Following exhaustive efforts to logically restructure and improve its curriculum in the engine department, officials in the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s vocational department recently announced revised matrixes designed to help Seafarers advance their careers. Members currently holding any classification QMED 4 through OMED 1 are not impacted by the revised system and 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 updated courses along with some old ones. Students may follow the paths all the way from entry ratings to licensed positions in the engine department.
“The career path revisions mainly are due to Coast Guard requirements stemming from the STCW convention,” said J.C. Wiegman, Paul Hall Center assistant director of training. “Under STCW, advancement depends on practical demonstrations of skills. The training matrixes reflect those requirements.”
Training essentially begins with the equivalent of “phase 3” of the unlicensed apprentice program. After completing the first three modules (and accumulating enough sea time), students may choose from among four avenues leading to certifications as QMED machinist (QMED dayworker), QMED watchstander, QMED pumpman, and QMED electrician, respectively. Simulator training—which will be used to help students in the completion of their assessments—will be a key component of this new career track.
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.
Simulator training will be a key component of the new career track. 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.
More information may be obtained by contacting the admissions department at the school at (301) 994-0010, extension 5202.
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