Bachelor of Maritime Transport - Navigation
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Aug 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
01 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 4,670 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Application deadlines are country-dependent, and applications close as early as May 1 for some countries. Please check our applications timeline for more information: https://www.rtu.lv/en/studies/admission-1
** for EU students | 6800 EUR for non-EU students
Introduction
Set course for a dynamic and rewarding maritime career with the RTU Maritime Transport - Navigation bachelor's study programme!
This first-cycle professional higher education programme prepares you for an internationally recognised career as a deck officer, equipping you with the skills and knowledge required to navigate vessels safely, manage cargo operations, and oversee radio communications—all while ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations (STCW Convention A-II/1 and A-II/2).
You will gain expertise in ship manoeuvring, safety procedures, environmental protection, and crew management, preparing you for leadership roles in the global shipping industry. With a strong focus on hands-on training, real-world problem-solving, and international standard compliance, this programme ensures you are ready to take on the challenges of modern maritime operations with confidence.
Why Marine Transport – Navigation at RTU?
As a graduate, you will be qualified to work as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on merchant and other vessels, with the potential to advance to the role of master. The programme is designed to meet the highest international standards (STCW Convention A-II/1 and A-II/2), ensuring that you are prepared for the demands of modern shipping.
A stand-out feature of the programme is the integrated practical training at sea where students gain real-world work environment experience in safe navigation, voyage planning, cargo handling, emergency response, ship manoeuvring, and leadership.
Beyond life at sea, your expertise can open doors to senior specialist roles in maritime companies, logistics, and related industries.
The RTU advantage:
- Gain access to our modern study facilities when studying on-campus, learn from world-class faculty and dedicated research mentors, and take advantage of the university’s ties with industry to secure early career opportunities.
- Study on a green campus that prioritises sustainability, exemplified by our ranking as the 40th greenest university in the world (GreenMetric University Rankings 2024).
- Build a global network by studying alongside students from 98 countries, engaging in industry events, and participating in student-led innovation initiatives that connect you to the future of engineering.
Questions?
Want to learn more about the programme, accommodation options, or admission requirements? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Admissions team:
admission@rtu.lv
+371 67089766 (call)
+371 25714286 (WhatsApp, messages only)
Gallery
Ideal Students
he ideal candidate for the Maritime Transport - Navigation programme is a student:
- with a good foundation in mathematics;
- with a keen interest in exploring ship safety, navigation, cargo management, technical maintenance, and maritime communications;
- with strong problem-solving, communication and leadership skills;
- with a wish to build a successful career in the maritime industry on a global stage.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
The Latvian government offers scholarships for RTU bachelor’s and master’s students from select countries.
To apply, you must receive provisional acceptance from RTU. For more information about the application process and the list of eligible countries, visit the Study in Latvia website.
Scholarship:
- €500 per month for bachelor’s students for up to 10 months;
- €600 per month for master’s students for up to 10 months.
Eligible applicants:
- Bachelor's students who have already completed at least 1 academic year at any higher education institution (HEI);
- Master’s students from any previous HEI.
Curriculum
Field-Specific Theoretical Basic and IT Study Courses
- Labour Safety and Legislation on Ships
- Physics
- Engineering Design
- Maritime Law
- Maritime English for Navigators
- Ship Computer Networks and Cyber Security
- Marine Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Ship Management
- Quality Management in Maritime Transport
- Applied Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Science for Navigators
Field-Specific Professional Study Courses:
- Celestial Navigation
- Maritime Safety
- Marine Power Plant and Electrical Equipment
- Technology of Cargo Transportation
- Technical Means of Navigation
- Watchkeeping
- Ship Theory
- Ship Construction and Operation
- Ship Handling, Manoeuvring and SAR
- Terrestrial Navigation
- Navigation Meteorology
- Radio navigation and Communication Hardware
- Radar Plotting and ECDIS
- Radio Communication Management and GMDSS
- Environment Maritime Protection
Compulsory General Study Courses:
- Psychology of Human Relations in the Maritime Environment
- Maritime English
- Maritime Economics
- History of Latvian Shipping
- Personnel, Bridge Team and Resource Management
- Sport (Swimming)
- Philosophy of Science
Final Examination Courses
- Maritime English
- Qualification Examination in Specialty
- Diploma Project
Program Outcome
Graduates of this programme are equipped to navigate and operate ships safely, responding effectively to emergency situations and ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations.
They are trained to manage cargo operations, ensure the seaworthiness of the ship, and operate various shipboard systems, including propulsion and life-saving equipment.
Additionally, they develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills essential for managing maritime operations and maintaining the safety of both personnel and the environment.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for graduates of this programme include working as officers in charge of navigational watches on merchant vessels, progressing to positions such as captain or master of the ship.
With sufficient experience, graduates can also work as senior specialists in maritime companies or other related industries. They have the opportunity to work on Latvian or internationally flagged ships in global shipping, provided they meet the professional competencies required by the STCW Convention.