Course Content

Theory Work
Nautical terms, parts of the ship, flags, procedures for the relief, maintenance and hand over of a watch and the information needed to maintain a safe watch. Knowledge of the use of lifesaving and fire-fighting appliances, code of safe working practices, signage, shipboard maintenance, prevention of pollution of the marine environment. Knowledge and identification of IMDG labelling. 

Practical Work
Bends and hitches, splicing and whipping, rope work and rigging, general deck work, slinging and rigging stage and bosun's chair, rigging a pilot ladder or hoists, gangway and accommodation ladder and rigging rat guards. Use and selection of stoppers for wires and ropes; open and closing hatches and watertight doors including bow, stern and other shell doors, rigging a hydrostatic release unit and the correct fitting of wire grips. 

Mooring
The procedures and order of events for making fast and letting go mooring and tug lines and wires, including towing lines.

Anchoring
General understanding of anchoring operations including; the use and operation of a windlass in anchor work such as anchoring, weighing anchor, securing for sea and warping; the use of anchors in emergencies and the marking of anchor cable.

Cargo Work
General understanding of cargo operations including the gear used in cargo work and an understanding of its uses. General maintenance with particular reference to wires, blocks and shackles, safe working loads, and breaking strengths of mooring and cargo equipment, including mooring wires, synthetic and fibre lines, winches, anchors windlasses, capstans, bitts, chocks and bollards