COURSE OVERVIEW:

The Boat Operator course is a practical program designed to provide individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to handle small craft safely in coastal and inland waters. This course serves as an entry-level certification for those operating workboats, patrol boats, or pleasure craft. Participants will examine the fundamental mechanics of boat handling, including engine operation, steering, and maneuvering in various conditions such as wind, current, and restricted visibility.

The scope of this training involves a comprehensive look at maritime safety and emergency procedures. Attendees will learn how to conduct pre-departure checks on fuel, cooling systems, and safety equipment to ensure vessel readiness. The course details the "Rules of the Road" (COLREGs), focusing on collision avoidance, navigation lights, and sound signals to ensure that operators can interact safely with other vessels professionally and predictably.

Coverage also includes basic seamanship skills such as knot tying, docking, and anchoring. Participants will examine how to respond to common emergencies, including man-overboard situations, engine failure, and firefighting on small boats. By combining classroom theory with hands-on practice, this course equips boat operators with the competence and situational awareness to protect their vessel, passengers, and the marine environment.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Conduct thorough pre-launch and pre-departure inspections.
2. Identify and operate basic marine engines (Inboard and Outboard).
3. Execute smooth docking and undocking maneuvers in wind and tide.
4. Apply the COLREGs for collision avoidance in various scenarios.
5. Identify and interpret basic lateral and cardinal buoyage systems.
6. Utilize a marine VHF radio for routine and emergency calls.
7. Execute an effective Man-Overboard (MOB) recovery procedure.
8. Perform basic knot tying (Bowline, Clove Hitch, Cleat Hitch).
9. Interpret local weather forecasts and identify dangerous sea states.
10. Manage passenger safety and conduct safety briefings.
11. Deploy and recover an anchor safely.
12. Use basic navigation tools (Chart plotter, Compass, Echo sounder).
13. Troubleshoot common engine problems such as cooling or fuel issues.

TARGET AUDIENCE:  

Small Craft Operators, Port Patrol Personnel, Marine Technicians, Commercial Boat Drivers, and Recreational Enthusiasts.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.