Following exhaustive efforts to logically restructure and improve its curriculums for deck and engine department mariners, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education this month is launching new training matrixes designed to help Seafarers advance their careers.Note: Charts showing the deck department training matrix and the unlicensed engineering career track appear on page 10 in this month's LOG. Additionally, the union is working to ensure that contracts incorporate the new career tracks in accordance with STCW mandates.
Members currently holding any classification QMED 4 through QMED 1 are not impacted by the new system. They do not have to “retrain.” However, if they want to advance from a current classification, they will do so through the new system.
The fresh career tracks consist of new courses along with some old ones that have been updated. Students may follow the paths all the way from entry ratings to licensed positions in the deck and engine departments, respectively.
“The career path revisions mainly are due to Coast Guard requirements stemming from the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention,” noted Paul Hall Center Assistant Vocational Director J.C. Wiegman. “Under STCW, advancement depends on practical demonstrations of skills. The training matrixes reflect those requirements.”
In the deck department, training consists of nine modules. It begins with the equivalent of “phase 3” of the unlicensed apprentice program and continues through a course called officer in charge of a navigational watch — essentially the old third mate course. Along the way, mariners face sea-time requirements in between training modules.
The engine department matrix is more expansive because of the greater number of engine ratings, but the individual paths basically mirror the deck department format. After completing the first three modules (and accumulating enough sea time), students may choose from among four avenues leading to certification as, respectively, QMED machinist (QMED dayworker), QMED watchstander, QMED pumpman, and QMED electrician.
Those interested in pursuing an engine department license may continue on another track (“officer in charge of an engineering watch”) culminating in any one or more of several licenses. More details about this matrix will be published in next month’s LOG.
Simulator training will be a key component in each of the new career tracks. Students will utilize the new Haven steam simulator, the Transas electric plant simulator, the Transas slow and medium speed diesel simulator, and others to assist them in completing their assessments.
For more information, contact the admissions department at the school at (301) 994-0010, extension 5202.
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