Objective:
The main objective of this course is to provide trainees, as per STCW Sections A-II/1 ans A-II/2, with necessary knowledge and ability to manoeuvre ships on berthing and unberthing operations. Moreover, the students should learn the procedures for assessing different conditions, in order to plan and execute the manoeuvres safely and the correct use of human resources and team communication for managing crises onboard ships.

Contents:

• Introduction to human factor at sea, decision making
• Revision of main principles on ship's manoeuvring
• Effect of displacement, draft, trim and speed, turning radius and stopping distance
• External factors: wind; streams; currents, squat
• Ship interaction and canal effect
• Manoeuvring in shallow waters, including squat effect, rolling and pitching
• Simulator training with specific ship and specific conditions (equipment, port and operation conditions)
• Simulator exercises including berthing, unberthing and anchoring, under different conditions of wind, currents and streams, anchoring with two anchors and use of tugs
• Simulator exercises under severe external conditions and failure of main engines and positioning equipment
• Assessment of possibilities and limitations of the ship and the navigator
• Types of tugs. Use and interaction with ships
• Strategic plan and execution of the manoeuvre safely
• Train to ensure the optimal use of resources
• Assessment of leadership and communications
• Sharing experience and testing new ideas of manoeuvring