Marine pilots will enhance their knowledge of handling different types of vessels safely and efficiently under the influence of different environmental conditions.

Goals and objectives

The aim of the course is to provide marine pilots with theoretical and practical knowledge of how to safely and efficiently handle different types of vessels under the influence of various environmental conditions and furthermore to enhance pilot skills through practical exercises. Thereby the participants will gain an insight into and know-how of the capabilities and limitations of manoeuvering different kinds of vessels ranging from large tankers to small container feeders, from POD tankers to RoRo vessels.

During the course, participants will have the possibility to test and improve manoeuvring strategies. Moreover, they will become familiar with, and get a thorough understanding of, physical elements influencing the manoeuvring of the vessel. The objective of the course is also to give an insight into the use and manoeuvring of tugs.

Course description

The ship handling course focuses on practical ship handling based on best practice and theoretical knowledge. Various difficult ship handling tasks will be conducted in the simulator, reflecting the real challenges pilots meet in their daily work.

The course consists of theoretical lectures, simulator exercises and debriefings with use of sophisticated replay tools. The exercises are prepared in advance based on input from our customer.

Gains

After completing the course, the participants will have a thorough knowledge of:

  • Pivot point
  • Fixed and variable propellers
  • Standard rudders and high-efficiency rudders
  • Bow and stern thrusters
  • Manoeuvring strategy with PODs
  • Constant Rate of Turn techniques
  • Impact of wind and current
  • Hydrodynamic effects: bank effect, ship-ship interaction, squat and shallow water
  • Tug operations

All theory will be supported by relevant simulator exercises transforming theory into practical ship handling.

References: STCW including 2010 Manila amendments, 2017 edition: IMO A.960 (23)