In order for students to have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the professional environment, the study programme begins with a professional practice semester (practical training) in engine room service on board a seagoing vessel. This period of strong practical focus is followed by comprehensive teaching of scientific methods in the natural sciences and in fields of engineering. However, course-specific modules such as maritime economics, maritime English and operational and hazardous materials are also on the programme. Apart from laboratory exercises on operating machines, the programme includes extensive simulator exercises for knowledge transfer and knowledge testing. The seventh semester is set aside for completing the second professional practice semester, which prepares the student for service as an engineer watchkeeper.
Forging tomorrow's ship operations technicians
The world's oceans are the largest transport route for all kinds of goods. As the global economy continues to evolve, the volume of transport is increasing rapidly to keep pace. In this context, maritime shipping is the most efficient and ecological mode of transport for goods between countries and continents. With the increasing demand for transport space on ships, the need for highly qualified personnel to operate the technical systems of ships is also growing. Rising standards of energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, safety and security and the increasing complexity of the systems are shaping the challenges facing marine engineers. The training and education programme for marine engineers is one of the cornerstones of the maritime profile at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. Ship Operations Technology is the oldest study programme at this university. Close contacts with shipping companies, shipyards and the machine industry ensure that the programme content always remains highly relevant.
Why choose this programme
High proportion of practical content
The study programme includes 18 months of integrated practical training.Practice-based learning
Laboratory exercises on operating machines and extensive practical exercises on the engine room simulatorDiverse career prospects
Graduates in Ship Operations Technology can work independently and successfully in all areas of marine and energy technology, both nationally and internationally.
Your future in ship operations technology
Activities, research and professional profile
The study of Ship Operations Technology (Schiffsbetriebstechnik) qualifies graduates for management of the technical, operational and human resources of onboard and terrestrial machinery systems. With a bachelor's degree in Ship Operations Technology, the graduate is eligible to apply for an Engineer Watchkeeper Certificate of Competency. After twelve months of sea service, service as a Technical Officer (Marine Engineer) Class 2 can begin. After a further 12 months' service as a Marine Engineer Class 2, the candidate is authorised to manage a ship's engine with 'unlimited power' (as a chief engineer). However, there is also a need for well-trained marine engineers for technical ship management services on land. Likewise, marine engineering specialists are required in the maritime supply industry and maritime administrations. These professionals often carry out activities in the field of energy supply and technical plant management on land.
Facts about the study programme
Degree of Studies
Bachelor of ScienceStudy Form
Full-time studyTerm of Admission
admission-freeTerm of Admission
Winter and Summer semesterMain Course Language
GermanStandard Period of Study
8 Semester
Unlock your potential
The study programme begins with a professional practice semester (practical training) in engine room service on board a seagoing vessel for the students to acquaint themselves with the professional environment. This is followed by a Stage 1 period of study of three semesters comprising subjects on the fundamentals of the natural sciences and engineering, such as mathematics, engineering mechanics and electrical engineering. However, course-specific modules such as maritime economics, maritime English and operational and hazardous materials are also on the programme. Courses on the operation of machine systems essentially take place in the more advanced stages of study. These include, for instance, combustion engines, electrical machinery and the field of automation engineering. Instruction in maritime law, operations management and occupational health and safety supplements the higher stages of the programme. As well as laboratory exercises on operating machines, simulator exercises are also used extensively for knowledge transfer and knowledge testing. The seventh semester is set aside for completing the second professional practice semester, which prepares the student for service as an engineer watchkeeper. The eighth semester is earmarked for completion of the bachelor's thesis.
Programme overview
Close contacts with shipping companies, shipyards and the machine industry ensure that the programme content is highly relevant.
For those who already hold an Engineer Watchkeeper Certificate of Competency, it is possible to shorten the study programme to four semesters.
The study programme includes 18 months of integrated practical training.
The regulatory framework for the programme is prescribed by the Seafarers' Qualification Ordinance (SeeBV) and by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers of 1995 (STCW 95) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in addition to the legislation of the State of Bremen.
A total of 18 months of practical training is required to obtain the Engineer Watchkeeper Certificate of Competency. This can be completed as a six-month pre-study internship plus the two semesters of professional practice in the first and seventh semesters. Alternatively, vocational training as a ship's mechanic or 18 months' training as an assistant technical officer is recognised as equivalent. At least twelve months must be spent on board a ship. This takes place with a multinational and multicultural crew, so English is essential as a language of communication.
Admission and application
Admission to the programme requires a general higher education entrance qualification, an entrance qualification for studies at universities of applied sciences or an educational qualification recognised as equivalent. The Registration Office and the Student Advisory Service can provide information on the options for studying without a higher education entrance qualification.
Special admission requirements:
1. English B1: Evidence of level B1 in line with the Common European Framework by submitting a generally recognised language certificate or evidence that English is the native tongue.
The admission requirement for foreign students is an C1 language level in German.
2. Evidence of practical experience:
• Technical pre-study internship on metalworking and the repair of machinery and plants for 6 months as per the requirements in Annex 6 of the Seafarers' Qualification Ordinance (SeeBV) or
• Evidence of completion of vocational training as a ship's mechanic or
• Evidence of completion of training as an assistant technical officer (ATO) as per the federal guidelines or
• Completion of training in an applicable metal or electrical profession or subject-related training with a certificate of professional competence in line with Section 38 (1) of the Seafarers' Qualification Ordinance (SeeBV)
The Ship Operations Technology (Schiffsbetriebstechnik) study programme accepts students every semester. The application deadline for the winter semester is 15 August, while the deadline for the summer semester is 15 February. Please apply online through our ecampus application portal where you can upload all the necessary documents.
The Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences is a member of UNI-ASSIST (Application Services for International Students). Prospective students who have gained their university entrance qualification outside the European Union (EU) can therefore submit their application directly to UNI-ASSIST. To ensure adequate processing time, the application for the winter semester should be submitted to UNI-ASSIST by 30 June for the winter semester and 31 December for the summer semester. Following a successful review, this is forwarded on to the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. UNI-ASSIST charges applicants a fee to process the application.
You can find further information on the application procedure on the Registration and Examination Office’s website.
Learn more about the study programme
Ship Operations Technology