Our Program

MF - Marine Foundations

Instructors:

Phil Foster
Krista Gooderham

Course Description:

In this course, students gain foundational knowledge, skills and certifications to plan and execute safe commercial marine trips. Marine foundations includes Transport Canada and Canadian Coast Guard approved and accredited certificates including Small Vessel Operators Proficiency, Domestic Vessel Safety (previously Marine Emergency Duties A1 & A2), and Marine Radio Operator Certificate (ROC -M).  Students will receive practical training in rigid hull small vessels as well as observational tours on local whale watching vessels.

Topics:

• Chartwork and Pilotage
• Navigation and Safety
• Marine emergency procedures
• Principles of general seamanship
• Weather forecasting and meteorological systems
• Practical boat operation procedures

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completing this course, students will be familiar with:

• Chartwork and Pilotage
  • Marine charts and compass
  • Nautical publications
  • Route planning
  • Electronic navigation techniques
• Navigation and Safety
  • Understanding the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea with Canadian Modifications, 1983
  • Principles of navigational watch as outlined in the STCW Code and bridge teamwork procedures
  • Understand the Lateral and Cardinal Systems of Navigation Aids
• Marine emergency procedures
  • Lifesaving and Distress Signals
  • Response to fire, collision, flooding and other marine emergencies
  • Safety Drills and Passenger Control
  • Personal survival techniques
  • Safe working practices and regulations
  • Pollution Prevention
• Principles of general seamanship
  • Responsibility and duties of Owner, Master and Crew under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001
  • Importance of Logbooks and Record Keeping
• Weather forecasting and meteorological systems
• Practical boat operation procedures
  • Safety checks and passenger briefing
  • Close quarter manoeuvering
  • Docking and Fuelling
  • Start up and shut down procedures