Advanced Pipe Welding Practices is a two-week advanced practical welding course for students that have already completed the four-week basic welding course. This two-week course is concentrated on SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) of Pipe, which will be taught on mild steel in all positions. This course is offered to those wishing to improve their level of skill in welding and fabrication. The majority of class time will be devoted to improving the practical skills needed to successfully weld in all positions and joint types using the above mentioned process. Important elements of basic metallurgy, welding codes, standards-of-practice, terminology, job setup, blueprint symbols, controlling stress, care of equipment, personal safety, and work-site precautions will be reviewed. Overall quality standards and pass/fail criteria are based upon the AWS D1.1-Structural Welding Code-Steel.

Course Capacity: 6 students

Prerequisites:

1. Attendance of the CMES four week welding course within two years of course date.
2. Practical demonstration of welding proficiency if above criteria is not met.

Special Requirements: Work pants, long sleeved work shirt, and safety shoes are needed for wear in the welding shop. All other required PPE will be supplied. After successful completion of this course the student will be issued a certificate.

This four-week course expands upon existing knowledge of marine diesel engines and support systems that the student acquires through employment on diesel vessels or by attending the school’s six-week Diesel Engineering course.

Topics covered include Sulzer and MAN/B&W diesel engine construction, maintenance, inspections and fault determinations, fuel oil Mitchell-type thrust bearings, turbochargers, and fuel purification systems with an emphasis on those manufactured by Alfa Laval.

The emphasis throughout this course will be on maintenance, inspection, and troubleshooting (both actual units and computer-based simulations) of major engine parts, purifiers, and pneumatic control systems; particularly those associated with the Sulzer low speed diesel engine. Extensive use is made of the school’s one-cylinder Sulzer RND 68 trainer. ABS and USCG documentation of equipment inspection procedures are an integral part of this course. Students are required to complete a variety of reports applicable to the inspections performed on the related equipment.

Course Capacity: 6 students

Prerequisites: CMES's six-week Diesel Engineering course or motor vessel sea time.

Special Requirements: Students should bring an adequate supply of work clothes appropriate for working in a diesel engine lab environment. Safety shoes are recommended. Eye protection will be made available throughout the course. Students are encouraged to bring their own laptops.

USCG Approval: Any applicant completing the 4-week Applied Diesel Engineering course and presenting our certificate of training will be credited with 60 days sea service toward the upgrade of his or her third assistant engineer motor license to second assistant engineer.

This two-week course is designed to provide marine engineers with a working knowledge of refrigeration systems with special emphasis on Thermo King and Carrier refrigerated container units.

The lab contains seven operating container units. The units incorporate the latest refrigerants (R-134a, R-404), microprocessors, and atmosphere controls. Our newest Thermo King and Carrier units utilize the scroll compressors. The school is also a Partner in Education with Thermo King Corporation.

Topics presented include basic refrigeration principles, refrigeration instrumentation, modern refrigerants and their characteristics, and Thermo King and Carrier container components.

Laboratory experiences are hands-on exercises that emphasize the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the refrigeration and electrical systems associated with these units.

Course Capacity: 10 students

Prerequisites: Previous electrical training and/or work experience associated with these units is highly recommended.

Special Requirements: EPA Refrigeration Recovery Technician Certification for Type II or Universal is required for successful completion of this course.

USCG Approval: Any licensed engineer successfully completing the two-week Container Refrigeration course while holding a valid "Universal Technician Certificate" as described in 40 CFR Part 82, and presenting our certificate of training at a Regional Exam Center, will satisfy the training and assessment requirements of the STCW Code, Section A-III/2, Table A-III/2, for the function of Marine Engineering at the management level for operating principles of ships refrigeration.

The six-week Diesel Engineering course is designed to give the engineer fundamental working knowledge of the theory, construction, operation, and maintenance of main propulsion and auxiliary diesel engines, engine control systems, and related auxiliary equipment. Lab sessions utilize a Sulzer 1RND68 engine trainer, a Sulzer Bridge/Engine Room Control Console, a KMSS MC-90 Slow Speed Diesel Plant Simulator, an ALFAX/ALCAP purifier, and MAR-TEC fuel oil testing cabinets. Guest lectures and practical labs will be given by ABB Turbocharging and Woodward Governor vendors.

There are two possible tracks to completion:

The Standard Track:

Successful completion of the course requirements allows a licensed steam engineer to take the USCG Motor Endorsement examination and cross over a current steam license to a motor license at its current grade, or receive seventy days of sea time toward an upgrade of a current motor license.

The Diesel Engineering Endorsement Program:

Fulfillment of the academic and practical requirements of the D.E.E.P. allows for issuance by the USCG of a Motor Endorsement equivalent to the engineer's current grade of steam license without further examination, or will be credited with seventy (70) days sea service toward the upgrade of their existing motor license.

Course Capacity: 16 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: Students should bring an adequate supply of work clothes appropriate for working in a diesel engine lab environment. Safety shoes are  recommended. Appropriate personal protection equipment will be made available throughout the course. Students are encouraged to bring their own laptops.

USCG Approval: This course satisfies applicable requirements and the following approval is granted subject to the conditions listed below:

a) Any applicant completing the 6-week Diesel Engineering Course, and presenting our Certificate of Training to the OCMI, when accompanied by our signed letter attesting to the successful completion of approved practical demonstrations, in addition to the other requirements for course completion, will satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.502(b)(4) and Table A-III/2, Operation and Maintenance of marine diesel engines of the STCW Code; and may be issued an endorsement at the same level to their valid steam engineer license for motor plants without further examination. OR

b) Any applicant completing  the 6-week Diesel Engineering Course, and presenting our Certificate of Training to the OCMI, and not accompanied by our signed letter attesting to the successful completion of approved practical demonstrations, will satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.502(b)(4) and may be examined for an endorsement at the same level to their steam engineer license for motor plants. OR

c) Any applicant completing the 6-week Diesel Engineering Course, and presenting our Certificate of Training to the OCMI will be credited with 70 days sea service toward the upgrade of their existing motor license. This course does not satisfy the requirements for recency of sea service.

This course is designed to provide an officer in charge of an engineering watch an understanding of the proper utilization and considerations given to resources available in a maritime engine department. Areas of study will include team organization and team building, engine room procedures and practices, engine room communications, situational and cultural diversity awareness, and factors affecting human performance.

Each student successfully completing this course should have an understanding of the concepts and methods used to achieve an acceptable level of efficiency and safety with regards to the utilization of engine room personnel and assets.

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant successfully completing the 35-hour Engine Room Resource Management course will be considered to have successfully demonstrated the competence Maintain the Safety and Security of the Vessel, Crew, Passengers and the Operational Condition of Lifesaving, Fire Fighting and Other Safety Systems of the Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code, Section A-III/2, Table A-III/2, Function: Controlling the Operation of the Ship and Care for Persons on Board at the Management Level.

This four-week course is designed to provide an introduction to, and an understanding of, gas turbine propulsion systems as used in the marine field. Areas of study will include, but are not limited to: system terminology, thermodynamics, construction and installation designs, monitoring and control instrumentation, and propulsion configurations.

Specialized course work on specific engines such as the General Electric LM2500, Allison/Rolls-Royce 501K, and the Pratt-Whitney JT-4A provide the student with an overview of various propulsion systems found in the industry today. Fuel oil preparation, reduction gears, propeller systems (including controllable pitch designs), turbine controls, and total plant operation will also be included.

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: Students should bring work clothes appropriate for working in a gas turbine lab environment. Safety shoes are recommended. Eye protection will be made available.

USCG Approval:

Any applicant, who has successfully completed the 120-hour Gas Turbine Engineering course and presents our certificate of training at a Regional Exam Center, will:

a) Be considered to have successfully demonstrated the competence Operate Main and Auxiliary Machinery and Associated Control Systems of Table A-III/1 of the STCW Code for gas turbine propulsion plants; AND

b) Be considered to have successfully demonstrated the competence Operate, Monitor, and Evaluate Engine Performance and Capacity of Table A-III/2 of the STCW Code for gas turbine propulsion plants.

c) May have their engineering license endorsed for gas turbine propulsion.

Machine Shop is a four-week course designed to provide the marine engineer with metalworking and machining skills commonly required for shipboard maintenance and repair tasks. Students will acquire the basic skills needed to take common machining jobs from start to completion. Classroom lectures include shop safety, tool geometry, metal cutting principles, basic metallurgy, print reading, tolerance guidelines, and the efficient use of technical references. Basic machining operations and tasks are studied and practiced throughout the course. As skills are mastered, they are integrated into increasingly complex projects, ultimately requiring the precision mating of multiple parts. The engine lathe, milling machine, associated hand tools, and allied measuring instruments are the primary focus of this course. Proper project planning is stressed throughout the course and includes indentifying important job specifications, maintaining tolerances, material selection, process selection, order of operation, cutting tool preparation, manual fabrication techniques, metal finishing, and final inspection. Cutting tool selection, tool holder setup, sharpening, machine setup, cutting speed computations, feed-rate calculations, and machining sequences are daily tasks. Lathe processes include alignment, centering, dial indicator use, drilling, drill sharpening, turning, facing, boring, counter-boring, tapping, chamfering, knurling, single point thread cutting, tapering, keyway cutting, briaching, indexing, and precision setup techniques. Milling machine processes include setup and staging of parts, trimming the head, accurate mathematical positioning for precision milling, use of specialized measuring tools, precision edge finding, spindle positioning, cutting speed selection, feed calculations, and tool selection. Milling operations include plunge cutting, conventional milling, and climb milling. Compensation techniques for tool deflection, heating, and backlash are explained.

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: High school math, basic physics, and basic chemistry.

Special Requirements: Work pants, long-sleeve work shirt, and safety shoes are required for wear in the machine shop. All other required PPE will be supplied.

This two-week course satisfies requirements of 46 CFR 10.209(c) (iii) for renewal of any engineering license.  It also satisfies training requirements of paragraph 1.3.2 of Section A-I/11 of the STCW Code and demonstration of continued proficiency in Basic Safety Training (BST).  The student is re-introduced to responsibilities, duties, and tasks associated with holding the US Merchant Marine Engineering Officers' License.  Primary topic areas include: Maintaining and Engineering Watch, Co-ordination with the Bridge Team, Personnel Requirements, Shipboard Instruction and Assessment, National and International Maritime Law, Advanced Marine Technologies, Distress Situations at Sea, Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, Personal Survival, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility.

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: Applicants must hold a valid USCG license.

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed the 70-Hour Refresher Training - Engineering Officer course will:

a) if presented within one year of completion of training satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.209 (c) (iii) for renewal of any engineering license valid for steam, motor, and/or gas turbine propulsion and for any horsepower; and
b) satisfy the training requirements of paragraph 1.3.2 of Section A-I/11 of the STCW Code for demonstrating continued professional competence for Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch of Chief Engineer and First Assistant Engineer of any horsepower; and
c) be considered to have demonstrated continued proficiency in Basic Safety Training, provided that they have previously been issued an STCW 95 certificate.

This four-week course is designed to provide marine engineers with a basic knowledge of refrigeration and air conditioning systems used aboard ships. The course is divided equally into classroom lectures and labs. Topics to be covered in the classroom include basic refrigeration system operation principles, pressure-enthalpy diagrams, refrigeration instrumentation, refrigerants and the oils used with each, refrigeration system components, maintenance practices and systemic troubleshooting procedures. All of these topics will be utilized in the laboratory. Special emphasis is placed on the areas of computer based training and PC based Refrigeration System Simulators.

Students will be given the opportunity at the end of the course to take the Air to Air Heat Pump Service certification examination provided by the North American Technicians Excellence (NATE) association.

EPA Refrigeration Recovery Technician Certification for Type I and Type II or Universal is required for successful completion of this course. Those students not possessing this certification may take a supplemental course and test which will be available to students in the evening during this course.

Course Capacity: 10 students

Prerequisites: Basic computer knowledge

Special Requirements: EPA Refrigerant Recovery Technician Certification for Type I and Type II or Universal is required for successful completion of this course.

This six-week course is designed to give the licensed engineer a working knowledge of the theory, construction, operation, maintenance, and casualty control of marine steam propulsion power plants.

Topics covered include: general steam principles, steam generation, turbine construction and operation, boiler feed water systems, water chemistry, and combustion control systems. Field trips to operating steam vessels are included in this course. These field trips include one overnight trip to the SS John Brown where students are required to stand watch.

Note: This course is not available to members holding a valid license as Chief Engineer, Steam Vessels of any HP.

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: Students should bring work clothes appropriate for working in an engine room environment. Safety shoes are recommended and eye protection will be made available. Field trips will require day travel; presentable attire required. One over night field trip will require clothes appropriate for working in an active steam engineering room environment.

USCG Approval: Any applicant successfully completing the Steam Engineering course will either:

a) Satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.502(b)(4) for adding a steam endorsement equivalent to the same level of the motor license held at the time they attended the course.  Applicants will be required to successfully complete the appropriate examinations for adding the steam endorsement; OR

b) Be credited with 70 days sea service towards a raise in grade of their existing steam license, as per 46 CFR 10.304(a).

The TIG Welding GTAW Course is a two-week practical welding course for those students that have already taken the basic four-week Welding course. This course is concentrated on TIG welding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals in multiple positions. This course is offered for those students wishing to increase their proficiency with the GTAW process. The majority of the class time will be devoted to hands on laboratory work and building the skills necessary to produce satisfactory welds. Important elements of safety, standard operating procedures and inspection associated with the GTAW process will be covered. Overall standards are based on the American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Steel Welding Code.

Course Capacity: 6 students

Prerequisites: Attendance of the CMES four week welding course within two years of course date

Special Requirements: Students should report with an adequate supply of work clothes appropriate for wear in a welding shop, including safety shoes, long-sleeved cotton shirt, and non-synthetic long pants. Other PPE will be supplied.

This comprehensive five-week course is designed to satisfy the requirements set forth by Table A-III/2 of the STCW Code and the United States Coast Guard, for management level training as applied to engineers upgrading from the operational level (second assistant engineer) to the management level (first assistant engineer). This course is part of the required training and assessments for upgrading to management level licenses. This course contains a combination of classroom lectures and practical assessments as related to management level skills training areas.

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed our 150-hour Upgrading Engineers, Management Level course will satisfy the STCW Code, Table A-III/2, Function: Controlling the Operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the management level training requirements for STCW certification of Chief Engineer Officer and Second Engineer Officer (First Assistant Engineer - US) on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion or more.

Welding is a four-week course which includes classroom and lab work. The course teaches the common welding processes and skills needed for a variety of maintenance and repair activities aboard maritime vessels. Safety, basic metallurgy, welding theory, and associated classroom activities are presented each morning. The remainder of each morning, and the afternoons, are devoted to the hands-on practice of various welding techniques and for increasing individual proficiency. The course emphasizes all position maintenance welding using the SMAW (stick electrode) process on structural steel. Other processes covered and practiced are GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), FCAW (flux cored wire-feed), OAW (gas welding), OAC (oxy-acetylene cutting), PAC (plasma-arc cutting), soldering, brazing, and exothermic welding. Various welding processes are also practiced with non-ferrous alloys, especially aluminum and copper. Proper repair techniques for dealing with cast iron parts, building up and hard surfacing of wearing parts, and distortion control during welding will also be discussed, demonstrated, and practiced. Basic metallurgy, welding codes & specifications, standards-of-practice, welding terminology, blueprint symbols, process selection criteria, stray current protection, job setup, stress control, care and maintenance of welding equipment, personnel safety standards, and work site precautions will be reviewed and practiced. Course proficiencies are based upon AWS standard D1.1 Structural Welding Code-Steel. Students desiring a structural welding certification will be offered an opportunity based on their assessed performance in the welding lab.

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: Students should bring an adequate supply of work clothes appropriate for wear in a welding shop, including safety shoes, long-sleeved cotton shirt, and non-synthetic long pants. Other PPE will be supplied.