(MCAST) Centre For Maritime Studies

Services:
Education & Training; Education & Training (Maritime Subjects)

Profile:

The Centre for Maritime Studies (CMS) at MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology) plays a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals. Inaugurated in new premises in 2022, the CMS is housed under MCAST’s Institute of Engineering and Transport, delivering modern, accredited maritime and nautical education aligned with industry standards.

Programmes & Qualifications
The CMS offers a broad spectrum of programmes designed to meet the technical and professional demands of the maritime sector. These include:

Diploma in Deck Operations
(MQF Level 3) is designed as a foundation for students entering seafaring careers.

Advanced Diploma in Deck Operations
(Level 4) that prepares cadets for the Certificate of Competency as an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (Unlimited) — combining onshore technical training with a 12-month sea placement.

Advanced Diploma in Marine Engineering
(Level 5), which introduces learners to marine power systems, engine mechanics, and vessel machinery operations.

Bachelor of Science
(Honours) (Level 6) in Marine Engineering, a higher-level qualification that equips graduates with skills in design, operation, maintenance, and management of engines and mechanical systems aboard ships and marine installations.

Leadership
and advanced courses such as Chief Mate training, enabling progression toward higher shipboard ranks.

Additionally, CMS supports PROCREW-labelled courses tailored to the superyacht industry, including Deck Operations – Yachts, Marine Engineering – Yachts, and Yacht Interior & Hospitality Operations, delivered via full-time, blended, or part-time modes.

Infrastructure & Accreditation
The Centre boasts modern facilities designed for maritime training, with classrooms and labs suited for simulations and technical instruction. Its accreditation spans both academic and STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping)-related short courses. The Transport Malta list of accredited maritime training centres includes CMS at Villa Portelli, Kalkara as a recognised STCW provider.

Through these accreditations, CMS ensures that its training meets international standards, enabling graduates to sit for competency examinations and join the global maritime workforce.

Industry Integration & Strategic Value
A key strength of CMS lies in its close alignment with the maritime industry. MCAST regularly invites industry stakeholders to engage with students, providing mentorship, sea placements, and feedback on curriculum to maintain relevance. When the new premises were inaugurated, maritime sector participants visited the Centre to engage with students and staff.

The Centre’s superyacht programs under PROCREW reflect an understanding of Malta’s niche in yacht registry and services. By training technically competent professionals for both the merchant fleet and high-end yacht market, CMS bridges education with Malta’s ambition to be a maritime services hub.

Outlook & Role for Malta’s Maritime Future
As global shipping evolves — with automation, green propulsion, and digital navigation — the demand for skilled marine engineers, deck officers, and vessel technical staff will rise. CMS is strategically positioned to meet that demand. Its offering of multiple pathways, from entry-level deck operations to honours engineering degrees, ensures a continuum of maritime talent development in Malta.

The Centre for Maritime Studies (MCAST) is justifiably viewed as an educational institution and as a foundational pillar of Malta’s maritime ecosystem – equipping students with technical expertise, regulatory compliance knowledge, and real-world readiness to serve vessels, ports, fleets, and the evolving challenges of 21st century marine transport.