USCG Merchant Mariners Masters Credential Preparation Course
Academic Units: 2
Offered: Spring Semester
Prerequisite(s): Nautical Science 001A and 001B
This course is the culmination of four semesters of training, classroom work and sea time laboratories and is designed for advanced level students who wish to pursue a “Merchant Mariner’s Masters Credential” issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Successful students leave this accredited training course with the necessary skills and understanding to safety navigate a passenger vessel at sea under power or sail. Upon completion, students are able to apply the following concepts and skills as necessary for safe navigation: traditional navigation methods; charting and piloting knowledge; electronic navigation equipment including GPS, Radar, Sonar, AIS and VHF; marine weather meteorology; modeling and forecasting; admiralty law as applied to collision avoidance and coastal piloting; Department of Homeland Security and United States Coast Guard navigation rules for all ships operating in inland and international waters; damage control and emergency procedures for fire, sinking, grounding, injuries, CPR, AED and 1st Aid; seamanship, sail handling, sail trim, maneuvering both under power and sail; and, an understanding of environmental laws and acceptable USCG practices for discharge and stowage of all types of marine fuels, combustibles, sewage and effluents.
At-Sea laboratories will include practical application of advanced sail training and handling skills, advanced vessel maneuvering skills under both power and sail, application of advanced navigation and piloting skills, operation of navigational marine electronics, advanced anchoring docking, mooring skills, man-overboard recovery, engine maintenance course and skipper/command preparedness practical.