Advanced Cargo Operations is a two-week course that includes instruction in the characteristics of various types of cargo vessels and the methods of handling and stowing cargoes. Vessel types are container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, passenger ships, and RO/RO vessels. The student will be familiarized with the IMDG code for hazardous materials and the use of cargo operation software programs. The Advanced Cargo Operations course fulfills the requirements for training in cargo operations to upgrade to chief mate.

Course Capacity: 6 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed the 70-hour Advanced Cargo Operations course will satisfy the Advanced Cargo Operations training requirements for STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code: M-9-1A; M-9-1B; M-9-1C; and M-9-1D. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present completed "Control Sheets" for these assessments in application for STCW certification.

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: 6 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who successfully completed the 35-hour Advanced Meteorology course will satisfy the Advanced Meteorology training requirements for STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of assessments M-6-1A and M-6-2A from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present completed "Control Sheets" for these assessments in application for STCW certification.

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 80-hour Advanced Shiphandling course will satisfy the Advanced Shiphandling training requirements for STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). In conjunction with this course, any approved instructor for this course is authorized to sign-off for a successful demonstration on the students' "Control Sheets" for the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code: M-3-1A; M-7-1A; M-7-2A; M-7-3A; M-7-3B; M-7-4A; M-7-5A; M-8-1A; M-8-2A; M-8-3A; M-8-4A; M-8-5A; M-8-6A; M-8-6B; M-8-7A; M-8-8A; and M-8-9A.

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: 6 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed our 40-hour Advanced Stability course will satisfy the Advanced Stability training requirements for STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code: M-9-1A, M-9-1B, M-9-1C, and M-9-1D. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present completed "Control Sheets" for these assessments in application for STCW certification.

Advanced Watchkeeping arrangements and procedures is a one-week course designed to provide the student with knowledge and understanding of the International and Inland Rules of the Road, fundamental principles of organizing and managing a navigation bridge team and critical thinking for decision making. Topics covered are 1972 COLREGS, as amended; determining risk of collision; proper maneuvering in traffic separation schemes; identification of lights and day shapes; master/pilot interface and bridge team management. This course fulfills the STCW requirements for Watchkeeping at the Management Level.

Course Capacity: 6 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed the 35-hour Advanced Watchkeeping course will satisfy the Watchkeeping and Advanced COLREGS training requirements for STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code: M-4-1A, M-4-1C, M-4-2A, M-5-1A, M-5-1B, M-5-1C, and M-5-1D. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed "Control Sheets" for these assessments in application for STCW certification.

The Automatic Radar Plotting Aid course provides instruction to the mariner in the operation of electronic radar plotting aids. By using an internal computer, the course speed and other pertinent traffic information is displayed to the user for rapid and accurate decision making. The ARPA technology has been in use for decades, but the capabilities have improved and evolved. The modern ARPA is now integrated with other navigation systems and provides the mariner with a constant source of up-to-date information.

Course Capacity: 6 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed our 30-hour Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) course will satisfy the ARPA training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(m)(1). The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-3-2-A; OICNW-3-2B; OICNW-3-2C; OICNW-3-2D; OICNW-3-2E; OICNW-3-2F; OICNW-3-2G; OICNW-3-2H; OICNW-3-2I; OICNW-3-2J; OICNW-3-2K; OICNW-3-2L; and OICNW-3-2M. Applicants who have successfully completed this course need not present completed "Control Sheets" for these assessments in application for STCW certification.

This one-week course will address the factors involved with maintaining an alert and professional bridge watch by utilizing all available resources. Such factors discussed will include the human factor under stressful conditions, integration of navigation tools with shiphandling, and personnel management. Students will discuss the error chain and methods of recognizing possible scenarios that could result in unfavorable situations. Other topics discussed will include Master/Pilot interface, communications, and crisis management.

Course Capacity: 6 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed our 30-hour Bridge Resource Management course will satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and Section B-VIII/2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code.

This one-week course instructs students in the operation of Electronic Chart Display and Information System. This navigation system uses electronic methods to display the charts in use aboard the vessel as well as providing navigational information useful to the mariner that is ordinarily maintained in publications. Using this technology the mariner will be capable of creating, adjusting and monitoring their position and course line. By employing the updating capabilities the electronic charts are kept up to date and accurate. Radar and other navigational systems can also be integrated with the ECDIS to provide an enhanced awareness of the vessel position and traffic condition.

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant successfully completing the 40-hour Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS) course will be considered to have successfully demonstrated the competencies Plan and Conduct a Passage and Determine Position: Thorough Knowledge of and Ability to Use ECDIS of Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code and Determine Position and the Accuracy of Resultant Position Fix: Position Determination Using ECDIS with Specific Knowledge of its Operating Principles, Limitations, Sources of Error, Detection of Misrepresentation of information and methods of Correction to Obtain Accurate Position Fixing of Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code.

This one-week course familiarizes deck officers with the fundamental principles of marine power plants to enhance overall shipboard operational safety through effective use and understanding of the propulsion, electric and auxiliary systems, and their inherent design limitations. During the course, students gain basic knowledge of large-bore 2-stroke and 4-stroke diesel engines, high-pressure boilers and steam turbine propulsion, marine gas turbine engines, mechanical thrust reversing equipment, and high voltage power transmission systems.

Note: This course is principally intended for candidates for seeking certification as officers in charge of a navigational watch at the management level.

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed the 35-hour Operating Principles of Marine Power Plants course and presents our certificate of training, within one year of completion of the training, will satisfy the Marine Propulsion Plants training requirements for STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC).

The one-week Proficiency in Survival Craft course is designed to meet the requirements of the Section A-VI/2 and Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code. Topics covered in this course include: safety guidelines, emergency procedures, launching and recovering of survival craft, radio lifesaving appliances, operation of a lifeboat engine, CPR and first aid. Lab work will consist of working with radio lifesaving appliances, operating a lifeboat diesel engine, righting an inverted liferaft, and launching, maneuvering, and recovering a lifeboat.

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: To participate in this course, you must be physically "Fit for Duty". A swimsuit will be needed for the pool-related activities of this class. Non-swimmers or poor swimmers should prepare for this class before arriving at the school. Failure to perform these elements will prevent you from earning certification.

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed the 35-hour Proficiency in Survival Craft course will satisfy the Survival Craft training requirements of Section A-VI/2 and Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 12.10-3(a)(6) for any endorsement as Lifeboatman; and if persented within one year of the completion of training, the written and practical examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.10-5 for a Lifeboatman endorsement (exam module 481xx) and the written "Survival Craft" examination requirements for service on vessels not equipped with lifeboats (exam module 441xx or 706xx).

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.

Contact the school to schedule a recertification.

Course Capacity: 1 student

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed our 1-day Radar Observer Recertification course will satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480(d) for renewal of any Radar Observer endorsement.

This course covers knowledge and skills required by Deck Officers at the management level pertaining to shipboard safety management, maritime business, and maritime law. It addresses learning in the areas of shipboard training and assessment, personnel supervision and performance appraisal, organizational management, medical care management, criminal and civil liability, port entry procedures, record keeping, Seaman's Articles or Agreement, bills of lading, pollution prevention, and collision and salvage.

Course Capacity: 6 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed the 60-hour Ship's Management - Safety Management course will satisfy the Ship Management training requirements for STCW certification as Master or Chief Mate on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC).

This one-week course satisfies USCG and STCW training requirements for Tankerman of Dangerous Liquids, Benzene Awareness Training, IGS/COW, and Vapor Control Operations.

Note: All MEBA officers must have taken this, or an equivalent USCG approved tank vessel safety course, to be eligible for service aboard tankers carrying dangerous liquids (oils and chemicals).  This course is not valid for service on tankers carrying Liquid Gases (LNG and LPG).

Course Capacity: 12 students

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: None

USCG Approval: Any applicant who has successfully completed the 40-hour Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids course will:

a) Satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.209, 13.309, 13.409 or 13.509 for a tankerman endorsement; AND

b) Satisfy the tanker familiarization, oil tanker and chemical tanker training requirements of paragraphs 1-21 of Section A-V/1 of the STCW Code; AND

c) Satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 10.227(d)(8)(C) for renewal of a merchant mariner credential endorsed as Tankerman PIC Dangerous Liquids.

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 the 60-hour Tank Ship Liquefied Gases course will satisfy the training requirements of paragraphs 1 to 7 and 22 to 34 of Section A-V/1 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR Part 13.209, 13.309, 13.409, or 13.509 for any tankerman endorsement valid for Liquefied Gases; AND satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 10.227(d)(8)(C) for renewal of a merchant mariner credential endorsed as Tankerman PIC Liquefied Gases.

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.

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 1-day Visual Communications (Flashing Light) course will satisfy the practical signaling examination requirements (flashing light) of 46 CFR 10.4019h) if presented within one year of the completion of training; AND will be considered to have successfully demonstrated the equivalent of assessment OICNW-4-1A from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present a completed "Control Sheet" for this assessment in application for STCW certification.