentation systems to support decision-making in real-time operational scenarios, with awareness of electromagnetic principles.
CLO3: Assess cybersecurity risks and mitigation strategies in digital bridge systems, including compliance with international standards and MASS frameworks.

T 3117 Celestial Navigation

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Evaluate marine sextant potential errors and Demonstrate proficiency in using a marine sextant to measure altitudes for celestial navigation.
CLO2: Calculate ship’s position line with data derived from the Nautical Almanac and Apply sight method to identify ship’s compass errors and apply appropriate corrections.
CLO3: Calculate the true latitude of the vessel through application of appropriate sight method.

GED 330 Maritime Cyber Risk Management

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Identify cyber risks affecting maritime operational and information systems
CLO2: Evaluate vulnerabilities and threats within shipboard and shore-based digital infrastructure
CLO3: Analyse basic cybersecurity policies and controls to protect maritime assets and operation
CLO4: Apply procedures to detect and respond to cyber incidents
CLO5: Contribute to recovery planning and post-incident review to support the continuous improvement of cyber risk management system.
CLO6: Communicate cybersecurity risks and mitigation measures clearly and appropriately to operational personnel, management and external stakeholders.

T 3218 Meteorology

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Explain the composition of the atmosphere layers.
CLO2: Explain the change of air temperature and atmospheric pressure.
CLO3: Detect types of clouds and the composition of the thunderstorms.
CLO4: Describe the circulation of surface wind and fronts movement over the earth .
CLO5: Manage weather observations reports and weather forecasting.

MET 233 Introduction to Marine Engineering Systems

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Demonstrate knowledge of the basic construction and operation characteristics of various pumps, purifiers and strainers
CLO 2: Describe the basic construction and working principles of MARPOL equipment including Oily water Separators, Sewage Treatment Systems, and Incinerators.
CLO 3: Describe the basic construction of each stationary component of a marine two stroke diesel engine.
CLO 4: Demonstrate knowledge of basic construction and operation principles of turbochargers, and different types of scavenging.
CLO 5: Apply knowledge of engine room piping arrangements and pump systems to operate, troubleshoot, and respond to simulated scenarios involving bilge systems, cooling water systems, and general pumping operations in a virtual environment.

T 3234 Ship Handling

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Demonstrate understanding and analyse the impact of propeller action, rudder response, environmental forces, and vessel condition on manoeuvrability and ship handling behaviour.
CLO2: Apply principles of ship dynamics to evaluate how draught, trim, speed, and under-keel clearance affect turning circles, stopping distances, and squat effects.
CLO3: Demonstrate correct mooring, unmooring, and anchoring procedures in simulated scenarios, applying safety and operational best practices.

GED 4108 Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Describe the concepts of innovation and entrepreneurship and their processes.
CLO2: Analyse market needs using appropriate tools to identify and develop business opportunities.
CLO3: Develop a business plan and assess its feasibility for entrepreneurial ventures.
CLO4: Utilize AI tools responsibly and efficiently to support innovative decision-making and entrepreneurial solutions in alignment with ethical and sustainability principles.
CLO5: Demonstrate professional communication skills in presenting business ideas effectively.

T 3319 Integrated Navigation Systems

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Perform manual and automated navigational simulated tasks (Radar, ARPA, AIS, ECDIS).
CLO2: Interpret real-time data from INS components for decision-making.
CLO3: Apply BRM techniques to improve bridge teamwork and operational efficiency.
CLO4: Evaluate navigational risks using risk assessment techniques.
CLO5: Respond effectively to emergency and abnormal navigation simulated situations

T 3323 Cargo Terminals & Smart Ports

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Apply operational knowledge of different cargo types and terminal functions to plan safe and efficient cargo handling operations in both conventional and smart port environments.
CLO2: Analyse the impact of terminal design, cargo flow systems, and automation technologies on ship turnaround and cargo productivity.
CLO3: Evaluate safety protocols and digital tools used for monitoring, defect reporting, and decision-making in technologically advanced terminal operations.

MET 332 Advanced Ship Stability & Construction

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Calculate the final metacentric height and the angle of list when cargo is loaded, discharged or shifted from the ship's centre line.
CLO2: Calculate the trim, drafts forward and aft of a vessel given the weights and locations of cargo and ballast tanks.
CLO3: Describe various ship stresses acting on the ship structure and the appropriate framing systems.
CLO4: Compare hull structures of different type of ships with their respective characteristics.

GED 100 Research Methods

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Describe the concepts and importance of research methodology.
CLO2: Differentiate between the different types of research and different types of data.
CLO3: Outline the different sections of a research proposal and apply principles of research ethics.
CLO4: Develop a written research proposal for a maritime industry-related project.

MET 410 Contemporary Maritime Practices

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1 : Explain current developments in sustainable technologies and automation used in the maritime industry.
CLO2: Apply principles of sustainability and operational efficiency to evaluate the use of emerging marine technologies.
CLO3: Analyse practical challenges and technological solutions related to shipboard systems and maintenance.
CLO4: Communicate technical ideas effectively through individual presentations and team-based projects.

BML 133 Maritime Economics

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Demonstrate the core economic principles and their application to maritime transport operations.
CLO2: Assess the impact of global trade, maritime policies, and regulations on the economic and operational efficiency of the marine industry.
CLO3: Discuss the shipping markets and their effect on the shipping economy from the supply and demand point of view.

T 4153 Applied Maritime Law

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Recognize the international conventions and the commercial terms associated with the international shipping of goods by sea.
CLO2: Analyze the legal aspects of transporting goods by sea in integration with other modes of transport (multimodal transport) and the documents associated with shipping.
CLO3: Recognize the fundamentals of marine insurance and the different forms of protection in the insurance field for transporting goods by sea.

T 4210 Capstone Project I

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Demonstrate understanding of current research practices and methodologies in maritime transport related to the project topic.
CLO2: Apply research techniques to collect and analyze information from diverse sources to address complex problems in the maritime field.
CLO3: Implement technical and analytical approaches to generate innovative solutions to specialized maritime research project challenges.
CLO4: Demonstrate teamwork skills to conduct the research project.

T 3341 Maritime Green Sustainability

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Explain the international response and the global framework involved in tackling climate change and their overall responsibilities.
LO2: Interpret the main features of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan according to relevant regulations.
CLO3: Analyze the factors in port-side management which affect energy efficient ship operations.
CLO4: Develop ship and port energy management plans and systems

T 4213 Applied Shipboard Operations & Maintenance

Credit Hours: 0

CLO1: Demonstrate proficiency in ship manoeuvring operations, including berthing, anchoring, and emergency procedures, ensuring safe and efficient vessel handling.
CLO2: Apply knowledge of cargo handling and stowage principles to assess the impact of various cargo types on ship stability and seaworthiness, including the identification and reporting of defects.
CLO3: Evaluate and implement onboard emergency response protocols, encompassing pollution prevention measures, maintenance of watertight integrity, and preparation for adverse weather conditions.

T 4124 Applied Ship Stability & Construction

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Analyze the change effect of the ship’s metacentric height (GM) on the ship’s list and calculate the final angle of list when cargo is loaded, discharged or shifted from the ship's center line.
CLO2: Evaluate the impact of poor trim on ship's efficiency and its effect by calculating the drafts forward and aft post longitudinal weight distribution
CLO3: Demonstrate an understanding of the core ship construction terminology, including its dimensions and form, propulsion systems (rudders and propellers), fittings, as well as the interpretation and application of load lines and draught marks.
CLO4: Analyze the ship's structural performance by examining the distribution of stresses, overall hull structure, and applied framing systems and regional hull designs.

T 4312 Capstone Project II

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Utilize applied research skills to critically evaluate data and develop solutions to complex maritime issues.
CLO2: Demonstrate technical and problem-solving capabilities for research project implementation and innovative solution development.
CLO3: Communicate detailed project outcomes clearly and professionally through report and presentation.
CLO4: Demonstrate teamwork competence in contributing to the successful completion of project work.

T 4211 Applied Navigation & Chart Work

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Apply position fixing using traditional navigation methods on chart
CLO2: Analyze extracted navigational data for guidance to port entry
CLO3: Execute sailing problems related to Mathematical methods of sailing
CLO4: Demonstrate an understanding of different bridge equipment functions

T 4254 Maritime Leadership & Management

Credit Hours: 3

CLO1: Demonstrate the ability to apply effective leadership styles and decision-making techniques that ensure regulatory compliance and promote a safety-oriented culture in maritime operations under high-pressure maritime environments.
CLO2: Analyze multicultural and cross-functional team dynamics, and develop strategies for effective communication, collaboration, teamwork techniques, and conflict resolution onboard.
CLO3: Apply strategic management practices that ensure regulatory compliance, promote a safety-oriented culture, and enhance organizational performance in maritime operations.

T 4314 Applied Bridge Operation & Emergency

Credit Hours: 0

CLO1: Apply bridge resource management principles to maintain effective communication, leadership, and situational awareness during routine and emergency operations.
CLO2: Demonstrate appropriate responses to navigational and onboard emergencies through scenario-based exercises and simulated drills.
CLO3: Communicate clearly and accurately using SMCP and standard emergency communication protocols under GMDSS regulations.

Bachelor of Maritime Transport (MT)

Overview

Why Choose This Course?

Industry-Relevant Curriculum

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Structure

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