Shipboard Safety Course
by Guy Coubrough
O
ver three theory sessions in October, and a practical training day
in November, seven new VMR Southport members undertook a
course in the Elements of Shipboard Safety.
This course is mandatory in the VMR Southport training matrix,
prior to a member being able to obtain Crew ranking.
On the first evening training session, topics such as Occupational
Health and Safety at sea, risk assessment, and Safety Management
Systems for vessels are taught. Students must learn how to participate
in abandon ship procedures, how to risk assess and manage hazards on
board a Commercial Vessel, and how to interpret marine legislation such
as Regulations and Codes of Practice.
On the second evening, it’s all about Fighting Fires onboard a vessel.
Learning the different types of fire extinguishers, what different colour
extinguishers mean, and what type of fires they extinguish best, how to
prevent fires on a vessel, and how to protect yourself and your crew from
a fire, are some of the topics taught.
On the third evening students are taught Survival at Sea. This is
where they learn about life rafts, how to activate a life raft, how to
survive in a life raft, and how to ensure the safety of everyone in a life
raft until help arrives.
At the conclusion of each session students are required to undertake
an assessment, usually consisting of around 40 multiple choice
questions, which can bring those who have not done their study undone.
Having conducted these courses over several years at VMR, I
find the students take the course very seriously, gain a great deal of
knowledge from the subject matter, and recognise that they are working
in a dangerous environment. All students receive very good results in
their assessment through their own hard study and participation.
The most enjoyable part of doing the Elements of Shipboard safety
Course is the Practical Day. Here we put all our theory into practice.
The students activate a life raft and practice boarding manoeuvres
after reviewing the use of lifesaving techniques in the water wearing
life jackets. Students gain a first hand experience igniting flares, and
exercises are carried out to mimic a real-life situation at night in a raft. A
fire, in a specially made pit, is also extinguished using fire extinguishers
of different types.
Generally, VMR Southport runs two/three of these courses per year
and the learning experiences gained on this day are fantastic with the
emphasis on communication and teamwork being most important.
While students continue to enjoy these courses, and the great
learning benefits continue to flow, I will keep organising and
participating in these courses.
Vsheet - DECEMBER 2018
17