Risk Management

Heavy weather is a major cause of delays and damage in the maritime industry. This costs time and money as well as adds risks to the crew in terms of injury or potential loss of life to the severity of the weather and the effects it has on the vessel.

This incident is based on the experiences of the UK P&I Club. Accidents like the one in this course can and do happen. As you go through this course, ask yourself, "Could this happen on my ship?"

Anchoring is one of the most frequent operations carried out onboard different types of ships. It is an extremely important and dangerous procedure which requires full knowledge and understanding in addition to proper training. Several factors influence the anchoring operation and various methods are used to ensure the best results. With that said, it is of paramount importance for all crew members regardless of rank, to know the proper procedures and use of equipment during such operations.

This course will cover Part D of the Collision Regulations as per the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs) and additionally, it will also cover COLREGS from a USCG (US Coast Guard) perspective.

Piracy and armed robbery threats against ships are among the modern-day challenges found within the maritime industry. These threats are dynamic and recent threats have been noted especially off the West African coast. These attacks keep reminding the industry about the violence of such actions and the extreme hazards faced by those onboard including the dangers of loss of life. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for crew and shipmasters to know the reporting systems and assistance in place and understand the procedures to be followed to avoid such threats.

A good captain must be able to handle his ship, using his knowledge base from previous experiences on his vessel and the different weather conditions he has sailed in throughout his career. There will always be variables that he will need to consider, evaluate and then adapt to suit the current situation to ensure a successful outcome. The weather can be adverse, but we can use it for the best manoeuvring result. Knowing the foundational basics is the best starting point.

Harbour tugs are fascinating, adventurous and complex. A tugboat Captain must well know the theory surrounding these vessels and, even more, must have the ability to shape it with his own experience in the environment in which he works, considering the numerous variables and then adapt everything to the style of manoeuvre of the pilot on duty. Not everyone can stand out in this work. The Port Tug Course deals with important topics; as we always say: we propose the theory actually necessary for practice.

A ship-to-ship transfer occurs when cargo such as oil or gas is transferred from one ship to another. Oil tankers and gas carriers keep growing bigger and bigger, and for economic reasons or due to draft restrictions, sometimes these vessels do not go alongside in port but instead do an STS transfer. Unfortunately, this comes with the risk of causing pollution or fire accidents in the case of cargo leakage into the open sea. Extreme coordination, proper equipment, and approval for the performance of such operations are required, hence the importance of proper training.

Port State Control (PSC) is an inspection of a foreign ship in national ports carried out to verify that the condition of the specific ship and its equipment comply with the various requirements of international regulations. Additionally, it ensures that a ship is manned and operated in compliance with all these instruments and guarantees that maritime safety, security and environment are protected.

This course is intended to provide the knowledge needed to act as a Safety Officer onboard. As a Safety Officer, you are responsible for inspections and overseeing the safety of procedures & equipment.

This course will cover the Collision Regulations as per the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs).

The correct maintaining and filling-in of the oil record books is vital in ensuring compliance and proving that the vessel is not polluting in contravention of the MARPOL regulations. All tankers greater than 150 grt must keep records of oil cargo operations in the Oil Record Book Part 2 to comply with the MARPOL regulations.