Regulations and Policies

The Vessel General Permit (VGP) is applicable to discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, under which vessels are authorised to discharge effluent within US waters. It is a system of environmental regulation designed to reduce pollution by vessels visiting US ports or operating in US waters. Obtaining and complying with the permit can be challenging, as individual states can establish additional water quality standards that are included in the VGP.

Bridge Resource Management is a critical tool for the officer of the watch in order to maintain a safe navigational watch. BRM is the process to use all of the means available to you during critical operations taking into account not only electronic aids to navigation but also any other data provided during the watch and most importantly teamwork.

The Ship Inspection Report Program (SIRE) is a standard assessment used by tanker owners and operators in order to identify any operational deficiencies in their fleet or their ship. VIQ, Vessel Inspection Questionnaire, is a document within the SIRE, which offers and ensures ships' safety by means of additional safety precautions for all tankers. Chapter 9 of the VIQ covers mooring. In this course, we will discuss this chapter and common observations that are found by vetting inspectors with regard to mooring.

New crew members joining a ship must be familiarised with their duties and essential information about the ship. This ensures they understand their responsibilities thoroughly before commencing their duties. Proficiency and familiarisation are critical factors in preventing failures and safety hazards. Though all crew personnel joining the ship have to do STCW training, there are several specific instructions which are essential for safe operations on ships.

This course is intended to provide basic knowledge of the International Safety Management Code, ISM code. The purpose of the ISM Code is to provide an international standard for the safe management, safe operation of ships and pollution prevention. The ISM Code is one of the most fundamental regulations within international shipping. Therefore, knowledge about the rules is of utmost importance so that you are aware of the requirements and expectations.

The Ship Inspection Report Program (SIRE) is a standard assessment used by tanker owners and operators in order to identify any operational deficiencies in their fleet or their ship. VIQ, Vessel Inspection Questionnaire, is a document within the SIRE, which offers and ensures ships' safety by means of additional safety precautions for all tankers. Chapter 8 of the VIQ covers Cargo and Ballast Operations on Petroleum Tankers. In this course, we will discuss this chapter and common observations that are found by vetting inspectors with regard to Cargo and Ballast Operations.

Lighthouses, buoys and navigational aids are indispensable to the mariner; however, they are only as useful as the ability of the mariner to read them. Apart from being able to read and understand the different marks, one must also appreciate the limitations of such marks, to make a full appraisal and a complete risk assessment during all stages of voyage planning.

Social media has become an integral part of life on a ship. However, there is a responsibility that comes with the crew's opportunity to access and use social media; this is rarely discussed or questioned.

The new SIRE 2.0 is a revolutionary new way of completing the inspection process, using digital hardware and a reporting portal rather than the paper inspection process.

Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB) training is an essential component for maritime personnel involved in the operation and management of ships. This training is designed to familiarise individuals with the proper procedures and protocols outlined in the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention regarding the recording of ballast water-related activities.

This course introduces the basic concepts of modern tanker construction. It covers the safety zone concept as well as double hull construction requirements.

This course introduces the inclining experiment and the way of calculating the lightship displacement. Learners will understand how to set up and conduct the experiment as well as calculate the lightship displacement from the results.