The aim of the article is to analyse some of the aspects of acquiring non-technical skills for upcoming officers in charge of navigational watch during the process of their studies. The article analyzes the didactic theory in relation to the study process at a academy along with the results of empirical research which unveils the future officers in charge of navigational watch view on the necessary professional knowledge and skills, as well as to determine the throughout understanding of the need for any and all non-technical knowledge involved in the training process of the seafarers. During the empirical research the data is obtained from the content analysis of the study program "Maritime transport - Navigation" and a seperate survey of the 4th year students and opinion of academic staff of Latvian Maritime Academy (LMA) via deep interviews. The study results suggest that the assurance of the quality standard for the professional competence level of future officers in charge of navigational watch during the time of their studies should be viewed as a targeted system in which the planning of the study process, its management and quality monitoring is of essential matter. The study process needs to be improved in aspects such as course content and learning itself. This needs to be done in order to ensure the students' ability to independently carry out a qualitative analysis of a situation and act quick in accordance with good marine practice. It is possible to achieve this by integrating the acquisition of technical and non-technical knowledge and skills in the study process.