Printer Friendly Page

Basic auxiliary plant operation course is required to step toward FOWT (8/24)

The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers a 140-hour class called basic auxiliary plant operation. The course is separate from the FOWT class; basic auxiliary plant operation should be taken first. Engineering students in the unlicensed apprentice program who are considering becoming FOWTs must take basic auxiliary plant operation. Similarly, upgraders who are sailing as wipers and have acquired enough seatime must take basic auxiliary plant operation as the next step toward becoming FOWTs. The mariners then would return to sea, acquire the appropriate seatime and then take the FOWT course. Under the amended STCW convention, basic auxiliary plant operation meets the assessment requirement for ratings forming part of an engineering watch. (It essentially is the engine department equivalent of the specially trained ordinary seaman course.) For more information, contact the admissions office at the Paul Hall Center at 301 994-0010.