Poll - Best Non-Required Training Class

Mike, That's because we are up to our ears and drowning with the courses we are required to take. But I might take a DP class or two if it gets me a higher paying job.

Wow, this is the deadest poll I have ever seen on gCapt.

What non-required training class are you most likely to take.

Ain't that an Oxymoron?

Looks like fun but it is not handling a ship. As an experienced "teacher" vs instructor, of ship operations that includes piloting, conning, maneuvering and communications I would never let a student handle a row boat until they understood how to give orders and commands. BRM requires all involved speak the same language, (COSCO BUSAN the best example) Truncating orders/

commands serves no purpose but permits confusion and misunderstanding (Refers; Merchant Marine Officer’s Handbook ch.9.) Orders are permissive (may) Commands are specific (shall). The video is a good illustration of how not to pilot. Less than half the orders/commands could not be executed on a proper vessel; what does that teach? Communications are critical in sensitive operations.

Simulation has a purpose properly used as does playing in small boats but neither can replace observing a proper ship handler maneuver a vessel expertly. Even some of the great pilot have adopted the bad habit of abbreviated directions and they have problems. Marine Superintendents and Chief Pilots are aware and frequently follow the old axiom–don’t knock success...but the courts don’t. I even erred until reminded by a tug skipper: "Hey Cap, just tell us exactly what you want. I don’t want to have to interpret it."

It is important that mariners speak the same language, it reduces complications and instructors should not modify or permit alterations to teachings. Slovenly seamanship leads to unskillfullness. JGD