Mooring master training course for Ship to Ship operations

Ship to Ship (STS) operations – advanced manoeuvring and close-quarter transfer training

Strengthen your ability to carry out safe and efficient ship to ship (STS) operations through advanced simulator-based training.

This course focuses on close-quarter manoeuvring, coordination and communication between vessels during STS operations. You develop the skills needed to plan, execute and manage complex STS operations under varying environmental conditions, ensuring safe and controlled operations at all stages.

Outcome

What can you expect

Who is the course relevant for

The course is designed for experienced maritime professionals involved in STS operations and vessel manoeuvring, including:

Marine pilots and mooring masters
Shipmasters and senior officers
Other personnel involved in STS operations

What you will gain from the course

The course strengthens your ability to plan and execute STS operations safely and efficiently.

You gain a deeper understanding of vessel interaction, communication and coordination during close-quarter manoeuvring.

After the course, you will be able to:

Plan and conduct STS operations, including approach, mooring and unmooring
Manoeuvre vessels safely during close-quarter operations
Apply communication strategies between vessels and key personnel
Use operational and safety checklists effectively
Assess environmental factors such as wind, current and shallow water effects
Manage emergency situations, including aborting operations
Coordinate tug use and understand ship-to-ship interaction
Handle fender operations, mooring arrangements and transfer setups

What your organisation gains

The course strengthens your organisation’s ability to carry out STS operations safely and consistently.
You reduce the risk of incidents through improved communication, planning and operational awareness.
Crews perform more effectively in close-quarter situations, ensuring safer transfers and fewer operational disruptions.
At the same time, you support a more standardised and structured approach to STS operations across vessels and teams.

Content and process

Content and format

The course combines theoretical instruction, simulator-based exercises and structured debriefings using advanced replay tools.

You work with:

Principles of STS operations and manoeuvring
Close-quarter ship handling and vessel interaction
Pre-planning and contingency planning
Communication strategies during all phases of the operation
Mooring, unmooring and transfer procedures
Tug use and coordination where relevant
Emergency response and abort procedures
Safe watchkeeping during STS operations
Use of operational and safety checklists

Simulator exercises are conducted using two interconnected simulators, representing both vessels in the STS operation. Environmental conditions such as wind and current are gradually increased to explore operational limits and strengthen decision-making under realistic conditions.

Debriefings ensure that learning is translated into practical improvements and shared understanding between participants.

Prerequisites and level

This is an advanced-level course.

You are expected to have experience with ship manoeuvring and operational involvement in STS or related maritime activities.

Meet your instructor

Jakob Møller

Jakob is an instructor with extensive experience as a ship captain in the Danish ferry industry, having worked across a range of companies and operational roles. With both deep-sea and broad ferry sector experience, he brings a strong operational perspective to his teaching.

He holds a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma in Leadership. Jakob thrives in environments where learning drives development and takes great pride in delivering training to the highest professional standard. Most recently, he served as Head of Training, with responsibility for safety, navigation, and crew development.

Currently a Marine Specialist and Project Manager at Force Technology, Jakob combines his maritime expertise with strong competencies in hydrodynamics and simulation-based training. He is particularly passionate about port studies, working closely with clients to enhance efficiency and safety in port operations.

This combination of seagoing experience, leadership, and technical insight enables him to effectively bridge the gap between operational reality and simulation-based solutions.

Frej Anton Alwerud

Frej is a Master Mariner with more than 20 years of seagoing experience, most recently serving as Captain on ULCC vessels. His career has provided him with extensive practical knowledge of ship handling, strong nautical expertise, and hands-on experience with human factors in maritime operations.

At Force Technology, Frej works with simulator training, port studies, and the testing of new vessel designs, combining operational insight with solid technical understanding. As an instructor, he draws on his maritime background to deliver training that is practical, relevant, and closely aligned with the realities of ship operations.

Exam and certification

Participants receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.
Force Technology is an established maritime training provider approved by DNV.

Tailor the course to your organisation

This course can be adapted so participants work with your systems, data and real-world challenges from your organisation. Plan a tailored course for your team

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Reach out to Clara Giarrusso for more information.