Ship Handling
| Course requirement | STCW recommended |
| Duration in hours | 40 |
| STCW references | A-II/1, A-II/2, A-VIII/2, B-I/12, B-VIII/2 |
The course is practical and theoretical and consists of a series of exercises performed on a ship handling simulator. Classroom lectures will provide the necessary theoretical background for the exercises. Particular items dealt with will be illustrated either by including them as part of an exercise or by separate simulator demonstration.
The exercises increase in complexity as trainees become familiar with the manoeuvring characteristics of the ship model and its response to the engine and helm in various conditions.
Trainees are expected to make use of effective bridge procedures, to comply with COLREG 1972 and to observe principles of keeping a navigational watch as set out in STCW 95, regulation VIII/2, section A-VIII/2, B-VIII/2 and B-I/12.
The course is designated for Masters, Chief Officers, other officers and future officers who are in charge of navigation and watchkeeping, such as pilots.
The trainees who successfully complete this course will have gained experience in ship handling under various conditions and will make more effective contribution to the bridge team during ship manoeuvring in normal and emergency situations.
The course is open to seafarers who have a minimum 12 months watchkeeping experience as officer in charge of navigational watch and have also completed training which meets or exceeds the standards set out by IMO and STCW.
- Standard manoeuvring characteristics
- Pivot point and slow speed control with stopping
- Wind and current effects
- Navigation and manoeuvring in narrow waters
- Navigation and manoeuvring within port limits
- Turning techniques, anchoring
- Navigation, manoeuvring and anchoring (approach and departure)
- Bank and shallow water effect, SBM operations
- Interaction and UKC effects
- Use of tugs
- Crisis management
- Manoeuvring and docking under various conditions