Syllabus and Course Framework

Scope:  This course is dedicated to informing, educating, and training prospective Masters Captains to insure that they become productive and safety conscious professionals in the boating industry.  On-line versions of many publications are provided to insure that students will know how to obtain the most current information.

Objective:  Captains Marine Masters Upgrade Course will emphasize the importance of boating knowledge and training thereby avoiding collisions at seas as well as insuring the safety of crew and passengers.  To accomplish this, the student will listen to audio lectures along with written text materials.  Diagrams, videos, and practical exercises will be utilized to assist the student in learning this material.  Quizzes will allow students to monitor their progress.

Course time:  24 hours

Module:  Seamanship

Module Time:  9.5

Lesson Objectives: 

• The learner will understand the different types of line and rope, including wire rope and be able to use lines and rope appropriately.
• The learner will understand the different types of line handling devices, purchase, block and tackle.  The learner will understand the principles behind mechanical and rove to advantage.
• The learner will understand the principles of ship handling, anchoring and towing.
• The learner will understand how to maneuver and launch life rafts and life boats, as well as receiving survivors.

Teaching Method:  Print material and audio lecture, diagrams, videos, quizzes

Teaching Materials:  Code of Federal Regulations, Boat Crew Seamanship Manual, 3 stranded line for knot tying and splicing

Practical Exercises:

• Practice knot tying and splicing
• Practice calculating mechanical and rove to advantage

Module:  Ship’s Construction, Trim and Stability

Module Time:  4 hours

Lesson Objectives:

• The learner will understand the parts of a boat and machinery operation.
• The learner will be knowledgeable of load lines and Plimsoll marks.
• The learner will understand the requirements for vessel alterations, repairs and hot work.
• The learner will understand the principals of trim and stability.

Teaching Method:  Print material and audio lecture, videos, practical exercises, quizzes

Teaching Materials:  Code of Federal Regulations, Boat Crew Seamanship Manual

Practical Exercises: 

• Calculating Metacentric Height

Module:  Safety

Module Time:  6 hours

Lesson Objectives:

• The learner will understand the chemistry and classes of fire as well as fire-fighting systems on vessels.
• The learner will understand his or her safety responsibilities and requirements, including, but not limited to fire prevention and fire-fighting, first aide, passenger safety, vessel maintenance and safety, pollution prevention, and the use and maintenance of safety equipment. 
• The learner will know the importance of practice drills, prompt action, containment, and choice of the correct extinguisher.
• The learner will demonstrate the ability to deal with adversity, stressing safety and a thorough knowledge of safety equipment.
• The learner will be aware of his or her responsibility to their crew, passengers, vessel, other vessels, and the environment.
• The learner will understand his or her responsibilities to comply with maritime law, including the use of the Code of Federal Regulations Publications as a reference for these laws.
• The learner will understand the basic principles for survival at sea.
• The learner will know how to access the regulations for lifesaving appliances for T-Boats and understand their operation.

Teaching Methods: Print material and audio lecture, videos, practical exercises, quizzes

Teaching Materials:  Code of Federal Regulation, Classes of Fire Graphic, Boat Crew Seamanship Manual, Beating the Odds (the importance of emergency drills)

Practical Exercises: 

• Conduct safety drills, including a Man Overboard drill, fire drill, and abandon ship drill,  using the ship’s log to document drill.
• Check safety equipment on your vessel (fire extinguishers, etc.)
  Use the on-line CFR  
  

Module:  Ship’s Business and Maritime Law

Module Time:   4.5 hours

Lesson Objectives: 

• The learner will understand the ship’s business, manning, shipment and discharge requirements.  This includes required certificates and documents.
• The learner will know how to utilize the Code of Federal Regulations for requirements for inspected T-Boats so that he or she can interact with the cognizant OCMI..
• The learner will understand the responsibilities involved in ship’s sanitation and environmental protection.

Teaching Methods:  Print material and audio lecture, videos, practical exercises, quizzes

Teaching Materials: Code of Federal Regulations, Boat Crew Seamanship Manual

Practical Exercises:  Utilize the on-line Code of Federal Regulations to become familiar with requirements and maritime laws.

Final Review

Objective:  The learner will know how to prepare for the proctored final exam.