Nautical Science Courses

CURRICULUM

Nautical Science Courses

 

NOTE: Not all courses are offered every year.  Please reference the current year's course schedule to see which courses are available.

 

ADVANCED METEOROLOGY

This one-week course is designed to fulfill the meteorology competency requirements defined in STCW Code A-II/2 for navigation at the management level, forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions. The course will cover topics related to the ability to understand and interpret synoptic charts and forecast area weather. The student will gain knowledge of the characteristics of various weather systems, including the avoidance of tropical storm centers and dangerous quadrants. Other topics include the understanding of ocean currents, calculation of tidal conditions, and the appropriate use of navigational publications on tides and currents.

 

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed our Advanced Meteorology (MEBAMD-18) course will satisfy:

  • Advanced Meteorology training requirements 46 CFR 11.305(a)(3)(iii) and 11.307(a)(3)(iii) for STCW endorsements as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 3,000 GT or more; AND,
  • 46 CFR 11.311(a)(3)(iii) and 11.313(a)(3)(iii) for STCW endorsements as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of more than 500 GT and less than 3,000 GT; AND,
  • The following practical assessments performed during this course have been determined to be equivalent of National Assessment Guidelines for STCW Code, as amended 2010 Table A-II/2, as documented in NVICs 10-14 (Ch-1) and 11.14 (Ch-1): 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4.A, 7.4.B, 7.4.C, 9.16.A, and 9.16.B.

Approved Instructors may assess the above tasks during the delivery of the course. Student assessment sheets or the formal Record of Assessment for the above tasks do not need to be submitted.

ADVANCED SHIPHANDLING

Students will be instructed through classroom lectures and simulator based labs on different types of shiphandling. Among the scenarios will be experience, with a variety of vessel types: tanker, containership, freighter, or LNG. Underway scenarios will include maneuvering in congested waters with high-density traffic, maneuvering under pilotage, docking/undocking, and shiphandling in heavy weather. Emergency situations like loss of ship's power and loss of steering will also be addressed. The variations of ship behavior under differing conditions will be examined, such as maneuvering in shallow water and in narrow channels. Familiarization with external resources such as operating with tug assistance will be addressed. The class will consist of brief classroom lectures followed up with simulation exercises and scenarios. After the simulator labs the students will be debriefed and discuss lessons learned and review the exercises.

 

Course Capacity: 6 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed our Advanced Shiphandling (MEBAMD-22) course will satisfy:

  • The Advanced Shiphandling training requirements of 46 CFR 11.305(a)(3)(i) and 11.307(a)(3)(i) for STCW endorsement as Master or Chief Mate of vessels of 3,000 GT (ITC) or more (Management Level): AND
  • The Advanced Shiphandling training requirements of 46 CFR 11.311(a)(3)(i) and 11.313(a)(3)(i) for STCW endorsement as Master or Chief Mate of vessels of 500 GT (ITC) or more and less than 3,000 GT (ITC) (Management Level); AND
  • The Advanced Shiphandling standards of competence required by 46 CFR 11.305(a)(2), 11.307(a)(2), 11.311(a)(2), 11.313(a)(2), and 11.315(a)(2); STCW Code Section A-II/2 and Table A-II/2, as amended 2010, meeting the National Assessment Guidelines from:
    • NVICs 10-14(Ch-4) and 11-14(Ch-4) Tasks 5.2.A, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6.A, 8.7.A, 9.1.A, 9.2.A, 9.3.A, 9.4.A, 9.5.A, 9.6.A, 9.6.B [NVIC 10-14(Ch-4) only], 9.7.A, 9.8.A, 9.9.A, 9.9.B, 9.10, 9.11, 9.12, 9.13, 9.14, 9.15, 9.16.A, 9.16.B, 9.17.A, 10.1.A, 10.1.B [NVIC 10-14(Ch-4) only], 10.1.C, 10.1.D, 16.4.A, 16.4.B, 16.5.A, AND 16.5.B; AND
  • The Search & Rescue training requirements of 46 CFR 11.305(a)(3)(v) and 11.307(a)(3)(v) for STCW endorsement as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 3,000 GT (ITC) or more (Management Level); AND
  • The Search & Rescue training requirements of 46 CFR 11.311(a)(3)(v) and 11.313(a)(3)(v) for STCW endorsement as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 GT (ITC) or more and less than 3,000 GT (ITC) (Management Level); AND
  • The Search & Rescue training requirements of 46 CFR 11.315(a)(3)(i) for STCW endorsement as Master of vessels of less than 500 GT (ITC) (Management Level); AND
  • The Search & Rescue standards of competence required by 46 CFR 11.305(a)(2), 11.307(a)(2), 11.311(a)(2), 11.313(a)(2), and 11.315(a)(2); STCW Code Section A-II/2 and Table A-II/2, as amended 2010, meeting the National Assessment Guidelines from NVICs 10-14(Ch-4), 11-14(Ch-4), and 03-18(Ch-3) Task 4.1.

Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present completed "Task Control Sheets" for these assessments in application for STCW certification.

ADVANCED STABILITY

This one-week course fulfills the ship stability competency requirements for STCW Cargo Handling and Stowage at the Management Level. Subjects covered are the effect of trim and stability of cargoes and cargo operations. Also included are use of stability and trim diagrams, stress calculating equipment and programs, and the procedures for loading cargoes and ballast to maintain safe hull stress limits.

 

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed our Advanced Stability (MEBAMD-25) course will satisfy the Advanced Stability training requirements of 46 CFR 11.305(a)(3)(ii) and 11.307(a)(3)(ii) for STCW endorsements as Chief Mate or Master on vessels of 3,000 GT or more and 46 CFR 11.311(a)(3)(ii) and 11.313(a)(3)(ii) for STCW endorsements as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of more than 500 GT and less than 3,000 GT; AND,

The specific tasks from the National Assessment Guidelines found in NVIC 10-14 (Ch-2) and NVIC 11-14 (CH-1):

  • 11.2
  • 11.3
  • 14.1
  • 14.2
  • 14.3

RADAR RECERTIFICATION

This one-day course is designed to assess the mariner with re-certification of radar proficiency. The assessment is conducted on location at CMES using one of the four Ship's Bridge Trainers (SBT) and is composed of practical radar plotting and navigation.
 

SCHEDULED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.  Contact the school to schedule a recertification.

 

Course Capacity: 1 student

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who successfully completes the Radar Observer Recertification (MEBAMD-402) course will satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 11.480(f) for maintaining the validity of an endorsement as Radar Observer.

TANKERMAN DL

This one-week course provides training at an advanced level for both deck and engine officers and other persons on board oil and chemical tankers who have immediate responsibility for loading, discharging, and care in transit or handling of cargo and loading bunkers. It comprises a specialized training program, including chemical and oil tanker safety, health hazards and practices, fire prevention and firefighting, cargo equipment and operations, safety equipment and operation, emergency procedures, pollution prevention and control, operational practice and obligations under applicable laws and regulations.

 

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who successfully completes our Tankship Dangerous Liquids (MEBAMD-501) course and applies for endorsement within five years of completion will satisfy:

  • The course requirements of 46 CFR 13.201(c)(4) for original issuance OR 13.120(a)(2) for renewal of Tankerman-PIC (DL); AND
  • The course requirements of 46 CFR 13.301(c)(4) for original issuance OR 13.120(c)(2) for renewal of Tankerman-PIC (Barge) (DL); AND
  • The course requirements of 46 CFR 13.401(e)(1) for original issuance OR 13.120(b)(2) for renewal of Tankerman-Assistant (DL); AND
  • The course requirements of 46 CFR 13.501(c)(4) for original issuance OR 13.120(d)(2) for renewal of Tankerman-Engineer (DL); AND
  • This course will satisfy the following requirements per 46 CFR 13.121(b):
    • 2 loadings
    • 2 discharges
    • 1 commencement of loading and 1 completion of loading
    • 1 commencement of discharge and 1 completion of discharge; AND
  • Meets the standards of competence, required by 46 CFR 13.609(a)(2), of Section A-V/1, Table A-V/1-1-1 of the STCW Code for Basic Oil AND Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations; AND
    • Provided the applicant also supplies a statement signed by the Master, Chief Engineer, or Chief Mate of an Oil AND/OR Chemical Tanker, appropriate to the endorsement sought, that the mariner has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the signer that they are fully capable of supervising transfers of dangerous liquid cargo in accordance with the guidance found in Navigation Vessel Inspection Circular 22-14(Ch-2) (Encl 1, paragraphs 4 or 5):
      • Meets the Standards of competence, required by 46 CFR 13.603(a)(2), (b)(2) or (c)(2) AND/OR 13.605(a)(2), (b)(2) or (c)(2), of Section A-V/1, Table A-V/1-1-2 AND/OR A-V/1-1-3 of the STCW Code for Advanced Oil AND/OR Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations.

TANKSHIP LIQUEFIED GASES (LNG)

This two-week course will provide marine officers with the basic knowledge for safe and efficient transportation of LNG and other liquefied gases. This course is an USCG prerequisite for employment aboard LNG carriers. Comprehensive lecture and computer-based cargo handling simulator training will include: LNG science, engineering systems, cargo systems, ship/shore interfaces, rules and regulations, and safety. This class complies with the IMO and USCG requirements for a liquefied gases PIC (Person In Charge) course.

 

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed our Tankship Liquefied Gas (MEBAMD-508) course and applies for endorsement within five years of completion will satisfy:

  • The cargo course requirements of 46 CFR 13.201(c)(4) for original issuance OR 13.120(a)(2) for renewal of Tankerman-PIC (LG); AND
  • The cargo course requirements of 46 CFR 13.301(c)(4) for original issuance OR 13.120(c)(2) for renewal of Tankerman-PIC (Barge) (LG); AND
  • The cargo course requirements of 46 CFR 13.401(e)(1) for original issuance OR 13.120(b)(2) for renewal of Tankerman-Assistant (LG); AND
  • The cargo course requirements of 46 CFR 13.501(c)(4) for original issuance OR 13.120(d)(2) for renewal of Tankerman-Engineer (LG); AND
  • Meets the standards of competence, required by 46 CFR 13.611(a)(2), of STCW Code Section A-V/1, Table A-V/1-2-1 for Basic Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations; AND
  • Provided the applicant also supplies a statement signed by the Master or Chief Mate of a Liquefied Gas Tanker, appropriate to the endorsement sought (Tankship, Tank Barge), that the mariner has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the signer that he or she is fully capable of supervising transfers of liquefied gas cargos in accordance with the guidance found in NVIC 22-14(Ch-1) (Encl. 1, paragraph 6):
    • Meets the standards of competence, required by 46 CFR 13.607(a)(2) or (b)(2), of STCW Code Section A-V/1, Table A-V/1-2-2 for Advanced Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations; OR
  • Provided the applicant also supplies a statement signed by the Master or Chief Engineer of a Liquefied Gas Tanker that the mariner has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the signer that he or she is fully capable of supervising loadings and transfers of liquefied gas fuel in accordance with the guidance found in NVIC 22-14(Ch-2) (Encl. 1, paragraph 6):
    • Meets the standards of competence, required by 46 CFR 13.607(c)(2), of STCW Code Section A-V/1, Table A-V/1-2-2 for Advanced Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations for an endorsement limited to maintenance and repair of cargo equipment.

The course completion certificate issued upon successfully completion of this course is valid for one application which results in the issuance of an endorsement(s) and may not be used for future application transactions.

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS

This one-day course is designed to train the mariner with certification in visual communications. The assessment is conducted on location at CMES. The student will demonstrate proficiency in flashing light at 4 words per minute.
 

SCHEDULED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.  Contact the school to schedule an assessment.

 

Course Capacity: 1 student

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed our Visual Communications (Flashing Light) (MEBAMD-542) course will satisfy:

  • The Visual Signaling training requirements of 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(vi) and 11.319(a)(4)(vi); AND
  • The visual communications competencies of Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code, as amended 2010; AND
  • The assessment tasks 8.1 and 8.2 in NVICs 12-14 (Ch-3) and 02-18 for an endorsement as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch.

Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present a completed "Control Sheet" for this assessment in application for STCW certification.