December 2023 - The Introduction of Workboat Code 3 has changed the training requirements, existing seafarers who have completed the SQA units or who were booked prior to 13th December 2023 to attend a course before the end of March 2024 will continue to be able to use their SQA certificates as evidence of meeting the training requirements under Workboat Code 3, 2 and the Brown Code once it transitions to WBC3. Anyone who hasn't completed the SQA units will now need to complete the 2023 updated version of the MCA Small Ships Navigation and Radar course.

SeaRegs Training have SQA approval for the Level 3 Award in Maritime Studies: Use of Radar and Electronic Chart Systems in Code Vessels.

The Award has 2 modules; Use of Radar for Safe Navigation and Collision Avoidance on Domestic and Code Vessels, and Operate Non-ECDIS Marine Electronic Chart Systems. Both need to be completed to gain the full award however the modules can be studied individually.

Whilst initially aimed at meeting the training requirements of the 2014 Workboat code, these units will be of benefit to skippers of code vessels. The MCA have confirmed in MIN 522 the Radar module can be used on its own for the radar endorsement under the Boatmaster scheme. Please see the information listed under each module, further down.

These courses are mainly offered in our classroom at our Plymouth training centre, however it is also possible to run them at an employer's base if a suitable training room and vessel / equipment is available.

In the Workboat Code Edition 2, in Annex 3 “the Manning of Small Vessels”, there are the following two sections:

2.11 Radar Training
2.11.1 In any vessel that carries radar, the Master and any member of the crew who is likely to use the radar is strongly recommended to undertake appropriate training e.g. the Small Ships Navigation and Radar Course, the MSQ unit ‘Use of Radar for Safe Navigation and Collision Avoidance on Domestic and Code Vessels’, or other course subsequently approved by the MCA. This strong recommendation becomes a requirement 3 years after the publication of this Code.

2.13 Electronic Chart Plotters Training
2.13.1 It is strongly recommended that training appropriate to the type of equipment on the vessel must be undertaken by the Master and any other crew member responsible for navigation. This strong recommendation becomes a requirement 3 years after publication of this code. Note: the MSQ unit ‘Operate non-ECDIS marine Electronic Chart Systems’, developed by the NWA has been approved by the MCA as meeting this requirement.

Course Content 

• Use of Electronic Chart Systems 
• Interpreting information presented 
• Understanding the capability of Electronic Chart Systems 
• Dangers of over reliance as well as the rules regarding the use

Course Content 

• Understanding the regulations & guidance on the use of radar found on domestic and code vessels
• The principles of operation, including limitations, of radar found on domestic and code vessels
• Be able to set up a radar system for operational 
• Operate radar for navigation, including collision avoidance