Objective

The goal is to enhance safety and productivity in the maritime working environment by instilling the knowledge and skills reflected in the Coast Guard exam topic table.

Target Group

Any applicant who has successfully completed your Apprentice Mate (Steersman) (HOUSTM-31) course, and presents your Certificate of Training within one year of the completion of training, will satisfy: - The examination requirements of 46 CFR 1 l .903(a)(l 9) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10.227(e)(1)(iii) for renewal of an endorsement as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels (Great Lakes or Inland). Endorsements issued on the basis of completion of this course will be limited to vessels of not more than 200 GRT. This course does NOT satisfy the Navigation General or Navigation Problems examination requirements for a license valid upon oceans, near coastal waters or western rivers.

Examination

In order to successfully complete this course, each student must obtain a grade percentage of not less than 90% on the Rules of the Road examination, 70% on the Deck General, Deck Safety, Navigation General: Near Coastal examinations, and 90% on Navigation Problems-Chart Plot and Navigation Problems-Near Coastal examinations.

Course Contents

This 9 day (72 hours) course covers the subjects addressed by Coast Guard exams for a license as Apprentice Mate / Steersman of towing vessels on inland or near coastal waters (46 CFR 11.466) (an additional day (8 hours) is available for testing following the course, course has potential to equal 10 full days). Contents covered in this course are: - Manning and Licensing - Inland Navigation Rules - COLREGS - Charts and Navigation Problems - Tide and Currents - Aids to Navigation - Luminous and Geographical Range - Latitude and Longitude - Compasses - Plotting Courses and Bearings - Speed, Time, and Distance - Fixing Positions - Dead Reckoning - Effects of Current - set, drift, EP, course to steer - Leeway - Running Fix - Distance Off - Vessel Maneuvering and Handling - Pollution Prevention - Lifesaving Equipment - Emergency Procedures - Weather - Rules for Towing Vessels - Deck General - Seamanship - Firefighting - Radio Communications - Tide and Current Calculation - Stability - Engine Operating Principles - Basic Principles of Watchkeeping - Ships Business - Towing Operations - Daily Review Sessions