MCA Approved HELM (Operational)

The emphasis throughout the course is to develop understanding of human factor concepts and understanding of how human actions influence, for good or ill, the practical application of those concepts. This understanding, properly applied, then enhances the safe operation of the ship and the care of all persons on board. Aimed primarily at junior officers and those seeking their first watchkeeping certificates, this course also provides invaluable training for shore-based staff and non-deck or engineering personnel, such as pursers or hotel services people.

This is a three-day multi-activity course that provides delegates with a programme of approved training to control the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level by the application of management, leadership and team working skills.

The course highlights issues such as fatigue, stress, cultural, educational and linguistic differences in the vessels operational team and how they have been the root cause of many losses and casualties. We use MAIB Marine accident investigation reports to tease out issues leading to these losses and casualties.

The Operational level course is designed to comply with the requirements as set out in the IMO mandatory requirements the competence ‘leadership and management skills’ set out in Tables A-II/1, A-III/1 and A-III/6 of the STCW Convention and Code 1978, as amended (2010); and, when combined with the completion of an MNTB Training Record Book (Deck/Engineering) or approved simulator training/assessment, the knowledge, understanding and proficiencies for Bridge/Engine-room resource management set out in Tables A-II/1 and A-III/1 of the STCW Convention and Code 1978, as amended (2010).

The course meets the Operational level syllabus requirements contained in the MNTB syllabus. Course duration is three days.