9. Ship Simulator And Bridge Teamwork Course Framework

(IMO MODEL COURSE 1.22)

5 Days

MTC Accredited

            The course is essentially practical and consists mainly of a series of exercises performed on a ship handling simulator. Some classroom lectures, to provide the necessary theoretical background for the exercises, are included. Particular items dealt with in these lectures are illustrated either by including them as part of an exercises or by a separate simulator demonstration.

           Exercises are controlled by an instructor and initially, allow the trainees to become familiar with the equipment, the controls and the instrumentation provided by the simulator.

              The exercises increase in complexity as the course progresses and as trainees become familiar with the maneuvering characteristics of the ship model and its response to the engine and helm in various conditions. The final exercises deal with the planning and execution of as coastal passage from port to port and will make use of the knowledge and skills learned in all of the previous exercises. Equipment failure or malfunction may be introduced during an exercise to afford trainees practice in taking emergency remedial action.

                During exercises, trainees are expected to make use of effective bridge procedures, to comply with the International regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREG 1972) and to observe the basic principles of keeping a navigational watch, as set out in regulation II/1 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

The trainees who successfully complete this course will have gained experience in handling ships under various conditions and will make a more effective contribution to the bridge team during ship maneuvering.  In particular, trainees will gain:

•  familiarization with the use of engines and helm for ship maneuvering;

•   an understanding of the effects as the behavior of the ship of:   

1. ·         wind

2. ·         current

3. ·         shallow water, banks and narrow channel

4. ·         condition of loading;

• a greater awareness of the importance of planning a passage or maneuver and the need for an alternative plan, and

• a greater understanding and awareness of efficient bridge procedures during watchkeeping and ship handling.