Program overview
In simple terms, Marine Navigation teaches you how to operate and manage ships, ensuring the safe transport of cargo and personnel across the seas. You'll learn to use modern equipment like satellite navigation, radar, and electronic charts to pinpoint locations and plan routes on the open ocean, while also mastering hard skills such as ship handling, cargo stowage, maritime communication, and meteorological and hydrological analysis. Core courses include Navigation Science, Ship Structure and Equipment, Ship Maneuvering and Collision Avoidance, Maritime English, and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). This major is ideal for students who love the ocean, have strong hands-on abilities, can adapt to life aboard a ship, and possess a sense of responsibility and teamwork. China has a strong advantage in maritime education—schools like Dalian Maritime University and Shanghai Maritime University boast advanced navigation simulators and training ships, allowing you to practice driving and handling emergencies in realistic settings. As a major shipping nation, China offers abundant practical opportunities.