Transportation · course plan
⚠ Pending professional review
This course plan, its lessons and its assessments has not yet been verified by a certified examiner or master technician in the trade or by a certification or approval body. It is a study draft and may contain errors. Do not use it as instructions for work on a job site or on live equipment. Always follow your instructor, your supervising professional, and current official references and regulations.
VoTechWorks program approval and accreditation are still in progress. Credentials are issued only by the certifying bodies named in each program, after their own exams.
Maritime Crew (deck/engine)
9 courses · 600 clock hours · 2–4 mo full-time. Grading is competency-based: each course requires the written exam, a competent skills demonstration with zero safety faults, a signed log, and a passed safety audit; percentage weights only rank performance above the competency floor.
9courses
44lessons
600hours
31assessments
Development progressPlanCourses, lessons and assessments written for this tradeLessons44 of 44 lesson pages writtenPractice352 practice questionsResources119 reference entries (study list)Review0 lesson pages reviewed by a licensed professional
Study now: 44 lesson pages are open (lesson titles below are links).
TRN-MARI24-01 Universal core
Universal Core: Safety, Math, Communication & Career for Maritime Crew
148 hr · $1,185 COMPLIMENTARY
This foundational course equips deck and engine crew candidates with the safety knowledge, technical mathematics, literacy skills, digital tools, and professional habits required across every subsequent maritime course and aboard commercial vessels. Students complete OSHA 10-Hour Maritime training, basic first aid and CPR, and build the career documents needed to enter the maritime workforce.
Outcomes- Pass the OSHA 10-Hour Maritime Industry outreach training and apply hazard-recognition and personal protective equipment (PPE) selection to common shipboard scenarios.
- Perform trade math calculations — including unit conversion, ratio and proportion, basic algebra, and measurement with hand tools — accurate enough for engine-room and deck operations.
- Read and extract key information from technical documents such as Material Safety Data Sheets (SDS), equipment manuals, nautical publications, and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
- Use digital tools — email, vessel management software interfaces, electronic charting basics, and online USCG credential portals — competently for entry-level crew tasks.
- Demonstrate professional workplace behaviors — punctuality, chain-of-command communication, written logs, and drug-free workplace policy compliance — consistent with maritime employer expectations.
- Complete a career-readiness portfolio including a merchant mariner resume, a completed USCG MMC application checklist, and a structured professional introduction.
Course text
This foundational course equips deck and engine crew candidates with the safety knowledge, technical mathematics, literacy skills, digital tools, and professional habits required across every subsequent maritime course and aboard commercial vessels. Students complete OSHA 10-Hour Maritime training, basic first aid and CPR, and build the career documents needed to enter the maritime workforce.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Maritime Workplace Hazards and OSHA 10 Maritime; First Aid, CPR, and Basic Medical Response for Mariners; Trade Mathematics and Measurement for Deck and Engine Crew; Technical Reading: SDS, Manuals, Nautical Publications, and USCG Regulations; Digital Tools for Maritime Crew; Maritime Workplace Professionalism, Chain of Command, and Drug-Free Workplace; Career Readiness: Resume, MMC Application, and Professional Introduction.
What competent looks like. Pass the OSHA 10-Hour Maritime Industry outreach training and apply hazard-recognition and personal protective equipment (PPE) selection to common shipboard scenarios. Perform trade math calculations — including unit conversion, ratio and proportion, basic algebra, and measurement with hand tools — accurate enough for engine-room and deck operations. Read and extract key information from technical documents such as Material Safety Data Sheets (SDS), equipment manuals, nautical publications, and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Use digital tools — email, vessel management software interfaces, electronic charting basics, and online USCG credential portals — competently for entry-level crew tasks. Demonstrate professional workplace behaviors — punctuality, chain-of-command communication, written logs, and drug-free workplace policy compliance — consistent with maritime employer expectations. Complete a career-readiness portfolio including a merchant mariner resume, a completed USCG MMC application checklist, and a structured professional introduction.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maritime Workplace Hazards and OSHA 10 Maritime | 28 | theory | Students identify the top maritime workplace hazards, select appropriate PPE for each, and complete the OSHA 10-Hour Maritime Industry outreach program requirements. |
| OSHA 10-Hour Maritime Industry outreach curriculum (OSHA-authorized instructor materials), OSHA sign-in sheets, mock PPE kit (hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, PFDs, steel-toed boots), mock valve and electrical panel for LOTO exercise, Hazard Identification Log template, dry-erase whiteboard | Student must score 70% or higher on the embedded OSHA 10 end-of-program assessment and submit a completed Hazard Identification Log with at least 12 of 15 hazards correctly matched to PPE; OSHA card eligibility confirmed by attendance record. |
| 2 | First Aid, CPR, and Basic Medical Response for Mariners | 20 | lab | Students perform hands-only and full CPR, use an AED, control bleeding, and manage shock on a manikin to the standard required by a nationally recognized first aid/CPR certification. |
| Adult and infant CPR manikins with feedback indicators, AED trainer units, commercial tourniquets, pressure dressing kits, simulation bleeding arm trainer, VHF radio trainer, shipboard medical log forms, nationally recognized first aid/CPR provider curriculum (American Red Cross or American Heart Association authorized materials) | Student must pass all required skills stations on the nationally recognized first aid/CPR provider checklist (100% of critical steps performed correctly, with a maximum of one instructor prompt per skill) and complete a legible simulated medical log entry; successful completion qualifies student to sit for certification card issuance. |
| 3 | Trade Mathematics and Measurement for Deck and Engine Crew | 30 | practice | Students solve maritime trade math problems — unit conversion, ratio and proportion, basic algebra, area and volume, and instrument reading — with at least 80% accuracy on timed exercises. |
| Scientific calculators, steel tape measures, inside and outside calipers, pressure gauge (analog, 0–200 psi range), laboratory thermometers, graduated cylinders, pipe section samples, unit conversion reference card (instructor-produced), trade math worksheet packet, whiteboard and markers | Student must score 80% or higher on a 30-problem timed trade math quiz (45 minutes, closed notes) covering all topics from the lesson; measurement lab data table must include correct units on every entry and percentage errors calculated to two decimal places. |
| 4 | Technical Reading: SDS, Manuals, Nautical Publications, and USCG Regulations | 22 | theory | Students locate and accurately extract critical safety, operational, and regulatory information from Safety Data Sheets, equipment technical manuals, the American Practical Navigator (Bowditch), and published USCG regulations. |
| Printed SDS sheets (three chemical types), diesel generator manual excerpt (instructor-selected from public-domain source), 46 CFR printed excerpts relevant to merchant mariner credentials, USCG NMC informational handout, American Practical Navigator (Bowditch) excerpt (NIMA/NGA publication, publicly available), structured reading guides, highlighters | Student must answer at least 10 of 12 SDS questions correctly and at least 4 of 5 regulatory questions correctly; plain-language paragraph must include all three key AB requirements identified in the source material and be free of factual errors as judged by the instructor. |
| 5 | Digital Tools for Maritime Crew | 18 | demo | Students demonstrate entry-level competency using email, electronic logbooks, an electronic charting display interface, and the USCG Homeport and NMC credential portals to complete realistic maritime crew tasks. |
| Computers or tablets with internet access, electronic charting software demo or NOAA chart viewer (free, browser-based), digital deck log spreadsheet template (instructor-created), USCG Homeport and NMC website access, digital scavenger-hunt form, projector for class sharing | Email must meet a professional format rubric (correct salutation, clear subject, no text-language abbreviations, correct maritime terminology) scoring 4 of 5 rubric points; all three deck log entries must include every required field with no blank cells; scavenger-hunt form must be 100% complete and accurate. |
| 6 | Maritime Workplace Professionalism, Chain of Command, and Drug-Free Workplace | 18 | theory | Students explain the maritime chain of command, demonstrate professional workplace communication in written and verbal forms, and describe the federal drug and alcohol testing requirements for merchant mariners. |
| Shipboard org-chart template, chain-of-command definition card, professional communication rubric, DOT/USCG drug and alcohol testing program summary (publicly available printed guidance), writing paper | Org-chart must be 100% complete with all 11 positions correctly placed; role-play must score at least 4 of 5 on the communication rubric as rated by both peer and instructor; drug and alcohol reflection must cite at least two accurate consequences of a positive test result and be free of factual errors. |
| 7 | Career Readiness: Resume, MMC Application, and Professional Introduction | 12 | practice | Students produce a complete, error-free maritime resume, a filled-out USCG MMC application checklist, and deliver a 90-second professional self-introduction targeted at maritime employers. |
| Maritime resume template, 10-point editing checklist, USCG NMC MMC application checklist (current, printed from NMC website), hypothetical applicant profile handout, tablet or smartphone for recording, professional introduction rubric, writing paper, computers or word processors for resume drafting | Resume must score 9 of 10 on the editing checklist (no spelling errors, correct format, all sections present); MMC checklist must be 100% complete with no blank fields and all required documents correctly identified; professional introduction must score at least 3 of 4 on the rubric and run between 80 and 110 seconds. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maritime Safety and Regulations Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% correct (35 of 50 questions) | A 50-question multiple-choice closed-book exam covering OSHA Maritime hazard recognition, PPE selection, lockout/tagout procedures, SDS interpretation, and USCG regulatory requirements for merchant mariner credentials; questions are drawn from lesson content in Lessons 1 and 4 and are written at the reading level expected in STCW and USCG credential examination contexts. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Trade Math and Technical Reading Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% correct (24 of 30 questions) | A 30-question closed-notes exam combining 20 trade math problems (unit conversion, ratio, algebra, area/volume, instrument reading) and 10 technical reading comprehension questions drawn from a new SDS excerpt and a short equipment manual passage not seen during instruction; a basic scientific calculator is permitted for the math section only. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Career Readiness Portfolio Project | Project | 25% | Passing on all three components: resume scores 9/10 on editing checklist, MMC checklist is 100% complete, professional introduction scores 3/4 on rubric | Students submit a complete career readiness portfolio consisting of their final-draft maritime resume, the completed USCG MMC application checklist with required documents identified, and a self-evaluation form from their recorded professional introduction; all three components must individually meet the passing standard — a deficiency in any one component requires revision and resubmission within five instructional days. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Safety and Professionalism Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 25% | Satisfactory rating (3 of 4 or higher) on all four rubric dimensions: accuracy, clarity, professional bearing, and practical application | Each student participates in a 10-minute individual oral examination in which the instructor presents two realistic shipboard scenarios — one safety scenario (e.g., discovering a crew member unconscious in a confined space) and one professional scenario (e.g., being instructed to skip a required log entry) — and the student must verbally walk through their response, citing correct procedures, chain-of-command steps, and regulatory or safety rationale; the oral format mirrors the practical demonstrations expected in STCW basic safety courses that follow this core course. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
TRN-MARI24-02 Trade course
STCW Basic Safety for Maritime Crew
49 hr · $705 COMPLIMENTARY
This course covers the four mandatory STCW Basic Training competencies required by the International Maritime Organization and administered by the U.S. Coast Guard: personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities. Students complete the regulated hours and skills demonstrations needed to satisfy STCW Basic Training certification requirements. Lessons integrate hands-on drills with the regulatory framework so graduates are immediately employable on vessels subject to STCW.
Outcomes- Demonstrate correct donning and use of a lifejacket, immersion suit, and personal flotation device to STCW standard within the required time limit
- Identify classes of fire, explain the chemistry of combustion, and select and operate the correct portable extinguisher for a given fire scenario
- Perform hands-only and rescue-breathing CPR and apply basic wound care and shock management techniques following STCW elementary first-aid requirements
- State the watch-standing obligations, drug and alcohol policies, fatigue management rules, and crew duty-of-care responsibilities under STCW Chapter VI
- Correctly read and apply a ship's muster list, respond to emergency alarm signals, and execute an abandon-ship drill in proper sequence
- Explain the STCW certification process, the role of the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center, and the difference between Basic Training and full STCW endorsements
Course text
This course covers the four mandatory STCW Basic Training competencies required by the International Maritime Organization and administered by the U.S. Coast Guard: personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities. Students complete the regulated hours and skills demonstrations needed to satisfy STCW Basic Training certification requirements. Lessons integrate hands-on drills with the regulatory framework so graduates are immediately employable on vessels subject to STCW.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: STCW Framework, Personal Safety, and Social Responsibilities; Personal Survival Techniques — Lifesaving Appliances and Water Survival; Fire Prevention and Basic Firefighting Principles; Elementary First Aid — CPR, Bleeding Control, and Shock Management; Integrated Emergency Drills and STCW Certification Readiness.
What competent looks like. Demonstrate correct donning and use of a lifejacket, immersion suit, and personal flotation device to STCW standard within the required time limit. Identify classes of fire, explain the chemistry of combustion, and select and operate the correct portable extinguisher for a given fire scenario. Perform hands-only and rescue-breathing CPR and apply basic wound care and shock management techniques following STCW elementary first-aid requirements. State the watch-standing obligations, drug and alcohol policies, fatigue management rules, and crew duty-of-care responsibilities under STCW Chapter VI. Correctly read and apply a ship's muster list, respond to emergency alarm signals, and execute an abandon-ship drill in proper sequence. Explain the STCW certification process, the role of the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center, and the difference between Basic Training and full STCW endorsements.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | STCW Framework, Personal Safety, and Social Responsibilities | 9 | theory | Students will explain the purpose and structure of the STCW Convention, identify mandatory Basic Training elements, and state personal safety and social responsibility obligations required by STCW Chapter VI. |
| STCW 2010 Manila Amendments text (IMO publication or Coast Guard summary), USCG NVIC 08-14 (STCW Basic Training guidance), sample muster list poster, whiteboard, student workbooks | Exit quiz of 20 multiple-choice questions covering STCW structure, alarm signals, fatigue rules, and drug/alcohol policy; students must score 70% or higher to proceed |
| 2 | Personal Survival Techniques — Lifesaving Appliances and Water Survival | 12 | lab | Students will don a lifejacket and immersion suit correctly within regulation time limits, demonstrate safe water entry, and perform survival swimming and group-huddle techniques in a controlled aquatic environment. |
| SOLAS-approved offshore lifejackets (one per student), adult immersion suits (assorted sizes), pool or controlled open-water facility, line-throwing appliance (training model), EPIRB and SART display units, stopwatch, STCW personal survival techniques skills checklist | Practical skills checklist: immersion-suit donning timed at or under the applicable STCW limit, correct HELP position held for two minutes, and successful right-side-up recovery of inverted lifejacket; all three items must be marked satisfactory (no unsatisfactory items permitted) to pass |
| 3 | Fire Prevention and Basic Firefighting Principles | 12 | demo | Students will classify a fire by fuel type, select the correct portable extinguisher, and operate it safely using the PASS technique on a live or simulated training fire scenario. |
| Propane training fire simulator (or approved extinguisher training unit), CO2, ABC dry-chemical, and AFFF portable extinguishers, SOLAS fire control plan sample, fire-station diagram poster, PPE (gloves, face shield, safety glasses), NFPA 10 standard (reference copy) | Instructor-scored practical checklist: student selects correct extinguisher for a stated scenario (pass/fail), performs full PASS sequence without prompting (pass/fail), and answers two verbal questions about fixed system hazards; all three elements must be satisfactory to pass |
| 4 | Elementary First Aid — CPR, Bleeding Control, and Shock Management | 10 | practice | Students will perform adult one-rescuer CPR with AED operation and apply direct-pressure wound care and shock-positioning techniques that meet the STCW elementary first-aid performance standard. |
| Adult CPR manikins (one per two students), CPR feedback devices, training AED units, wound-care kit (gloves, dressings, bandages, tape), training cervical collar, first-aid report forms, American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR course materials | Structured skills evaluation: CPR rate and depth scored by feedback device must meet AHA guidelines; wound-care bandage must achieve simulated hemostasis (no exposed wound after bandaging); shock positioning must be correct for the scenario; student must score satisfactory on all three components to pass |
| 5 | Integrated Emergency Drills and STCW Certification Readiness | 6 | field | Students will execute a complete abandon-ship drill sequence — including alarm response, muster, lifejacket donning, and life-raft boarding order — and correctly describe the STCW credential application process through the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center. |
| General alarm system or air horn, adult lifejackets, sample muster list, life-raft canopy mockup or inflatable raft (dock or pool setting), USCG NMC Basic Training checklist (current version from NMC website), sample course completion certificate, student performance portfolios from previous lessons | Drill checklist: student must reach muster station within the drill time limit, don lifejacket correctly, and demonstrate correct boarding sequence — all three steps marked satisfactory; credential workshop: student's mock application folder must include all required document categories with zero missing entries to pass |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STCW Basic Safety Written Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% correct (35 of 50 questions) | A 50-question multiple-choice exam covering the four STCW Basic Training competency areas: personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities, including STCW regulatory structure and USCG certification procedures. Questions are drawn from STCW convention tables and USCG NVIC guidance to mirror the content students must master for credentialing. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| STCW Basic Training Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Satisfactory rating on all six mandatory skill items; no unsatisfactory ratings permitted | An instructor-evaluated practical assessment in which each student individually performs: immersion-suit donning within the STCW time limit, correct HELP position, PASS-technique extinguisher operation on the correct fire class, one-rescuer CPR with AED to AHA standards, direct-pressure wound care, and correct response to the general alarm through muster. Each item is rated satisfactory or unsatisfactory using the program's standardized STCW skills checklist. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Drill and Lab Participation Log | Log | 15% | All five lessons documented with instructor signature; no more than one corrective-action note without a documented resolution | Students maintain a running lab log throughout the course recording the date, lesson title, equipment used, skills practiced, and one self-reflection entry per lesson. The instructor reviews and signs each entry at the end of the corresponding lesson, noting any corrective actions required; the completed log serves as a training record supporting the USCG NMC Basic Training certificate application. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Emergency Drill Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical safety violations; all PPE worn correctly throughout; drill completed in proper sequence | During the integrated abandon-ship drill in Lesson 5, a second evaluator — separate from the drill instructor — observes each student exclusively for safety behaviors: PPE compliance, safe movement on deck, no horseplay near water, and correct lifejacket donning without creating an entanglement hazard. Any critical safety violation (uncontrolled fall risk, missing PPE near water, improper lifejacket buckle) results in an automatic drill repeat before the student may receive a passing record. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-MARI24-03 Trade course
Marine Firefighting: Prevention, Detection, and Suppression
49 hr · $705 COMPLIMENTARY
This course trains students to recognize, prevent, and fight fires aboard commercial vessels using International Maritime Organization (IMO) and U.S. Coast Guard standards. Students learn fire behavior, shipboard detection and alarm systems, portable and fixed suppression equipment, and coordinated team firefighting tactics aligned with STCW Basic Training fire prevention and firefighting competencies. Emphasis is placed on donning and operating a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), using appropriate extinguishing agents for each fire class, and maintaining personal safety throughout.
Outcomes- Identify the three elements of the fire triangle and classify a shipboard fire by fuel type (Class A, B, C, D, and K) to select the correct extinguishing agent.
- Demonstrate donning and operating a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) within the time limit required by STCW Basic Training standards.
- Locate, inspect, and operate shipboard fire detection, alarm, portable extinguisher, and fixed suppression systems in compliance with SOLAS requirements.
- Execute a two-person charged hose advance and apply the correct nozzle pattern to suppress a Class A or Class B fire during a live or controlled simulated burn exercise.
- Apply fire prevention practices including hot work permit procedures, fuel and electrical hazard controls, and proper stowage of flammable materials aboard a vessel.
- Complete and interpret a post-incident fire report form using standard maritime terminology, documenting actions taken and lessons learned.
Course text
This course trains students to recognize, prevent, and fight fires aboard commercial vessels using International Maritime Organization (IMO) and U.S. Coast Guard standards. Students learn fire behavior, shipboard detection and alarm systems, portable and fixed suppression equipment, and coordinated team firefighting tactics aligned with STCW Basic Training fire prevention and firefighting competencies. Emphasis is placed on donning and operating a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), using appropriate extinguishing agents for each fire class, and maintaining personal safety throughout.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Fire Behavior and Shipboard Hazards; Detection, Alarm, and Fixed Suppression Systems; Portable Extinguishers and Personal Protective Equipment; Hose Handling, Team Tactics, and Shipboard Attack; Integrated Shipboard Firefighting Scenario and Documentation.
What competent looks like. Identify the three elements of the fire triangle and classify a shipboard fire by fuel type (Class A, B, C, D, and K) to select the correct extinguishing agent. Demonstrate donning and operating a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) within the time limit required by STCW Basic Training standards. Locate, inspect, and operate shipboard fire detection, alarm, portable extinguisher, and fixed suppression systems in compliance with SOLAS requirements. Execute a two-person charged hose advance and apply the correct nozzle pattern to suppress a Class A or Class B fire during a live or controlled simulated burn exercise. Apply fire prevention practices including hot work permit procedures, fuel and electrical hazard controls, and proper stowage of flammable materials aboard a vessel. Complete and interpret a post-incident fire report form using standard maritime terminology, documenting actions taken and lessons learned.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fire Behavior and Shipboard Hazards | 9 | theory | Students will classify a shipboard fire scenario by fuel class and predict fire spread pathways based on the fire triangle and the unique construction of a vessel. |
| IMO Model Course 1.20 (Basic Training) student workbook, STCW Code Section A-VI/1 fire prevention and firefighting table, NFPA 10 fire extinguisher reference chart, printed incident report excerpts, whiteboard, projector | Scored 10-question written quiz on fire classes, combustion stages, and shipboard spread factors; pass mark is 70%. Instructor circulates during case study to verify each group correctly identifies all four elements before they present. |
| 2 | Detection, Alarm, and Fixed Suppression Systems | 8 | demo | Students will identify each type of shipboard fire detector and fixed suppression system, explain the SOLAS requirement for each space, and trace an alarm signal from detector to bridge panel without error. |
| Training vessel or shore-based firefighting training prop, fire detection control panel (training unit), laminated vessel deck plan worksheets, SOLAS Chapter II-2 summary reference sheet, IMO Model Course 1.20 workbook, dry-erase markers | Instructor observation checklist during the alarm simulation: student correctly identifies zone, uses proper radio call-out, and states response sequence in order — all three steps required for pass. Diagram worksheet must correctly label at least 80% of detector and system locations. |
| 3 | Portable Extinguishers and Personal Protective Equipment | 10 | lab | Students will inspect a portable extinguisher using the PASS acronym and P-A-S-S technique, select the correct extinguisher type for an assigned fire class, and don full firefighter PPE including SCBA within the time standard. |
| Assortment of portable extinguishers (at least one of each type listed), SCBA units (one per two students), structural firefighting gloves, helmets, PASS device, NFPA 10 inspection reference, manufacturer SCBA donning card, lab log forms, outdoor or enclosed training burn prop | SCBA donning: correctly donned with positive seal confirmed in ≤3 minutes — pass/fail per STCW Basic Training competency table. Extinguisher inspection: at least 5 of 6 station forms correctly completed. PASS discharge: instructor checklist — correct agent selected, aim at base of flame, sweeping motion, proper standoff distance; all four elements required to pass. |
| 4 | Hose Handling, Team Tactics, and Shipboard Attack | 14 | practice | Students will connect, charge, advance, and operate a 1.5-inch firefighting hose line as part of a two-person team and apply the correct nozzle pattern to control a simulated or live shipboard fire scenario. |
| 1.5-inch fire hose with adjustable fog nozzle, hose couplings, standpipe or portable training hydrant, SCBA units, smoke machine or training prop, hot work permit blank forms, vessel diagram worksheets, IMO Model Course 1.20 hose and nozzle section, PPE (gloves, helmet, station wear) | Instructor GO/NO-GO checklist for the confined-space advance: correct SCBA donning before entry, left-hand search technique maintained, communication calls made at each decision point, correct nozzle pattern applied, and orderly exit with hose — all five elements required to pass. Hot work permit: all required fields completed correctly to pass. |
| 5 | Integrated Shipboard Firefighting Scenario and Documentation | 8 | field | Students will perform a full shipboard firefighting scenario as an assigned crew role, following a muster, fire attack, and accountability sequence, then complete a post-incident report that meets maritime documentation standards. |
| Full PPE and SCBA sets for all students, fire hose and extinguishers, training prop (engine room or accommodation mockup), scenario brief cards, scenario evaluation rubric, post-incident report blank forms, IMO Model Course 1.20 documentation section, student lab log binders | Scenario rubric: student executes assigned role with no safety violations (SCBA donned before entry, buddy system maintained, accountability reported); at least 4 of 5 role-specific tasks completed correctly to pass. Post-incident report: all required fields completed with correct maritime terminology — instructor marks incomplete or inaccurate fields; report must require no more than one revision to pass. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Science and Systems Written Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% or higher (28 of 40 questions correct) | A 40-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering fire triangle, fire classes and agents, SOLAS detection and suppression system requirements, shipboard alarm procedures, and fire prevention practices including hot work permits. Questions are mapped to the STCW Basic Training competency table for fire prevention and firefighting (STCW Code Table A-VI/1-2). Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| SCBA Donning and Hose Team Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical safety steps rated GO; no more than one non-critical step rated NO-GO | Each student is evaluated individually on a GO/NO-GO checklist: correctly dons SCBA with positive seal in ≤3 minutes, then performs a two-person hose advance in simulated low-visibility conditions, applies correct nozzle pattern, and exits safely maintaining buddy contact. This demonstration directly maps to the STCW Basic Training practical demonstration requirement for firefighting skills. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log and Scenario Documentation Portfolio | Log | 15% | All five lab log entries complete and legible; post-incident report requires no more than one revision | Students submit their lab log binder containing completed inspection forms, extinguisher selection worksheets, SCBA donning time records, hose drill observations, and the post-incident report from the integrated scenario. Entries must use correct maritime terminology, include date and student signature, and reflect honest self-assessment notes from each lesson. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Firefighting Safety Compliance Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical safety violations observed across all lab and field sessions; any single critical violation requires remediation and re-check before course credit is awarded | The instructor maintains a running safety observation log throughout the course, recording any instance of a student entering a simulated hazard area without SCBA, failing to maintain buddy system, bypassing PPE, or ignoring a stop-work order. This check is not a single event but an ongoing record; students with no critical violations and fewer than three non-critical violations receive a safety compliance pass, which is required to receive course credit regardless of written exam score. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-MARI24-04 Trade course
Marine Survival: Personal Survival Techniques and Survival Craft Operations
48 hr · $690 COMPLIMENTARY
This course develops the knowledge and hands-on skills required to survive a maritime emergency, including vessel abandonment, survival craft launching and operation, use of personal life-saving appliances, and distress signaling. Content is aligned directly with the STCW Basic Training Table A-VI/1-1 (Personal Survival Techniques) competency requirements administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. Students who demonstrate all competencies meet a prerequisite for the STCW Basic Training certificate and support their eligibility for USCG AB and QMED credentials.
Outcomes- Demonstrate correct donning and use of an immersion suit and lifejacket in under two minutes and explain their limitations in cold and warm water scenarios.
- Execute safe entry into the water from height, initial actions in the water, and boarding of a survival craft following a simulated vessel abandonment drill.
- Identify and operate survival craft equipment including flares, EPIRBs, SARTs, and signaling mirrors in accordance with SOLAS requirements.
- Explain hypothermia prevention postures, HELP and huddle techniques, and triage priorities for survivors rescued from cold water.
- Demonstrate operation of a survival craft as coxswain, including sea anchor deployment, rations management, and maintaining crew morale and order.
- Correctly interpret SOLAS muster station signs, emergency signals, and survival instruction placards as required by STCW Table A-VI/1-1.
Course text
This course develops the knowledge and hands-on skills required to survive a maritime emergency, including vessel abandonment, survival craft launching and operation, use of personal life-saving appliances, and distress signaling. Content is aligned directly with the STCW Basic Training Table A-VI/1-1 (Personal Survival Techniques) competency requirements administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. Students who demonstrate all competencies meet a prerequisite for the STCW Basic Training certificate and support their eligibility for USCG AB and QMED credentials.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Types of Life-Saving Appliances and Regulatory Foundations; Donning Life-Saving Appliances and Water Survival Skills; Survival Craft Types, Equipment, and Launch Procedures; Distress Signaling, EPIRB and SART Operation, and Survivor Management; Cold-Water Survival, Hypothermia Recognition, and Integrated Abandon-Ship Drill.
What competent looks like. Demonstrate correct donning and use of an immersion suit and lifejacket in under two minutes and explain their limitations in cold and warm water scenarios. Execute safe entry into the water from height, initial actions in the water, and boarding of a survival craft following a simulated vessel abandonment drill. Identify and operate survival craft equipment including flares, EPIRBs, SARTs, and signaling mirrors in accordance with SOLAS requirements. Explain hypothermia prevention postures, HELP and huddle techniques, and triage priorities for survivors rescued from cold water. Demonstrate operation of a survival craft as coxswain, including sea anchor deployment, rations management, and maintaining crew morale and order. Correctly interpret SOLAS muster station signs, emergency signals, and survival instruction placards as required by STCW Table A-VI/1-1.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Types of Life-Saving Appliances and Regulatory Foundations | 8 | theory | Students will identify all major SOLAS life-saving appliances carried on merchant vessels, state the regulatory basis for each, and explain when and how each is deployed. |
| SOLAS Chapter III excerpts, USCG LSA Code reference handout, labeled diagram worksheets, physical lifejacket and immersion suit for visual reference, whiteboard, projector. | Ten-question written quiz on appliance identification, carriage requirements, and regulatory authority; pass mark 70%. Instructor reviews labeled diagrams for completeness before dismissal. |
| 2 | Donning Life-Saving Appliances and Water Survival Skills | 14 | lab | Students will correctly don an approved lifejacket and immersion suit within the STCW-required time limit, enter water safely from height, and demonstrate HELP and huddle positions in a controlled aquatic environment. |
| SOLAS-approved Type I lifejackets (one per student), USCG-approved immersion suits sized for class, stopwatches, STCW donning checklist forms, indoor pool or controlled waterfront area, lifeguard on duty, rescue reaching pole and throw bag at poolside, personal whistles. | STCW donning checklist: lifejacket donned correctly and securely — pass; immersion suit fully donned with zipper closed and face seal checked within two minutes — pass. Pool circuit: student completes all three water tasks without lifeguard intervention — pass. Any failed element requires a remedial practice session and retest before the student advances to Lesson 3. |
| 3 | Survival Craft Types, Equipment, and Launch Procedures | 10 | demo | Students will identify open and enclosed lifeboats, rescue boats, and life rafts; explain their launch and boarding methods; and locate and name every item of required SOLAS survival craft equipment. |
| Davit-launched lifeboat or approved life raft trainer or high-fidelity mockup, SOLAS equipment list checklist, hydrostatic release training canister, procedure log sheets, scenario cards, personal lifejackets, projector for launch video reference (USCG-produced or manufacturer training video). | Equipment identification check: student points to and names 90% of SOLAS-required items on the craft without prompting — pass. Procedure log sheet reviewed by instructor for correct sequence and no critical steps omitted — pass. Students who miss more than one critical step repeat the tabletop with a new scenario card. |
| 4 | Distress Signaling, EPIRB and SART Operation, and Survivor Management | 10 | practice | Students will activate a training EPIRB and SART, correctly use handheld flares and a signaling mirror, and apply rationing and survivor-management principles for extended time in a survival craft. |
| 406 MHz EPIRB training unit (non-transmitting), SART training unit with display, signal mirror, inert flare props (parachute flare, handheld flare, smoke signal), 72-hour survival decision worksheets, SOLAS signaling requirements reference card, whiteboard for group presentations. | Practical demonstration: student activates EPIRB and SART correctly and explains purpose — pass. Scenario worksheet: group decisions must include at least water rationing, watch scheduling, and signal timing consistent with SOLAS survival guidance — pass. Instructor checks each group's rationale for critical errors (e.g., using all flares at once) before marking complete. |
| 5 | Cold-Water Survival, Hypothermia Recognition, and Integrated Abandon-Ship Drill | 6 | field | Students will recognize signs of hypothermia and cold-water shock, apply correct rewarming and handling protocols for a casualty, and complete a timed integrated abandon-ship drill that combines all prior skills. |
| Air horn or recorded signal, lifejackets, immersion suits, survival craft trainer, sea anchor, training EPIRB, drill evaluation sheets, hypothermia reference cards, stopwatch, student self-assessment forms, STCW Table A-VI/1-1 competency matrix handout. | Integrated drill evaluation sheet: student completes muster, donning, boarding, headcount, sea anchor deployment, and signal initiation with no critical steps out of order and immersion suit fully sealed — pass. Hypothermia recognition: student correctly identifies at least three of four hypothermia stages and corresponding responses on the reference card scenario — pass. Students who fail the drill rerun the scenario once before end of session. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Survival Techniques Written Examination | Written exam | 25% | 70% correct (28 of 40 questions) | A 40-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering SOLAS life-saving appliance requirements, survival craft equipment identification, distress signal selection, hypothermia physiology, and STCW Table A-VI/1-1 competency knowledge; mapped directly to STCW Basic Training certificate knowledge requirements assessed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Students must pass before attempting the skills demonstration. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Survival Skills Practical Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical tasks rated Satisfactory on the STCW checklist; no Unsatisfactory ratings permitted on donning time, water-entry safety, or signal operation | Instructor uses a standardized STCW Table A-VI/1-1 skills checklist to evaluate each student individually on: donning lifejacket and immersion suit within time limits, controlled water entry and HELP/huddle postures, EPIRB and SART activation, one pyrotechnic signal identification, and survival craft equipment location; the checklist format mirrors documentation acceptable for USCG STCW Basic Training course completion records. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Survival Drill and Equipment Log | Log | 15% | Log submitted within 24 hours of final drill; all required sections complete; no blank entries; instructor sign-off confirming accuracy | Each student submits a written log documenting their actions, equipment used, and decision rationale across all five lessons and the final integrated abandon-ship drill, including a completed SOLAS equipment inventory checklist and a self-assessment of performance against each STCW Table A-VI/1-1 competency; the log demonstrates the record-keeping habits required for shipboard safety documentation and supports the student's USCG credential application file. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Pre-Drill Safety Gear Inspection Check | Safety audit | 15% | All items inspected and discrepancies reported before drill commences; student may not participate in water-entry or drill activities until cleared | Before the Lesson 5 integrated drill, the instructor conducts a safety-gear inspection of each student: lifejacket properly sized and all clips functional, immersion suit zipper and face seal intact, whistle attached, and no loose jewelry or clothing that could catch in equipment; any deficiency is corrected immediately or the student is issued replacement gear, reinforcing the professional habit of pre-use inspection required aboard any merchant vessel. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-MARI24-05 Trade course
Maritime First Aid: Emergency Care at Sea
48 hr · $690 COMPLIMENTARY
This 48-hour course trains deck and engine crew to respond to medical emergencies aboard commercial vessels where professional medical help may be hours or days away. Students learn to assess casualties, perform CPR and AED use, control bleeding, treat environmental injuries, and document care in compliance with STCW Basic Training medical care requirements and U.S. Coast Guard standards.
Outcomes- Perform a systematic primary and secondary casualty assessment and correctly prioritize care for at least two simultaneous casualties during a simulated shipboard emergency.
- Execute adult CPR with AED use to current American Heart Association or Red Cross standards, achieving a passing score on a mannequin skills check.
- Control hemorrhage using direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquet application, demonstrating correct technique on a practice limb within the time limit.
- Identify, treat, and document shipboard environmental injuries including hypothermia, heat illness, immersion foot, and decompression-related conditions.
- Immobilize fractures and suspected spinal injuries and safely move an incapacitated crew member using onboard equipment such as a Neil Robertson stretcher.
- Complete a SOLAS-compliant patient record and radio a structured medical report to a shore-based medical officer using the correct format.
Course text
This 48-hour course trains deck and engine crew to respond to medical emergencies aboard commercial vessels where professional medical help may be hours or days away. Students learn to assess casualties, perform CPR and AED use, control bleeding, treat environmental injuries, and document care in compliance with STCW Basic Training medical care requirements and U.S. Coast Guard standards.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Casualty Assessment and the Maritime Medical Environment; CPR, AED, and Airway Management; Hemorrhage Control, Shock, and Wound Management; Environmental and Occupational Injuries Aboard Ship; Immobilization, Patient Movement, and Medical Documentation.
What competent looks like. Perform a systematic primary and secondary casualty assessment and correctly prioritize care for at least two simultaneous casualties during a simulated shipboard emergency. Execute adult CPR with AED use to current American Heart Association or Red Cross standards, achieving a passing score on a mannequin skills check. Control hemorrhage using direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquet application, demonstrating correct technique on a practice limb within the time limit. Identify, treat, and document shipboard environmental injuries including hypothermia, heat illness, immersion foot, and decompression-related conditions. Immobilize fractures and suspected spinal injuries and safely move an incapacitated crew member using onboard equipment such as a Neil Robertson stretcher. Complete a SOLAS-compliant patient record and radio a structured medical report to a shore-based medical officer using the correct format.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Casualty Assessment and the Maritime Medical Environment | 10 | theory | Students will correctly perform a scene size-up, primary survey (ABCDE), and secondary head-to-toe survey on a simulated casualty, identifying at least four life threats in the correct priority order. |
| Ship Captain's Medical Guide (current edition, U.S. Public Health Service), STCW Manila Amendments medical first aid syllabus, casualty assessment pocket card, scenario cards, student notebooks, whiteboard | Each student verbally walks through a primary survey on a partner without prompting, correctly naming all five ABCDE steps and identifying the planted life threat; instructor uses a yes/no checklist — all five steps correct = pass. |
| 2 | CPR, AED, and Airway Management | 10 | lab | Students will perform hands-only and ventilation CPR on an adult mannequin and correctly operate an AED through a full shock cycle, meeting current American Heart Association or Red Cross BLS skill standards. |
| Adult CPR mannequins (minimum one per three students), AED trainers, ventilation masks with one-way valves, disposable gloves (nitrile), face shields, AHA or Red Cross BLS skills checklist, simulated engine room props (non-slip mats, dim lighting), program CPR skills checklist | Instructor-scored mannequin skills check using the AHA or Red Cross BLS psychomotor skills sheet; student must achieve acceptable ratings on compression rate, depth, full recoil, minimal interruptions, and correct AED operation — any single critical fail (e.g., failure to use AED) = repeat required before moving forward. |
| 3 | Hemorrhage Control, Shock, and Wound Management | 10 | practice | Students will control a simulated arterial bleed on a practice limb trainer using direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquet application, completing all steps correctly within the time limit set by the instructor. |
| Hemorrhage simulation arm trainers, commercial tourniquets (CAT or equivalent) for training, rolled gauze, pressure dressings, nitrile gloves, eye protection, shipboard first aid kit (actual or replica inventory), patient record forms, STCW medical first aid syllabus, stop-the-bleed reference cards | Student must achieve arterial bleed control on the arm trainer using correct sequence (pressure → packing → tourniquet if indicated) within the instructor-set time limit; tourniquet must be applied at least two inches above the wound with written time notation — correct sequence and documented time = pass; missed step or undocumented time = repeat. |
| 4 | Environmental and Occupational Injuries Aboard Ship | 10 | demo | Students will correctly identify, classify by severity, and describe the appropriate first aid management for at least six maritime environmental and occupational injury types, including cold-water immersion, heat stroke, chemical splash, and electrical shock. |
| Ship Captain's Medical Guide, sample SDS sheets for common shipboard chemicals, eyewash bottles, chemical splash goggles, heat packs, blankets, floor mat for recovery position practice, hypothermia classification chart, scenario packets, whiteboard, projector | Six-question written scenario quiz covering one question per injury type; student must correctly identify the injury and state at least two correct first aid steps per scenario — 70% or higher (4 of 6 correct) = pass; below 70% requires targeted review and retest before next lesson. |
| 5 | Immobilization, Patient Movement, and Medical Documentation | 8 | field | Students will correctly apply a SAM splint to a simulated lower-arm fracture, log-roll and secure a simulated spinal-injury casualty onto a backboard, package the casualty in a Neil Robertson stretcher, and complete a STCW-compliant patient record ready for radio transmission to a medical officer. |
| SAM splints (forearm and lower leg sizes), cervical collars (assorted sizes), long backboards with straps, Neil Robertson stretcher, passageway mock-up props, nitrile gloves, STCW patient record forms, radio handset (or training radio), scenario vital signs cards, Ship Captain's Medical Guide | Instructor uses a three-part competency checklist: (1) SAM splint applied with distal CMS check documented — correct; (2) log-roll completed without breaking spinal alignment as judged by instructor at the head position — correct; (3) patient record complete with no missing mandatory fields and radio report includes patient ID, mechanism, vitals, and care given — all three parts correct = pass; any single part incorrect = that component repeated. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maritime Medical Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% (35 of 50 questions correct) | A 50-question multiple-choice and short-answer written exam drawn from all five lesson areas, including casualty assessment priorities, CPR decision points, hemorrhage control sequencing, environmental injury classification, and documentation requirements under STCW medical first aid standards. Questions are mapped to the STCW Basic Training medical first aid competency table to verify exam-area coverage. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| CPR and Hemorrhage Control Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical steps rated 'correct' on the instructor checklist; no critical fail items | Each student performs a continuous scenario: they discover an unresponsive casualty with a bleeding extremity wound, complete a primary survey, initiate CPR with AED operation, and then transition to hemorrhage control when the instructor calls the casualty's heart rhythm restored. The scenario is scored with the program's combined BLS and hemorrhage skills checklist; any critical fail (no AED use, tourniquet omitted when indicated, or failure to document tourniquet time) requires a full repeat of that skill station before the credential application paperwork is signed. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| First Aid Lab Log | Log | 15% | All five lesson entries present, each rated satisfactory by instructor | Students maintain a running lab log throughout the course, recording the date, objective, procedures performed, equipment used, and a brief reflection on one error or improvement for each of the five lessons. The completed log is submitted at the end of the course; each entry is marked satisfactory or needs revision based on accuracy of procedural description and completeness — any unsatisfactory entry must be revised and resubmitted within 48 hours. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Scene and PPE Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical safety violations observed across the full skills demonstration | During the CPR and hemorrhage skills demonstration, the instructor simultaneously completes a safety observation checklist covering: donning gloves before patient contact, clearing area before AED shock delivery, confirming scene safety before approaching the simulated electrical-shock casualty in the environmental lesson scenario, and using correct body mechanics during patient movement. A single critical safety violation (e.g., delivering AED shock without clearing, or contacting a simulated live electrical casualty without scene clearance) results in an automatic hold on credential application paperwork until the scenario is repeated with zero violations. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-MARI24-06 Trade course
Watchkeeping: Deck and Engine Room Duties
48 hr · $690 COMPLIMENTARY
This course develops the knowledge and practical skills required to stand a safe nautical watch on the bridge and in the engine room in accordance with STCW regulations and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Students learn proper lookout procedures, helm orders, logbook entries, engine-room rounds, and the responsibilities of the officer of the watch, preparing them directly for the USCG AB and QMED credential requirements related to watchkeeping duties.
Outcomes- Apply STCW watchkeeping principles and COLREGs Rules of the Road to maintain a proper lookout and report hazards accurately during a simulated bridge watch.
- Execute standard helm orders, repeat-back procedures, and course changes while steering by both magnetic and gyrocompass to the AB credential standard.
- Perform engine-room rounds using a systematic checklist, record machinery readings in the engine-room log, and identify abnormal parameters requiring escalation to the watch engineer.
- Complete an accurate official deck or engine-room logbook entry, including position, weather, events, and required notations, free of uncorrected errors.
- Demonstrate proper handover and reliefprocedures for both bridge and engine-room watches, including verbal handover, equipment status briefing, and documentation.
- Identify and respond to watchkeeping emergencies—including collision avoidance, man-overboard alarm, and machinery casualty—by executing the correct immediate actions and notifications.
Course text
This course develops the knowledge and practical skills required to stand a safe nautical watch on the bridge and in the engine room in accordance with STCW regulations and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Students learn proper lookout procedures, helm orders, logbook entries, engine-room rounds, and the responsibilities of the officer of the watch, preparing them directly for the USCG AB and QMED credential requirements related to watchkeeping duties.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: STCW Watchkeeping Principles and COLREGs Rules of the Road; Bridge Watch: Helm Orders, Steering, and Compass Work; Engine-Room Rounds, Log Entries, and Machinery Monitoring; Official Logbook Entries and Watch Handover Procedures; Watchkeeping Emergencies: Man Overboard, Collision Avoidance, and Machinery Casualty.
What competent looks like. Apply STCW watchkeeping principles and COLREGs Rules of the Road to maintain a proper lookout and report hazards accurately during a simulated bridge watch. Execute standard helm orders, repeat-back procedures, and course changes while steering by both magnetic and gyrocompass to the AB credential standard. Perform engine-room rounds using a systematic checklist, record machinery readings in the engine-room log, and identify abnormal parameters requiring escalation to the watch engineer. Complete an accurate official deck or engine-room logbook entry, including position, weather, events, and required notations, free of uncorrected errors. Demonstrate proper handover and reliefprocedures for both bridge and engine-room watches, including verbal handover, equipment status briefing, and documentation. Identify and respond to watchkeeping emergencies—including collision avoidance, man-overboard alarm, and machinery casualty—by executing the correct immediate actions and notifications.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | STCW Watchkeeping Principles and COLREGs Rules of the Road | 10 | theory | Students will correctly explain the STCW watchkeeping principles, identify the applicable COLREGs rules for stand-on and give-way vessels, and state the responsibilities of the officer of the watch and the able seaman on watch. |
| STCW 2010 Manila Amendments summary handout, COLREGs full-text (Navigation Rules, COMDTINST M16672.2D), COLREGs scenario cards (instructor-prepared), whiteboard, projector, student notebooks | Score of 80% or higher on the 15-question short-answer quiz; any student below 80% reviews missed items with the instructor before the next lesson. |
| 2 | Bridge Watch: Helm Orders, Steering, and Compass Work | 10 | lab | Students will accurately execute standard USCG/IMO helm orders, steer a vessel (or simulator) on a designated compass course using both magnetic and gyrocompass, and perform proper course-change and repeat-back procedures without error. |
| Ship-handling simulator or training vessel with functioning helm, magnetic compass, and gyrocompass; USCG helm-order reference card; practice logbook forms; pencils; calculator | Steering assessment rubric: student maintains assigned course within ±5 degrees for at least 10 consecutive minutes, executes all ordered helm commands with correct verbal repeat-back, and calculates gyro error accurately; all three criteria must be met to pass. |
| 3 | Engine-Room Rounds, Log Entries, and Machinery Monitoring | 10 | practice | Students will conduct a complete engine-room round using a standard checklist, record all required machinery parameters in the engine-room log in the correct format, and correctly identify at least three abnormal readings that would require notification of the watch engineer. |
| Training engine room or engine-room simulator with functional gauges, engine-room round checklist (instructor-prepared per standard commercial vessel format), practice engine-room log forms, PPE (hearing protection, safety glasses, steel-toed boots), instructor-preset abnormal reading scenario cards | Student records all required parameters on the log form with no more than one omission; identifies all three pre-set abnormal readings; states correct escalation action for each; log entries use correct units and nautical time format. All criteria required to pass. |
| 4 | Official Logbook Entries and Watch Handover Procedures | 10 | demo | Students will complete a legally acceptable deck or engine-room logbook entry for a simulated watch period and conduct a structured verbal and written watch handover that meets STCW and USCG requirements. |
| Blank official USCG deck logbook forms and engine-room logbook forms (or approved facsimiles), scenario data sheets (instructor-prepared), answer-key logbook page, watch handover checklist, blue or black ink pens (no pencil for official entries), Bowditch or MarinersHandbook reference as needed | Logbook entry contains all required elements in correct format with no uncorrected errors and no use of correction fluid; watch handover role-play covers all checklist items within five minutes; instructor marks each item on the rubric and student must achieve 100% of required logbook elements and 90% of handover checklist items to pass. |
| 5 | Watchkeeping Emergencies: Man Overboard, Collision Avoidance, and Machinery Casualty | 8 | field | Students will correctly execute the immediate actions, communications, and documentation required for a man-overboard alarm, a developing collision situation, and a propulsion machinery casualty during a simulated multi-scenario emergency drill. |
| Ship-handling simulator or training vessel at dock, VHF radio (or training radio), emergency immediate-action cards (MOB, collision avoidance, machinery casualty), official log forms, stop watch, PPE (PFD available for dockside exercises), STCW emergency procedures reference, COLREGs | Student announces correct emergency procedure within 60 seconds of alarm; executes at least 80% of the immediate-action steps in correct order for each scenario as marked on the instructor rubric; completes all three post-drill log entries with time, action, and notification fields correctly filled; any missed critical safety step (failure to call VHF distress, failure to notify duty officer) requires a complete remediation drill before proceeding. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watchkeeping Rules and Regulations Written Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% or higher (40 of 50 questions correct) | A 50-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering STCW watchkeeping principles, COLREGs rules of the road, USCG AB and QMED watchkeeping duty requirements, logbook standards, and chain-of-command responsibilities; questions are drawn from the same content domains tested on the USCG credential examinations for AB and QMED. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Practical Watchkeeping Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Instructor rubric score of 90% or higher with no critical safety steps missed | The student stands a 20-minute simulated bridge or engine-room watch, executing helm orders, conducting an engine-room round, completing a logbook entry, and performing a formal watch handover while the instructor scores performance on a rubric covering accuracy, communication, and procedure compliance; any omission of a STCW-required safety action results in automatic failure and mandatory remediation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Watchkeeping Lab Log | Log | 15% | All five lesson lab log entries submitted and graded satisfactory (no required element missing, no uncorrected errors) | Students maintain a cumulative lab log throughout the course, with one entry per lesson documenting the watch activities performed, machinery parameters recorded, abnormal readings identified, and reflections on correct procedure; each entry is reviewed by the instructor and returned with feedback before the next lesson. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Emergency Watch Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% of critical immediate-action steps completed correctly across all three emergency scenarios with no coaching | A final unannounced emergency drill in which the student must independently respond to all three emergency scenarios (man overboard, collision risk, machinery casualty) during a simulated watch, demonstrating correct alarms, communications, COLREGs actions, and post-event log entries without instructor prompting; failure on any critical safety step requires full remediation before the student may progress to the Capstone course. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-MARI24-07 Capstone
Maritime Capstone: Integrated Seamanship and Engineering Project
72 hr · $720 COMPLIMENTARY
Students integrate deck and engine competencies from all prior courses into a single, ship-realistic scenario that requires them to plan a voyage watch, respond to a simulated emergency, and perform and document basic engine-room maintenance. The capstone culminates in a formal project report and an oral defense before a panel of program instructors, mirroring the documentation and accountability standards required aboard a commercial vessel.
Outcomes- Plan and document a complete navigational watch turnover using proper log entries, chart work, and bridge resource management principles consistent with STCW watchkeeping standards.
- Execute and document a shipboard emergency response drill—including muster, fire or flooding containment, and casualty first aid—applying STCW Basic Safety competencies under instructor observation.
- Perform and record at least two engine-room or deck maintenance tasks (e.g., valve inspection, bilge pump check, line maintenance) using correct lockout/tagout procedures and required PPE, producing written job hazard analyses.
- Compile a complete voyage and maintenance portfolio that includes log pages, hazard analyses, maintenance records, and an emergency response debrief, formatted to U.S. Coast Guard and company SMS standards.
- Defend project decisions and documentation in a structured oral examination, demonstrating the ability to explain seamanship and engineering rationale to a professional audience.
- Self-assess performance against USCG AB, USCG QMED, and STCW Basic Training competency tables and identify areas for continued improvement before the Certification Exam Preparation course.
Course text
Students integrate deck and engine competencies from all prior courses into a single, ship-realistic scenario that requires them to plan a voyage watch, respond to a simulated emergency, and perform and document basic engine-room maintenance. The capstone culminates in a formal project report and an oral defense before a panel of program instructors, mirroring the documentation and accountability standards required aboard a commercial vessel.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Voyage Planning and Watch Turnover Simulation; Integrated Emergency Response Drill and Debrief; Engine-Room and Deck Maintenance with Hazard Documentation; Portfolio Assembly, Oral Defense, and Self-Assessment.
What competent looks like. Plan and document a complete navigational watch turnover using proper log entries, chart work, and bridge resource management principles consistent with STCW watchkeeping standards. Execute and document a shipboard emergency response drill—including muster, fire or flooding containment, and casualty first aid—applying STCW Basic Safety competencies under instructor observation. Perform and record at least two engine-room or deck maintenance tasks (e.g., valve inspection, bilge pump check, line maintenance) using correct lockout/tagout procedures and required PPE, producing written job hazard analyses. Compile a complete voyage and maintenance portfolio that includes log pages, hazard analyses, maintenance records, and an emergency response debrief, formatted to U.S. Coast Guard and company SMS standards. Defend project decisions and documentation in a structured oral examination, demonstrating the ability to explain seamanship and engineering rationale to a professional audience. Self-assess performance against USCG AB, USCG QMED, and STCW Basic Training competency tables and identify areas for continued improvement before the Certification Exam Preparation course.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Voyage Planning and Watch Turnover Simulation | 18 | lab | Students plan a coastal voyage segment, complete all required pre-watch documentation, and conduct a formal watch turnover using bridge equipment and paper charts, meeting STCW Table A-II/1 watchkeeping standards. |
| NOAA charts (current edition), parallel rulers, dividers, course plotter, ship's compass rose overlay, simulated bridge console or desktop navigation software (e.g., OpenCPN for training), voyage planning worksheet, blank deck log forms, Bowditch American Practical Navigator (reference), STCW 2010 Manila Amendments (Table A-II/1 extract) | Instructor scores the voyage plan and log page against a 20-point rubric (route accuracy, hazard identification, log completeness, watch-turnover content); pass mark is 15/20 (75%). Watch turnover must include all mandatory checklist items or student repeats the activity. |
| 2 | Integrated Emergency Response Drill and Debrief | 18 | field | Students execute a full shipboard emergency scenario—including general alarm response, muster, fire or flooding control action, and first-aid management of a simulated casualty—and produce a written after-action debrief that identifies what went right, what failed, and corrective actions, satisfying STCW Basic Safety competency areas for fire prevention, survival craft, and elementary first aid. |
| Full PPE ensemble (coveralls, hard hat, steel-toed boots, gloves, safety glasses), SCBA or EEBD units (training grade), fire hose and nozzle, portable CO2 and dry-chemical extinguishers (training units), controlled burn prop or Class B fire simulator, simulated watertight door, first-aid kit (burn dressings, bandages, gloves), muster list form, first-aid report form, STCW Basic Safety competency table (Courses 2–5 reference packets) | Instructor uses a pass/fail drill observation checklist (mandatory items: PPE donned correctly, muster completed within time limit, correct extinguisher selected, primary survey steps performed in order, after-action report submitted). All mandatory items must be checked PASS; any mandatory fail requires one remediation attempt before project grade is assigned. |
| 3 | Engine-Room and Deck Maintenance with Hazard Documentation | 18 | practice | Students perform two assigned maintenance tasks—one engine-room (e.g., centrifugal pump strainer cleaning or bilge system function check) and one deck (e.g., mooring line inspection and end-for-end or hawser log entry, or block and tackle lubrication)—applying lockout/tagout procedures, completing written job hazard analyses, and producing maintenance records in the format required for USCG QMED and AB credential areas. |
| Centrifugal pump or bilge pump training unit, strainer basket, appropriate hand tools, LOTO kit (padlocks, hasp, lockout tags, danger tags), zero-energy verification meter, bilge system valve manifold (training rig), mooring line sample (pre-staged with defects), rigging inspection log form, JHA form, maintenance log template, manufacturer equipment manual (relevant section), Chapman Piloting & Seamanship (deck reference), OSHA 29 CFR 1915 subpart F reference sheet | Instructor verifies LOTO compliance before work begins (go/no-go gate—no LOTO verification = no work). Maintenance log and JHA are scored on a 10-point rubric each (accuracy of findings, correct hazard identification, appropriate controls cited); pass mark is 7/10 on each document. Rigging go/no-go recommendation must match instructor key on all pre-staged defects to pass. |
| 4 | Portfolio Assembly, Oral Defense, and Self-Assessment | 18 | theory | Students compile all capstone work products into a complete, organized voyage and maintenance portfolio, deliver a 10-minute oral defense before a two-instructor panel, and complete a structured self-assessment mapped to USCG AB, USCG QMED, and STCW Basic Training competency tables. |
| Portfolio binder or organized digital folder, formatting checklist, self-assessment form with STCW/AB/QMED competency mapping table, oral defense scoring rubric, presentation area with table for panel (two instructors), STCW 2010 Manila Amendments (full text reference), USCG NMC AB and QMED application checklists (current NMC publication), whiteboard or flip chart for student use during defense | Portfolio earns a pass if all required documents are present, each document passes its individual rubric from Lessons 1–3, and formatting checklist is 100% complete. Oral defense is scored on a 15-point panel rubric (clarity 5 pts, technical accuracy 5 pts, professionalism 5 pts); pass mark is 11/15 (73%). Self-assessment is scored pass/fail for completeness (all competency rows filled, at least one action item per 'needs work' rating); incomplete self-assessments are returned for revision before the course grade is finalized. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated Capstone Project | Project | 60% | All four lesson-level pass marks must be met; an overall project score of 75% or higher on the combined rubric points from Lessons 1–4 is required to pass the course. | The capstone project is the aggregate of all work products produced across Lessons 1–4: the voyage plan and deck log, the emergency drill after-action report, the two JHAs, the two maintenance records, and the rigging inspection log. Each document is scored against its individual rubric; scores are summed and the student must meet both the per-document pass marks and the 75% combined threshold to demonstrate integrated maritime competence. Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation |
| Voyage and Maintenance Portfolio | Portfolio | 20% | Portfolio formatting checklist must be 100% complete; all individual documents must have passed their respective lesson rubrics; portfolio is returned for correction if any section is missing or fails the format check. | The portfolio is a single, organized collection of all capstone documents assembled in the required order with a cover sheet and competency cross-reference index. It demonstrates the student's ability to produce the kind of complete, traceable paperwork that USCG inspectors, port state control officers, and maritime employers expect from AB- and QMED-credentialed mariners. Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality |
| Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 20% | Student must score 11 out of 15 points on the panel rubric (clarity, technical accuracy, professionalism) and answer panel follow-up questions without critical factual errors on mandatory safety topics (fire, flooding, LOTO); a critical error on any mandatory safety topic requires a second defense attempt. | The oral defense is a 10-minute structured presentation followed by up to five panel questions, conducted before two program instructors acting as a maritime employer review board. It assesses the student's ability to explain and justify professional decisions in plain language, a skill tested implicitly in USCG credentialing interviews and required daily aboard commercial vessels. Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication |
TRN-MARI24-08 Externship / clinical
Externship / Worksite Placement – Maritime Deck and Engine Operations
108 hr · $430 COMPLIMENTARY
Students complete 108 supervised hours aboard a commercial vessel or at a licensed maritime facility, applying deck and engine watchkeeping skills under the direct oversight of a credentialed mariner or port supervisor. Placement experience is documented in a structured sea-service logbook and evaluated by the worksite supervisor using a standardized competency rubric aligned to STCW Basic Training, USCG AB, and USCG QMED credential requirements.
Outcomes- Perform assigned deck or engine watchkeeping duties safely and without prompting under the supervision of a credentialed mariner for a minimum of 108 documented hours.
- Demonstrate compliance with vessel safety procedures, including PPE use, lockout/tagout protocols, and emergency muster responsibilities, as observed and rated satisfactory by the site supervisor.
- Apply navigation and lookout skills (AB pathway) or engine-room rounds and basic machinery monitoring (QMED pathway) in a live operational environment.
- Maintain a complete, accurate sea-service logbook recording tasks performed, equipment operated, safety observations, and supervisor feedback for every shift.
- Receive a final employer evaluation rating of satisfactory or higher on all rubric competency categories, including safety behavior, task performance, communication, and professionalism.
- Identify at least three workplace situations encountered during externship that connect to specific STCW, AB, or QMED credential exam areas and explain the connection in a post-placement reflection.
Course text
Students complete 108 supervised hours aboard a commercial vessel or at a licensed maritime facility, applying deck and engine watchkeeping skills under the direct oversight of a credentialed mariner or port supervisor. Placement experience is documented in a structured sea-service logbook and evaluated by the worksite supervisor using a standardized competency rubric aligned to STCW Basic Training, USCG AB, and USCG QMED credential requirements.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Placement Orientation and Worksite Safety Verification; Deck Operations Watchkeeping and Seamanship Tasks (AB Pathway) / Engine-Room Rounds and Machinery Monitoring (QMED Pathway); Logbook Completion and Documentation Quality Review; Final Supervisor Evaluation and Program Transition Debrief.
What competent looks like. Perform assigned deck or engine watchkeeping duties safely and without prompting under the supervision of a credentialed mariner for a minimum of 108 documented hours. Demonstrate compliance with vessel safety procedures, including PPE use, lockout/tagout protocols, and emergency muster responsibilities, as observed and rated satisfactory by the site supervisor. Apply navigation and lookout skills (AB pathway) or engine-room rounds and basic machinery monitoring (QMED pathway) in a live operational environment. Maintain a complete, accurate sea-service logbook recording tasks performed, equipment operated, safety observations, and supervisor feedback for every shift. Receive a final employer evaluation rating of satisfactory or higher on all rubric competency categories, including safety behavior, task performance, communication, and professionalism. Identify at least three workplace situations encountered during externship that connect to specific STCW, AB, or QMED credential exam areas and explain the connection in a post-placement reflection.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Placement Orientation and Worksite Safety Verification | 9 | field | Students will complete the host employer's vessel or facility safety orientation, verify their own PPE readiness, identify emergency stations and muster points, and confirm their logbook documentation system with their site supervisor before performing any operational tasks. |
| Approved PPE kit (immersion suit, hard hat, steel-toed boots, high-visibility vest), employer safety orientation packet, student sea-service logbook, SMS or facility emergency procedures document, STCW Basic Safety certificate copy for supervisor verification | Supervisor signs the Placement Orientation Checklist confirming all items completed; logbook entry for orientation day is complete and legible; pass standard is all checklist items marked complete and supervisor signature obtained before student begins watchstanding hours. |
| 2 | Deck Operations Watchkeeping and Seamanship Tasks (AB Pathway) / Engine-Room Rounds and Machinery Monitoring (QMED Pathway) | 63 | field | Students will perform assigned watch duties—lookout, helm, mooring line handling, and deck maintenance for the AB pathway, or engine-room rounds, log readings, fuel and oil transfers, and auxiliary machinery checks for the QMED pathway—consistently meeting the quality and safety standards set by the supervising credentialed mariner across a minimum of 21 documented shifts. |
| Student sea-service logbook, employer watchkeeping assignment sheet, appropriate hand tools (marlinspike, paint scraper, grease gun, or engine-room toolkit as assigned), relevant vessel stability or machinery operating manuals available on site, USCG AB or QMED credential checklist for reference | Supervisor rates each week of work using the program's Employer Competency Rubric (scale of 1–4 per category); pass standard is an average score of 3 or higher across safety behavior, task performance, and communication by the end of lesson 2, with no category rated 1 at any weekly review. |
| 3 | Logbook Completion and Documentation Quality Review | 18 | practice | Students will review all logbook entries made during watchkeeping shifts, correct any incomplete or illegible records in consultation with their supervisor, and produce a complete, chronological sea-service log suitable for submission to the USCG National Maritime Center as supporting documentation for AB or QMED credentialing. |
| Completed student sea-service logbook, Logbook Completeness Checklist, program Employer Competency Rubric, post-placement reflection writing guide, employer exit interview guide, pen and correction fluid or tape (no erasure of original entries permitted—errors must be single-lined and initialed per maritime record standards) | Instructor reviews the logbook against the Completeness Checklist before accepting it for final assessment; pass standard is 100% of required fields present and legible, all entries supervisor-initialed, and the reflection attached; any missing entries must be resolved within 48 hours or the student repeats the affected shifts. |
| 4 | Final Supervisor Evaluation and Program Transition Debrief | 18 | field | Students will receive and discuss their completed Employer Competency Rubric scores with their site supervisor and the program instructor, confirm that documented hours meet USCG sea-service requirements, and identify specific credential exam areas to prioritize in the Certification Exam Preparation course. |
| Completed Employer Competency Rubric, finalized student sea-service logbook, USCG National Maritime Center sea-service documentation guidance (current NMC published requirements), credential-gap analysis worksheet, STCW/AB/QMED exam domain outline from Course 9 | Instructor confirms the final rubric average meets the passing standard (3 out of 4 or higher across all categories, no category rated 1) and that the credential-gap analysis worksheet is complete; pass standard requires both conditions met; students who do not meet the rubric threshold must complete additional supervised hours arranged by the program coordinator before advancing to Course 9. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Competency Skills Demonstration (Skills Demo) | Skills demonstration | 70% | An average score of 3 or higher on a 4-point scale across all rubric competency categories (safety behavior, task performance, communication, and professionalism) on the final Employer Competency Rubric, with no individual category rated 1 at the time of the final evaluation. | The host employer's credentialed supervisor observes the student performing assigned deck or engine watchkeeping duties across the full 108-hour placement and completes the program's standardized Employer Competency Rubric at the end of the placement. This rubric is the primary performance record and is reviewed jointly by the student, supervisor, and program instructor at the final debrief meeting. Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative |
| Sea-Service Logbook and Post-Placement Reflection (Lab Log) | Log | 30% | Logbook passes the program's Completeness Checklist audit with 100% of required fields present, all entries supervisor-initialed, no uncorrected blank entries, and a post-placement reflection of at least 500 words attached that correctly links a minimum of three externship experiences to specific STCW, AB, or QMED credential exam areas. | The student submits the fully completed sea-service logbook, covering all shifts worked during the 108-hour externship and corrected per maritime record standards (single-line strikethrough with initials, no erasure), together with the written post-placement reflection. The instructor evaluates both documents for completeness, accuracy, professional presentation, and the quality of the credential connection analysis in the reflection. Complete · Verified |
TRN-MARI24-09 Exam prep
Certification Exam Preparation: STCW Basic Training, USCG AB, and USCG QMED
30 hr · $300 COMPLIMENTARY
This 30-hour course systematically reviews every tested knowledge domain for the STCW Basic Training certificate, the USCG Able Seaman (AB) credential, and the USCG Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) credential. Students complete mapped content reviews, timed practice question sets, and two full-length mock examinations under realistic testing conditions. The course builds exam stamina, identifies individual knowledge gaps, and reinforces test-taking strategies so graduates are ready to sit official credentialing assessments with confidence.
Outcomes- Correctly answer practice questions covering all STCW Basic Training competency areas—personal survival, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities—at a rate of 70% or higher.
- Demonstrate command of USCG AB exam content areas including rules of the road (COLREGS), marlinespike seamanship, deck watchkeeping duties, anchoring and mooring, and cargo handling principles at a rate of 70% or higher on timed practice sets.
- Demonstrate command of USCG QMED exam content areas including engine-room watchkeeping, auxiliary machinery operation, basic electricity, pumps and piping systems, and environmental regulations at a rate of 70% or higher on timed practice sets.
- Apply time-management and question-elimination strategies to complete a full-length, timed mock examination within the allotted period and achieve a passing score.
- Identify personal weak areas from diagnostic and mock-exam data and construct a targeted self-study plan to address remaining gaps before sitting official credential exams.
- Complete required application paperwork steps for USCG National Maritime Center credentialing and STCW endorsement, correctly identifying necessary sea-service documentation, medical certificate requirements, and training certificates.
Course text
This 30-hour course systematically reviews every tested knowledge domain for the STCW Basic Training certificate, the USCG Able Seaman (AB) credential, and the USCG Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) credential. Students complete mapped content reviews, timed practice question sets, and two full-length mock examinations under realistic testing conditions. The course builds exam stamina, identifies individual knowledge gaps, and reinforces test-taking strategies so graduates are ready to sit official credentialing assessments with confidence.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: STCW Basic Training Exam Domain Review; USCG AB and QMED Exam Domain Review; Test-Taking Strategy, Application Process, and Targeted Remediation; Full-Length Mock Examinations and Debrief.
What competent looks like. Correctly answer practice questions covering all STCW Basic Training competency areas—personal survival, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities—at a rate of 70% or higher. Demonstrate command of USCG AB exam content areas including rules of the road (COLREGS), marlinespike seamanship, deck watchkeeping duties, anchoring and mooring, and cargo handling principles at a rate of 70% or higher on timed practice sets. Demonstrate command of USCG QMED exam content areas including engine-room watchkeeping, auxiliary machinery operation, basic electricity, pumps and piping systems, and environmental regulations at a rate of 70% or higher on timed practice sets. Apply time-management and question-elimination strategies to complete a full-length, timed mock examination within the allotted period and achieve a passing score. Identify personal weak areas from diagnostic and mock-exam data and construct a targeted self-study plan to address remaining gaps before sitting official credential exams. Complete required application paperwork steps for USCG National Maritime Center credentialing and STCW endorsement, correctly identifying necessary sea-service documentation, medical certificate requirements, and training certificates.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | STCW Basic Training Exam Domain Review | 7 | theory | Students will correctly identify the four STCW Basic Training competency areas and answer mapped practice questions in each area at 70% or better. |
| IMO STCW Code (consolidated edition, current Manila Amendments), USCG STCW endorsement guidance documents, printed or digital STCW practice question bank, individual gap-tracking worksheets, whiteboard | Each student scores all four 20-question diagnostic quizzes; instructor reviews gap-tracking sheets and provides written feedback. Minimum threshold: 70% on at least three of four quizzes; students below threshold on any quiz receive a targeted reading assignment before Lesson 3. |
| 2 | USCG AB and QMED Exam Domain Review | 9 | theory | Students will correctly answer practice questions covering USCG AB deck domains and USCG QMED engine domains at 70% or better, and distinguish which question stems apply to each credential. |
| Chapman Piloting and Seamanship (current edition), USCG Rules of the Road (COLREGS and Inland), USCG National Maritime Center AB and QMED exam topic outlines, MARPOL Annex I and V summary reference, printed practice question sets, gap-tracking worksheets, timer | Instructor collects all four station scores and reviews gap-tracking updates; students must reach 70% on at least three of four station sets. Students scoring below 70% on COLREGS specifically complete a Rules of the Road chart exercise as a remediation check before Lesson 3. |
| 3 | Test-Taking Strategy, Application Process, and Targeted Remediation | 6 | demo | Students will apply at least three evidence-based test-taking strategies to a mixed-credential practice set and correctly outline the USCG NMC credentialing application steps required for AB and QMED credentials. |
| USCG National Maritime Center credentialing guidance and application checklist (current), TWIC enrollment information, sample sea-service letter template, mixed 60-question practice set, personal application-readiness checklist handout, projector | Students submit their completed application-readiness checklist and the 60-question mixed practice set; pass standard is 70% on the practice set and a fully completed application checklist with each item marked present, pending, or action-required. Instructor verifies checklist accuracy in a brief one-on-one review. |
| 4 | Full-Length Mock Examinations and Debrief | 8 | practice | Students will complete two timed, full-length mock credential examinations under realistic testing conditions and score 70% or higher on at least one, then produce a final self-study action plan. |
| Two parallel-form 100-question mock examination packets (printed, sealed until exam start), answer keys with domain tags, timer, scratch paper, individual score tracking sheets, one-page action plan template, USCG exam reference list | Students must score 70% or higher on at least one of the two mock exams to meet the course pass standard; instructor reviews all action plans for specificity and feasibility and returns them with written comments. Any student scoring below 70% on both mocks meets individually with the instructor for a remediation consultation and receives an extended study packet. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Length Mock Certification Examinations | Mock certification exam | 100% | 70% or higher on at least one of the two 100-question mock examinations covering all STCW Basic Training, USCG AB, and USCG QMED credential domains, plus submission of a complete and specific final self-study action plan. | Students sit two timed, closed-book, full-length mock examinations (100 questions each) drawn proportionally from all tested credential domains—STCW personal survival, firefighting, first aid, and personal safety; USCG AB Rules of the Road, seamanship, watchkeeping, and cargo; USCG QMED engine-room systems, electricity, and MARPOL—replicating realistic exam conditions. Performance is reported by overall score and by domain sub-score so students and the instructor can confirm readiness or pinpoint final study priorities before official credentialing exams. Score · Time management |
Program completion
External credential: STCW Basic Training; USCG AB; USCG QMED
Students sit the STCW Basic Training assessments administered through U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses, and apply for USCG merchant mariner credentials — Able Seaman (AB) and Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) — through the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center. Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.
Back to Maritime Crew (deck/engine) · How the school gets authority to award these credentials
