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Training Consultancy Deck & Nav Yacht-Tender Crew 15 mtr Master 80GT Near Coastal Master 200GT Limited Master 200GT Power Master 200GT Sail Master 200GT UnLimited Ocean Course Schedule Course Booking

Course Syllabus.
The full syllabus of Ocean/Astro is covered and a great emphasis is placed upon understanding the theoretical principles and terminologies.
 
Astro Theory:
The 5 elements of navigation.
Distance and time problems.
Tiime and degree mathematics.
The Prime/Universal Meridian.
The Almanac.
Time elements, UT, UTC, LMT, ZT, ST.
Solar and lunar time divisions.
Chronometer and deck watch errors.
The planets and the solar system.
The Celestial Sphere.
Types of sights.
Hour angles, GHA, LHA & SHA.
Geographical Positions.
Zenith distances.
PZX Triangle.

Sextant:
Working principal.
Sextant types and optics.
Fixed errors.
Variable errors.
Index error adjustment.

Sights:
Preparation for  a sight.
Sight techniques.
Recording the sight.
Sun sight on the meridian.
Sun sight off the meridian.
Planet sight off meridian.
Moon sight off the meridian.
Star sights.
Polaris north star
Compass checks & azimuths.
Vertical Sextant Angle.

Sight Adjustment & Reduction.
Types of Proformas.
Index Error and Dip.
Main/Altitude Corrections.
Time calculations.
Weight factors & distribution.
Refits & modifications.

Plotting.
Types of plotting sheets.
Latitude scales.
Plotting techniques.
Fix assesment methods.

Professional Passage Planning:
Objectives.
Legal requirements.
Types of charts.
Pilot charts.
Publications.
Appraisal factors.
Planning considerations.
Executing & monitoring the passage.
Making neccessary changes.

World's Oceans, Seas & Currents:
Earth circulation.
The 5 oceans.
The seas of the world.
The principle currents.
The types of currents.
The trade winds.
Ice limits.
Emergency navigation.

Satellite Positioning Systems:
The working principal.
The different operational systems.
The limitations/errors of the systems.
Relevant accuracy.

GMDSS, SAR & MSN:
GMDSS areas.
RCC's & SAR areas.
MF & Reporting Stations.
Safety Net and MSI.
Satcom.

ISPS & Piracy:
Areas and situation reports.
Relevant publications & charts.
Preventive & counter measures.
Reporting procedures.
Vessel security.
Crew & shore security.

Tropical Revolving Storms:
Research & types.
Development phases.
Historical information & tendencies.
Fully developed TRS
The different sections.
Avoiding action.
Master 200GT UnLimited (Ocean)
OOW Ocean/Astro Certification

Theory & Practical

Flag recognitions are currently in process.

Price: 1390,- € + 425,- € exam fees.

Course length: 8 days (+1-2 days for exams & sights).
Total lecture/teaching time: 56 hours approx.


Course location: Antibes (South France).

Price includes: course materials, exams fees & certification fees, soft drinks.

Price excludes: course book, accommodation, personal travel costs, meals, requested shipment for course notes & certificates, admin fees.

Overview:
The HMA OOW Ocean/Astro course is based upon the professional mariitme course taught in mariitme colleges worldwide. The course has been modernized, subjects have been added and the course is taught using the latest teaching methods. With it's progressive learning structure and pace learning style, the course adapts to your very own academic ability.
The HMA Ocean/Astro is modern, progressive and is great for completing the whole navigational picture from a professional stand-point.

Objectives:
The course is not just about using a sextant in an emergency such as a "dead-ship routine ".
One of the more important objectives of the course is to make the connection between "astro navigation positioning" and "satellite navigation positioning" making the course studies relevant to today's navigational working practices.
All the theoretical principles, as well as all the terms used in astro-navigation, and their relevance to modern day navigational practices are covered in the syllabus.

Exams/Completion Requirements:
Theory Exam; Astro Navigation.
Theory Exam; Ocean Theory.
Practical Test; Qualifying Sights.
Project/Thesis; Commercial Passage Plan.

Entry Requirements:
Qualifying ocean passage of 600Nm or more, and one of the following certifcates;
Master 200GT Limited.
OR
IYT Master of Yachts 200 Tons Limited.
OR
MCA OOW(Y)3000GT.
OR
Other "Maritime Administration" issued OOW qualification.
OR
MCA Master(Y) 200Tons
OR
Other "Maritime Administration" issued professional Master 200Tons qualification.
Your Questions?

I hold an MCA OOW(Y) and I did an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, can I do this course?

Yes you can, your OOW qualification ranks higher than your RYA Yachtmaster. Your OOW is also a Master(Y) 200Tons with a 150Nm restriction from a safe haven; by obtaining this OOW Ocean/Astro certifcate, this restriction will be lifted.

Is it recognized by the MCA?
We are in the process of application for recognitions from various flag states, please consult with us for an update.

Do I have to go out on a boat and take my qualifying sights?
There is no requirement to do so however you will be taking qualifying sights during the course under test conditions; thereby savng you both time and hassle.

Why is the course longer than the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean course?
The course has to meet minimum criteria to comply with the STCW code and flag state requirements; such as a minimum amount of classroom time and study time, as well as the course content has to be to a specific depth of knowledge.
This course meets all these criteria enabling the certification to be transferable between many maritime administrations in the future.

Is there an oral exam like the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean have?
No there is not. The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean is a recreational course orientated around small yacht practices. The RYA Ocean oral is to emphasis the need for competency at the recreational level for yachts under 24 metres.

I hold an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and I really would like to do this course?
If you did your RYA Yachtmaster before August 2005, then it is possible. We would need to see your CV and check your sea-time.
Another way to enter the course is to convert your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore to an MCA Master(Y) 200 Tons or to any other similar professional qualification.

Why do I have to do an Ocean Passage Plan thesis/project?
The principle problems of commercial passage planning is to understand; how to make an actual feasibility study or appraisal as it;s called; where to find the information and its relevance; how to create a workable format; and how to analyse if the plan is working or not.
Some of the course modules such as "Ocean Passage Planning For Commercial Yachts" and "The Worlds Oceans, Seas & Currents" do cover much of what has to be included in the plan. Additionally, after the course we will give you help and guidance on how to put together your thesis/project.

Contact us at training@harrisonmaritime.com or telephone France +33 (0)489 688 650.
Copyright Harrison Maritime Associates Eurl (May 2013) excluding images used.


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