Ship Handling

This course will introduce and explain Rule 3 of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (Rules of the Road).

This course will cover Part A 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.

In this course, you will learn to solve latitude by Polaris navigational mathematics problems to a standard expected by U.S. Coast Guard license exams for oceans level licenses of unlimited tonnage.

Man Overboard is one of the various emergencies that can occur onboard a vessel, and like every other emergency, a man overboard requires immediate and precise intervention. To ensure that action is taken without delay in such an event, every crew member on board is trained in man overboard procedures and drilled on their specific duties at regular intervals as required by SOLAS. The correct and timely application of the procedures to be followed will increase the probability of a successful recovery and decrease the probability of a casualty.

A good pilot must know that naval manoeuvring is not only affected by wind and sea. The invisible forces acting below the waterline are often much more powerful. Banks effects, tidal currents, ship interactions, etc. A pilot needs to consider this, evaluate and then adapt it to suit the current situation; ensuring a successful outcome.

Bulk carriers are among the most prolific and most dangerous of vessels sailing in the oceans. This course looks at the typical hazards and dangers of bulk carrier operations and how these are managed on board to promote safer working conditions.

Cyclones are intense areas of low pressure where the associated maximum winds can be more than 70 knots generating sea swells of great heights. If a ship runs into cyclones or navigates areas affected by these winds and swells, it can sustain a loss of lives, loss of cargo and even loss of the ship itself. Hence, ship officers should learn techniques and strategies to avoid cyclones at sea.

This course focuses on weather models and synoptic charts.

Shallow Water Effects present errors in manoeuvring which if unnoticed are extremely dangerous and can lead to grounding or collision. During this course, Bernoulli ́s Principle, Squat, Bank Effect including Bank Suction and Bow Cushion and Interaction will be discussed in detail in addition to the actions that should be taken by a ship in order to avoid disasters resulting from these Effects. Therefore, this course aims to help seafarers recognise when these effects are acting on their vessel and the proper actions to be taken in different circumstances.

Load Lines are key safety components of any vessel. They ensure that there is sufficient reserve buoyancy and freeboard for the ship should it encounter heavy seas or enter less-buoyant fresh water.

This course gives additional training for operations in polar waters, underpinning the knowledge gained during STCW polar courses. Deck officers will be given guidance and advice on navigation and passage planning in polar waters. This course is not meant to be an approved STCW course but an additional training course for onboard learning.

This course introduces the legislation and guidance for Bridge Watch Handovers. The learner will explore the fundamental principles of handing over the watch as well as the practical applications.