SeaWays Consultants provide a number of modules with regard to its tugmaster training program. The system is designed so that a client can choose exactly the training programmes pertinent to the operational and training requirements. We can train up to 4 tugmasters at one time, whether in a TugSim or live-on-board a client’s tug.
Comprehensive, competency based, pragmatic, illustrated, written to be Registered Training Organisation (RTO) compliant and ClassNK accredited. Training manuals are supplied for all Modules.
SeaWays have professionally translated training manuals at the request of their clients, furthering SeaWays ability to train for Global clients.
- Module 1 – Certificate in ‘ASD, ATD, VSP, CTS, RotorTug Tug or Vessel Handling’.
Involves approximately 1 week of training for an inexperienced master. Focus is to train the trainee to operate the tug safety and effectively. At times utilised in isolation of the other training modules by towage companies operating in the offshore towage sector or as a foundation for Module 2 training.
- Module 2 – Certificate in ‘Undertaking Harbour Towage Operations’
(A trainee must have completed Module 1-Tug Handling Training)
Most frequently utilised by towage companies Undertaking Harbour Operations.
Usually involves 2 to 3 weeks training, in addition to Module 1.
- Module 3 – Certificate in ‘Active Escort & Dynamic Ship Assist Towing Operations’
Designed to train experienced SeaWays certificated ASD, ATD, RotorTug or VSP tugmasters to safely and competently undertake active escort towage duties (indirect & direct assist, transverse & direct arrest, rudder/push assist and bow-to-bow assist) either in an emergency response capacity or utilising these techniques in high-level day-to-day towage operations.
This is a 7-day simulation course, which if required can be complimented with live on board a client’s tug training.
- Module 4 – Adaptive (Cross) Training from One Operating System to Another
Designed to train experienced ASD/ATD tug masters in the use of a different operating system, for example:
- Unilever (Niigata Joystick) system to Individual Combi Controls.
- ASD/ATD to RotorTug operations.
SeaWays’ Principal has been accredited by Kotug to deliver RotorTug training and assessing.
Cross Training usually involves approximately 4 days training.
- Module 5 – Tug & Barge Operations
(A trainee must have completed Module 1-Tug Handling Training)
Designed to train and accredit tugmasters in the operational requirements and manoeuvring of different types of barges in various scenarios and operational environments.
All training is competency based, so although individual masters will reach common levels of competence over differing periods of time, in all cases a base competency level will likely be attained and verified via non-subjective assessment.
Competency based training, associated with SeaWays’ Tugmaster Training Program© takes into account a trainee’s previous experience, abilities, speed of learning, opportunities to train etc.
As all our training is competency based to a defined standard that in turn is non-subjectively assessed it is not possible to be given a definite time frame for training, there are simply too many variables out of SeaWays’ control. Instead we provide time estimates based on our extensive experience.
SeaWays’ intent when training tug masters is to always ensure that each master when embarking on their first solo operation is able to competently handle a tug for the operations they are accredited for under all circumstances that might be reasonably encountered, and with sufficient insight to overcome unplanned events, such as might occur during bad weather or as a result of equipment failure.
This requires sufficient training on control systems with which to embed automatic reactions to events. These instinctive sub-conscious reactions must be not only automatic but also correct, to ensure reactions are both timely and safe without overloading the tugmasters mental capabilities. The high standard of instinctive operational competency achieved by SeaWays’ is aimed at enabling the trainee tugmaster to focus on the situation at hand, rather than to have to consciously focus too much on how to drive the tug.
The SeaWays’ system is set at industry best practise and to a defined standard.
SeaWays does undertake one-on-one training of Tugmasters when required but experience has shown it is more effective and cost efficient to train two to four tugmasters at the same time. Any more than this becomes counterproductive.
Training is undertaken either:
- Entirely on board the tug or,
- Via a combination of TugSim and live on board training.