Maritime: Marine Deck Technology

Introductory course focuses on chart navigation and basic methods of piloting. Emphasis on the use of charts and nautical publications, the IALS 'B' buoyage system and solving standard navigation problems. Learn to determine geographic and luminous ranges of lights; correct for compass error, set and drift; plot dead reckoning tracks, running fixes and lines of position; solve time, speed and distance equations; predict tides and tidal currents; calculate simple ETA; formulate anchorage procedures.

Introductory underway practicum. Receive indoctrination to both watchstanding duties and shipboard responsibilities of an able seaman. Perform all deck-related tasks one might expect to encounter when actually at sea. Involves 12-hour voyages weekly aboard SMA¿s training vessels.

An introductory course in standard electronic equipment and systems used to aid in navigation and communication. Topics covered include radar, gyro compass, depthsounder, Loran C, RDF, GPS, GMDSS and radiotelephone. Receive specific training in radar piloting and collision avoidance theory using SMA's computer radar simulator.

Provides a comprehensive study of navigation rules and regulations including purpose, technical provisions, and application. Provides a comparative study of the international (COLREGS) and inland (U.S. domestic) rules, with an emphasis on practical interpretation and application.

Students will learn the basic skills required for the STCW endorsement as Rating Forming Part of a Navigation Watch (RFPNW). Instruction will focus on helm and lookout watchstanding, as well as an introduction to the Collision Regulations (COLREGS).

Covers principles, terms and procedures used in the determination of transverse, longitudinal and damage stability of ships. Includes physical laws affecting a floating body, effects of cargo operations, loose water, fuel consumption, grounding and flooding on vessel stability. Includes analyses of case studies involving loss of stability and how to perform trim and stability calculations.

A non-mathematical intro to meteorology with specific emphasis on marine applications. Focuses on ocean weather phenomena as they impact vessel operations and the role of the ship¿s officer in observing, recording and analyzing developing weather patterns.

Practical experience in vessel cleaning maintenance procedures and routine operation of a ship. Tasks include washing, sanding, scaling, chipping, grinding, priming, painting, stenciling and other assigned work both on the interior and exterior of training vessels. Focus on proper technique, optimal resource utilization, cost effectiveness and corrosion prevention.

Covers fundamentals of ship handling for small vessels based on single-screw theory. Instruction in ship handling techniques includes backing and filling, ¿Y-backing,¿ emergency stopping, flanking, and docking and undocking. Uses a small training vessel.

Advanced underway practicum. Under supervision, assume role of mate aboard ship and be responsible for navigating the training vessel and operating all related navigational equipment as well as directing the deck crew while underway. Demonstrate competency, proficiency and confidence in navigating a vessel without guidance. Includes 12-hour voyages weekly aboard SMA¿s training vessels.

Credit range: 4 - 5

Provides real-world at-sea experience on vessels of at least 500 gross tons that operate beyond the boundary line. During 30¿60 day internship demonstrate mastery of the competencies outlined in Table A-II/4 of STCW for ratings forming part of navigational watch or Table A-III/4 of STCW for ratings forming part of an engineering watch.

Continuation of MGO 123. Emphasizes advanced aspects of navigation and piloting essential to ocean voyaging. Studies methods for determining ETA of CPA by distance off; learn navigational techniques for ocean sailing and perform advanced ETA computations involving time conversion. Includes use of a sextant in determining position and range, measuring speed by RPM, fuel consumption and use of the speed log.

Using a non-technical format, review issues in pollution prevention and control as they impact on the duties and tasks performed by deck and/or engineering personnel onboard ship.

Seminar on licensure knowledge requirements for deck/engineering candidates preparing to take the U.S. Coast Guard deck/engineering exams. Learn to consult and reference the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46 and other publications.

Covers skills and strategies needed to meet writing demands in college and on the job.