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Syllabus

3.1 General ^

(1) The students will receive an explanation on all the points contained in the following syllabus and will be expected to obtain a basic understanding of the principles involved.

3.2 Steering Duties ^

(1) Magnetic compass --- construction and theory. Gyro compass --- construction and theory. (Precession and rigidity in space.) Comparison between magnetic and gyro compasses their advantages and disadvantages.

(2) Explanation of earth's magnetic field. Limitations of magnetic compass in Arctic regions.

(3) Basic helm orders. Helm and steering clear procedures before leaving dock. Steering by compass and/or marks ashore.

(4) Change over from hand steering to automatic and vice versa. The necessity of checking that automatic steering is holding course. Dangers of changing from hand to automatic and vice versa especially in close quarters situation. Necessity of O.O.W. to supervise changes from hand to automatic and vice versa. Action to be taken if steering fails.

(5) Being relieved at wheel. The necessity of repeating courses given. The necessity of advising O.O.W. of course steered. The passing of all relevant information to new wheelsman.

3.3 Keeping a Look Out ^

(1) Need to keep a look out including the practical need and the requirements under the Collision Regulations.

(2) Standard procedures of reporting sightings by relative bearings in points or degrees and estimated distances.

(3) The recognition of the appearance of lights, shapes and sound signals from other vessels and their meaning. A basic understanding of how the heading of the other vessel can be determined from lights exhibited. Basics of the Collision Regulations as they pertain to lights, shapes and sound signals.

(4) Ability to recognise fixed and floating aids. Understand their directional significance. Be aware of their reliability and limitations.

(5) Ability to recognise visual and sound distress signals. Ability to recognise distress signals transmitted by radio telephones. Ability to recognise aircraft distress signals. Understanding of reporting distress signals on an immediate basis to the Master or O.O.W..

(6) Ability to recognise hazardous situations threatening the safety of the ship crew and passengers. Understanding of the risk of collision from a vessel approaching on a steady bearing.

3.4 Detached Duties ^

(1) Ability to operate vessel's internal communications systems. Bridge telephones. Loudspeaker systems. Voice pipes.

(2) Ability to understand and operate vessel's alarm systems. How to switch general alarm on and its meaning. Practice fire and boat drill whistle signals. Automatic fire alarms and their significance. CO2 alarm in Engine Room and its significance.

(3) Knowledge of and ability to use pyrotechnic distress signals. Knowledge of where pyrotechnic distress signals are stored. Familiarity with the various methods of igniting them. Knowledge of when signals expire and should be replaced. Knowledge of signals carried on individual lifeboats and liferafts.

(4) Ability to understand and be understood by the O.O.W. Understanding the need to repeat orders given to eliminate possibility of phonetic errors. Understand the requirement to feel free to ask questions for clarification if this is necessary. Understand the need to keep the O.O.W. informed of developments at all times. Speak clearly and raise one's voice to the appropriate volume to overcome background noise.

(5) Knowledge and purpose of monitoring Deck Log and Engine Room Movement Book. Understanding the legal requirement under the CSA for a Deck log to be kept. Its significance as a reference for events taking place, particularly those of an accidental nature. Understanding the importance of the Bridge Engine Room Movement Book when compared to the Engine Room Movement Book. Understanding the importance of synchronising clocks between the Engine Room and Bridge.

(6) Elementary understanding of signalling and flag work. Flag etiquette. Dipping Ensign, removal of Ensign at sunset. Seniority of hoists. Review of meaning of individual alphabetic flags and their colours and shapes. Numeral pendants. Introduction to International Code of Signals.

3.5 General Seamanship ^

(1) Knowledge of shipboard terms and nautical terminology. Use of nautical dictionary. Understand origin of terminology to assist memory. A basic understanding that some nautical terms apply only to the particular type of ship served on.

(2) Understand names and functions of vessel's construction. A basic understanding of how a steel vessel is constructed and the stages through which it passes.

(3) Ability to recognise and name different types of vessel. A review of different types of vessels, their construction, design and loading purpose ie. tankers, self unloaders, cargo vessels, MODU's, tugs, buoy tenders, flat backs, hovercrafts, warships, fishing vessels.

3.6 Ropes and Chains ^

(1) Ability to recognise various types of synthetic ropes. An approximate knowledge of their breaking strengths and S.W.L.'s. A basic knowledge of care of synthetic ropes and their weakness i.e. chaffing, or deterioration in sunlight.

(2) Ability to make knots, hitches, bends, whipping and splices. The skill of putting on eye splice in wire rope, synthetic rope and fibre rope. All knots including bowline, sheetbend, clovehitch, reef knot and a half hitch. Ability to put common whipping and sailmakers whipping in fibre rope.

(3) Knowledge of wire rope construction. Includes a practical demonstration of opening up a coil and cutting a section of wire rope, including a study of the cross section.

(4) Use of bull dog clips to join wire rope. This includes a practical demonstration of the right and wrong way, with class participation. An understanding of the strengths and weakness of this arrangement as compared to a regular wire splice.

(5) Types of chains, shackles and slips. Practical demonstration of all of these items will be made with class handling and participation.

3.7 Anchoring ^

(1) Knowledge of windlasses. All the basic functions of a windlass will be explained i.e. letting go the anchor, warping drums, heaving up the anchor. The need to hose down the cable when heaving in the anchor will be explained. The purpose of having men in the chain locker coiling the chain and the dangers of such an operation. A knowledge of the difference in operation of steam and electric windlasses.

(2) Joining shackles and marking the cable. Methods of marking the cable length by painting relevant links or attaching wire to them to mark the length of cable according to shackles paid out. Demonstration of dismantling and rejoining cable at joining shackles - how it differs from a normal cable link.

(3) Knowledge of anchor signals. Explanation of day and night signals required by a vessel at anchor or aground and their significance under the Collision Regulations for other vessels. Means by which anchor signals are hoisted and their care and storage. The use of back up oil lanterns.

3.8 Draft and Soundings ^

(1) Marking and heaving hand lead line. A practical demonstration of how the lead is heaved, with class participation. The method of calling soundings to the bridge. The weight of the lead and its other purpose i.e. ascertain nature of sea bottom and checking to see if the vessel is moving ahead or astern.

3.9 Ability to Read Draft Markings ^

(1) Ability to read Imperial System Draft marks, Arabic and Roman numerals. Ability to read Metric System Draft marks. Knowledge of loading to a load line.

3.10 Familiarization ^

(1) Seaman's responsibilities and principles governing conduct i.e. do not leave the helm until relieved, relieve watch promptly, don't smoke in bed, know your ship, know your emergency station and life boat, etc.

(2) Necessity of discipline. An understanding of the principle that a disciplined ship is a happy ship as everybody knows where they stand and events are controlled. Panic can create a disaster which could be avoided by organized and cohesive action. The word disaster in the marine environment can translate into injury or death.

3.11 Safety ^

(1) The seaman must be aware of the inherent dangers aboard a ship. Apparently harmless activities like reeving a wire onto a winch can be extremely dangerous if a man is drawn into the drum.

(2) Knowledge of the Safe Working Practices Regulations and Canada Labour Code and their provisions i.e. working aloft and use of safety belt, entering and working in confined spaces, hot work, etc.

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