The international degree programme “Ship Management” at the University of Applied Sciences in Bremen is a full-time study programme. The curriculum reflects the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW). According to the STCW-Convention every student has to spend a minimum of 52 weeks under the supervision of a responsible person on board a merchant vessel. This is assured by means of two compulsory internships on board seagoing vessels above 500 GT (semester 1 and semester 6).

Graduates of the international degree programme "Ship Management“ (ISSM) are qualified to directly engage in gainful employment as watchkeeping officers on board a ship. On board seagoing vessels the watchkeeping officer is in charge of a navigational watch and responsible for all duties (e.g. navigation, cargo control). After only two to three year’s work experience as watchkeeping officers, graduates may apply for the Master Mariner’s certificate of competency at the responsible authority. This allows graduates of the study programme ISSM to be in the position to take over command on board a merchant vessel after only a few years. Graduates of the degree programme ISSM also qualify for employment in related areas at the shore based end of the shipping industry.