This programme covers the mandatory minimum requirements as set out under Reg. II/1, Sec. A-II/1, Table A-II/1 of the STCW 78 convention, as amended. It is based on the minimum knowledge required for the certification of Officer-in-Charge of a navigational watch. This programme prepare students for employment in top level professionals Ship Operational and Management, specializing in Navigation, Cargo Operations and Safety. The programme is directed towards occupations with typical job titles such as Master, Chief Officer, 2nd Officer, and 3rd Officer serving on board ships, Ship Surveyor or Marine Pilot. etc. The careers can be further developed into Management of Shipping Companies, Maritime Law or employment in Academia.

While students complete the academic and some practical components on a semester basis at PCMS, a mandatory six-month industrial attachment is required to complete the Diploma offered by the Fiji National University (FNU). During the mandatory six-month industrial attachment, students are required to maintain the Cadet Training Record Book (TRB) issued by PCMS. The Cadet Training Record Book (TRB) will be used as the monitoring and assessment medium to ensure that the set tasks and assignments are completed. Having completed the programme with PCMS, students will continue their practical training onboard vessels, where they are expected to complete the required amount of sea time before appearing for the Certificate of Competence (COC) examination conducted by the Maritime Administration (Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji).

1. Completion of Year 12 or 13 Certificate Examinations with a pass in English, Mathematics, and Physics.
2. Mature applicants with specified sea service experience for upgrading programs.
3. Pass a Medical Fitness Test by a Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) approved medical practitioner/ Optometrist. 
4. Be of height not less than 5' 2''. 
5. Be of acceptable BMI ratio (Not more than 32 for BMI). 
6. Mature applicants with specified sea service experience for upgrading programmes must produce a letter     acceptance/eligibility issued by the MSAF attesting to meeting the minimum requirement as set down by the Maritime (STCW     Convention) regulation 2014-Fiji.