A preparatory course for 2nd Mates Foreign Going is a program designed to help individuals acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to become a qualified 2nd Mate in the Merchant Navy. This course is primarily intended for individuals who have completed their Class 4 Certificate of Competency (CoC) and are seeking to advance their career.

The course typically covers a range of subjects related to navigation, ship stability, cargo operations, and maritime law. Some of the key topics covered in the course include:

1. Navigation and ship handling: This includes topics such as chart work, electronic navigation, passage planning, ship maneuvering, and communication with other vessels.
2. Ship stability: This covers the principles of ship stability, including the stability criteria, causes of instability, and measures to maintain stability.
3. Cargo operations: This includes cargo handling and stowage, cargo securing and lashing, and the different types of cargoes carried on board.
4. Maritime law and regulations: This covers the international maritime conventions and regulations, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
5. Leadership and management: This covers the skills required to manage a team on board, including communication, decision making, and conflict resolution.

The duration of the course can vary, but it typically lasts for around 6 months. Upon completion of the course, candidates will be required to pass an examination to obtain their 2nd Mate CoC.