Objective: This course prepares the participant for shipboard and watch keeping duties and provides the introductory platform for the Coastal Mates.
Topics/Modules:
International Collision Regulations
Rules of the Road – Inland Waterways:
1. A practical knowledge of the Rule of the Road as appropriate to the area of operation – Lights; Shapes; Maneuvering and Warning sound; Signals
2. Keeping a Good Lookout
Emergency Procedures:
1. Man overboard; Accident to Crewmember; Fire; Loss of Engines and Steering Ability; Use of Extinguishing Appliances; Life Saving Appliances; Action to take in event of a Collision
Seamanship:
Defining Parts of a Vessel, Common Nautical terms, Interaction with other Vessels; The importance of navigating at reduced speed to avoid damage caused by own vessels bow or stern wave
Boat Handling:
Berthing and Unberthing; Coming to and weighing anchor; Making fast to and leaving a buoy; boat maneuvering in confined waters; turning short round; knowledge and effect of transverse thrust; steering a compass course and taking a rough bearing
Pollution Prevention:
Knowledge that disposal into the sea of all plastics, including but not limited to synthetic ropes, plastic sheeting and garbage bags etc., is prohibited
Weather:
1. Sources of Information, Local Conditions and Effects, Signs of Approaching Bad Weather
Chartwork – Basic Navigation:
1. Courses to steer allowing for variation and deviation; Familiarity with the use of parallel rules, dividers, compasses, etc.
Passenger Safety:
Safety announcements; Disposition of passengers and crew to ensure stability and trim; Passenger numbers and reporting systems; Ability to demonstrate to passengers the use of personal lifesaving appliances
Legal Responsibilities towards Passengers and Crew:
1. Safe access; safe working practices; Certificate of Inspection and regulations relating thereto
Engineering Knowledge:
Basic knowledge of day to day engine and battery checks; Knowledge of the servicing and routine maintenance of propulsion and auxiliary machinery; Basic knowledge of running checks; Methods of fault detection, correction and emergency repairs
Duration:
- Nine (9) Days with experience
- Four (4) weeks without experience
Marking Scheme: Written Examination – 1 1/2 Hours ( 70% Pass Rate)
Certification Offered:
Certification of Merit issued by MatPal Marine Institute
Licence for this course is issued by the Maritime Administration Department of Guyana based on participant successfully passing examination as set out by MARAD
