Navigation Officers - NVNA

The School of Navigation at the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna was established on 1 November 1999 as part of the comprehensive reform of Bulgaria's military education system and in accordance with the provisions of the Higher Education Act. Since its foundation, the School has played a central role in educating and training highly qualified deck officers and maritime professionals capable of meeting the demands of the international shipping industry. The School's primary mission is to provide comprehensive academic education and professional training that enables future deck officers to acquire the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies required for safe navigation, effective ship management, and leadership at sea. The curriculum is designed to meet the highest international standards and reflects the evolving needs of the global maritime sector. As one of the Academy's major academic units, the School of Navigation comprises seven specialized departments staffed by distinguished academics and experienced maritime professionals. These departments deliver education and research in areas including navigation, maritime tactics, maritime management, public administration, and information technologies for the maritime industry. The School is led by Captain Nedko Dimitrov, Dean of the School of Navigation, while Professor Valeri Stoianov serves as the Academy's Vice-Rector. The School offers undergraduate and professional education programmes for both Naval cadets and civilian students. Its programmes encompass Navigation, Maritime Management, Public Administration, and Information Technologies for the Maritime Industry, integrating rigorous academic instruction with extensive practical and simulator-based training. Through its modern educational approach, highly qualified faculty, advanced simulation facilities, and close cooperation with the maritime industry, the School of Navigation prepares graduates for successful careers as deck officers, maritime managers, and leaders in both the commercial shipping and naval sectors.