GWO BST Sea Survival Course Overview

The Sea Survival module is an integral part of our new GWO accredited offshore wind farm training course. This course will prepare you with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely carry out the tasks required in offshore wind farm installation and maintenance.

Course Aims

We work in conjunction with HART training to ensure that this course delivers an efficient combination of theoretical and practical training to provide delegates with the fundamental skills they need to stay safe working with offshore wind farms. This will include learning preventative measures to stop accidents from occurring and also training to ensure successful delegates can make fast and correct action in the event of a problem arising.

This course will prepare you to work safely in an offshore wind energy environment so that you can protect yourself and your colleagues both onshore, aboard a transfer vessel and when working with the wind turbine generators (WTGs).

Course Structure

This course is designed to take place in two four-hour sessions, and comprises ten sections- some of these will be theoretical and will be brief 5-minute discussions, and others will be longer and more in-depth- with two longer practical sessions to test your skills. Delegates will be in small groups of 12 per trainer for theoretical learning and 4 per trainer for practical work, to ensure each trainee gets the attention they need to become confident in these new skills.

Introduction

This blog is a brief overview of the course where delegates will be introduced to the training facility and its safety procedures, the trainers, and the other delegates. The aims and objectives of the course will be made clear as well as the plans for both ongoing and final evaluation.

Legislation

A short discussion into both global and national safety legislation, emphasising the importance of understanding the regulations in place in the Nation you are working in.

Exposure, Cold Shock, Hypothermia and Drowning

A theory-based session outlining the risks, signs, and treatment of exposure, cold shock, hypothermia and drowning.

LSA’s and PPE’s

Outlining protective equipment, including how to don protective clothing and use equipment. This will include personal protective equipment (PPE) and collective protective equipment such as lifesaving appliances (LSAs).

SAR and GMDSS

A discussion about search and rescue (SAR) protocols, and the global maritime distress signal system (GMDSS) to ensure delegates are aware of what to do in the event they are needed to help rescue a colleague, or they require rescuing themselves.

Practical Sea Survival

The first practical session, where delegates are required to put the skills they have learned so far into practice. This session will include donning and using protective equipment, carrying out rescue procedures and using the correct distress signals.

Safe Transfer

This section revolves around safety aboard the vessel used to transfer WTG workers to and from the offshore wind turbine farm. The safe handling of equipment and hazards relating to different types of transfers will be discussed.

Installations, Vessels and WTGs

This theory-based discussion will ensure delegates have all the information they need to remain safe onboard vessels and during the installation and maintenance of WTGs- as well as any necessary contingency plans should issues arise.

Transfer Practical

The second practical session will see delegates practising skills learned in the previous sections of the course. They will need to show they are comfortable transferring from dock to vessel and then to WTG, as well as safe handling onboard equipment and safety procedures.

Evaluation

Delegates are given the opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned, as well as give a written and oral assessment of the training course.

Check our course dates now to find the perfect time for you to learn all you need to know about Sea Survival working with offshore wind energy.

Approved Engine Course (AEC) Course Overview

The aim of the Approved Engine Course (AEC) Part 1 is to enable students to be able to complete all the necessary checks and action required to keep the engine operating when the boat is being used, giving seafarers the initial education and training in basic marine engineering meeting the Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency (KUP) requirements set out by the UK’s Maritime Coastguard Agency.

Over the 5-day duration, course delegates will be working towards mastering skills through a variety of activities including classroom activities and practical application.

A typical class will have maximum 6 delegates, and they will all study theory together – but may be placed into smaller groups when taking part in practical activities to ensure the instructor can give everyone the assistance they need.

What is Included?

Delegates will be learning everything necessary to know about general care and maintenance of engines on smaller vessels in order to keep good operational order including:

– The basic principles of combustion engine operation.
– The general arrangements of Internal Combustion engines.
– Handling, maintenance and care of fuel and the associated systems.
– Different designs and arrangements of the various other essential systems required for reliable engine operation.
– The principles of engine electrical systems.
– The principles of power transmission systems.
– The principles of maintenance essential for the safe and reliable operation of a small craft.

Course Structure

The course is broken down into 8 core segments:

Energy Sources

The introductory segment of the MCA AEC course is an overview of energy sources including the general principles of combustion and how the heat generated from this can be harnessed to produce energy in IC engines. This ensures that upon completion delegates will understand the mechanisms which power a vessel, to better understand the inner workings of the engine.

This is taught on Day 1 of the course and is primarily taught through theoretical resources with some practical demonstrations by the tutor. Students will be engaged in active discussion and observed throughout, to ensure that they are keeping up with the material.

Engine Operation & Construction

Later on during Day 1, delegates will be taught the general arrangements and components of an IC engine. Understanding this is imperative in being able to monitor and maintain the engine. This will firstly be taught through presentation and demonstration, but the afternoon session consists of practical exercises where the delegates get the opportunity to investigate the layout of the engine for themselves.

Fuel Systems

Also during Day 1, delegates will be shown a presentation on the importance of maintaining the integrity of the fuel system, as well as the basic chemical principles behind the fuels used in IC engines. They will be taught the possible contaminators of the fuel, and how to check for them, and understand the importance of a fuel reserve.
Instruction will include questions and answers on how to identify different components of the fuel system, and practical exercises demonstrating the delegates skill to start a small craft engine and carry out preparation checks.

Support Systems & Pressure Charging

Day 2 will see delegates learn about the different support systems that are required in IC engines. This will include discussions about the different components of each system, as well as being able to identify potential faults.

Ignition Systems

During Day 2, delegates will also cover different types of injection and ignition systems.

Cooling Systems

During Day 3, delegates will be taught about support systems, components and maintenance of cooling systems. These are crucial for maintaining the safety of the engines, and thus learning how to identify and repair faults is imperative for this course.
This is primarily a theoretical section of the module, but the instructor will carry out some physical demonstrations of the separate components and possible faults.

Lubrication Systems

During Day 3, delegates will learn the path of oil through an engine and filtration systems.

Transmission of Power

Day 3 will conclude with a class on the different systems that can be used in transmission of power. This will include traditional systems like Shaftline as well as Diesel, electric and Hybrid, taught through discussion, as well as practical activity.

MARPOL (including COSWP)

Day 4 will see delegates learn the MARPOL legislation regarding engine room management.

Electric Circuit

Day 5 focuses on the electrical systems onboard a vessel, and through instructor presentation, demonstration and discussion, delegates will learn the terminology and components involved in different systems.

Electric Batteries

As part of Day 5’s electrical training, delegates will be taught about the battery systems on board the ship, including their arrangements and charging systems.
Instruction of this section of the course will include discussion, questions and answers in a group setting to ensure all students understand the content.

Ship Side Valves and Corrosion

During Day 5, delegates will also learn the appropriate type of valve, the legislation regarding these valves, and their maintenance. Delegates will also learn about hull coatings and other corrosion prevention methods.

Auxiliary Systems

Day 5 sees delegates learn about stopping and starting systems on petrol and diesel engines.

Assessment

Day 5 of the course will conclude with a short assessment in the afternoon.

STCW Maritime Fire Fighting Courses Guide

An understanding of maritime fire fighting practices and techniques is a critical skill to learn in order to enhance your career in many disciplines within the merchant navy.

There are many types of marine fire fighting training available from maritime training providers in the UK and internationally, the most common of which being “Certificate of Proficiency in Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting”, “Certificate of Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting” and their respective maritime fire fighting refresher courses.

Below is an overview of what to expect from each maritime fire fighting course, who they are best suited to, the prerequisites necessary to achieve certification and how to book.

STCW Maritime Fire Fighting Courses Index

Fire Fighting in STCW 4 Part Basic Safety Training
STCW Fire Fighting
Prerequisites
Renewal
Renewal Prerequisites
STCW Advanced Fire Fighting
Prerequisites
Renewal
Renewal Prerequisites
Additional Fire Fighting Related Course Available
How to Book Maritime Fire Fighting Course

Fire Fighting in STCW 4 Part Basic Safety Training

The STCW 4 Part Basic Safety Training course covers all minimum training standards for masters, officers and watch personnel set forward in the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
Included in the STCW 4 Part Basic Safety Training course is an element called Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF). FPFF is one of the most in-depth parts of 4 Part Basic Safety Training and typically takes place over 2 ½ days of the courses 5-day duration.

The FPFF training includes a mixture of classroom training as well as practical firefighting and fire protection exercises, drills and techniques. This includes taking part in team exercises inside compartments which have been specially adapted to give course delegates the simulation of what it would be like to be fire fighting on board a ship.

FPFF will provide delegates with an understanding of the risk of fire on board and how to minimise this. As well as learning how to fight and extinguish fires and search for and recover casualties. Delegates also learn how to wear firefighting equipment which includes personal breathing apparatus and the safe use of fire extinguishers.

STCW Fire Fighting – Certificate of Proficiency in Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting

The Certificate of Proficiency in Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting is the same course taught over 2 ½ days of the STCW 4 Part Basic Safety Training, although it can be undertaken on its own.

The STCW Fire Fighting course includes videos, group discussions, trainer-led presentations, donning of fire safety suits, use of different types of fire extinguishers, hose techniques, search and safe movement techniques, casualty handling, breathing apparatus wears in both smoky and hot environments within the fire training module.

Prerequisites to STCW Fire Fighting
  • Basic level of fitness

Renewing and Refreshing STCW Fire Fighting Certification

The STCW requirement for refreshing a Certificate of Proficiency in Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting is once every 5 years.

Prerequisites to STCW Advanced Fire Fighting Renewal
  • Hold a Proficiency in Fire Prevention & Fighting Certificate (STCW Reg VI/2) or recognised equivalent pre 31 January 2000 (i.e. MNTB 2 Day Fire Fighting Course).
  • Basic level of fitness.

STCW Advanced Fire Fighting – Certificate of Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting

The aim of the Certificate of Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting course is to give seafarers the essential education and training to meet the Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency (KUP) requirements set out in the following:

Table A-VI/3
– Control fire fighting operations aboard ships
– Organise and train fire parties
– Inspect and service fire detection and fire extinguishing systems and equipment
– Investigate and compile reports on incidents involving fire

The course includes videos, group discussions, trainer-led presentations, donning of fire safety suits, use of different types of fire extinguishers, hose techniques, search and safe movement techniques, casualty handling, situation command and control, ship safety considerations, breathing apparatus wears in both smoky and hot environments within the fire training module.

Prerequisites to STCW Advanced Fire Fighting
  • Completed a Certificate of Proficiency in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Reg VI/1 para 1 & Sec A-VI/1 para 2.1.2) or appropriate training approved by the MCA.
  • Basic level of fitness

Renewing and Refreshing STCW Advanced Fire Fighting Certification

In accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, a Certificate of Updated Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting requires refreshing every five years.

Renewing your Certificate of Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting in accordance with STCW Reg VI/3 para 1 & Sec A-VI/3 is simple. You will need to book a course with your chosen maritime skills training provider. This course will typically be taught over one day.

Prerequisites to STCW Advanced Fire Fighting Renewal
  • Hold a Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting Certificate (STCW Reg VI/3 para 1 & Sec A-VI/3) or recognised equivalent pre 31 January 2000 (i.e. MNTB 4 Day Fire Fighting Course).
  • Show evidence of the updating training in Proficiency in Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting as per MSN1865.
  • Basic level of fitness

Additional Fire Fighting Courses Available

Entry into Enclosed Spaces
Fire Team Training
Fire Team Leader
Initial Breathing Apparatus
Breathing Apparatus (Refresher)
Fire Extinguisher Training
Fire Marshal/Warden Course

View courses here.

How to Book a Maritime Fire Fighting Course

Online

Here at the Maritime Skills Academy, we’ve created an industry-leading online course booking portal. This booking portal makes you ever to view and book available enrolment dates as well as download and fill in any necessary course forms and paperwork.

To book your maritime fire fighting course online, browse your course from the link below, select the start date you would like to enrol for and checkout online.

We can also assist with your accommodation and travel arrangements after checkout.

Browse courses.

By Phone

Call our inhouse team on +44(0)300 303 8393