NMP continues to offer Deck, Engine, SMS & other upgrading courses

Press Release
March 19, 2015

TACLOBAN CITY – National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), a government maritime training and research agency located at Brgy. Cabalawan, this City, continues to offer Deck, Engine, Safety, Medical and Security (SMS) upgrading and Professional Development Courses to aspirants to the seafaring industry, active seafarers, maritime trainers and assessors, and other allied personnel in the maritime industry.

The Deck, Engine, Safety, Medical and Security (SMS) upgrading and Professional Development Courses regularly offered by NMP include Marine Electrical System (MES), Radar Navigation, Radar Plotting and Use of ARPA (RNRPUARPA), Marine Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (MRAC), Maritime Law for Ship Officers (MAR LAW), STD/HIV/AIDS Prevention in the Maritime Sector (SHAPIMS), Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Maritime Sector (PADAMS), and Gender Sensitivity Training for Seafarers (GSTS).

Marine Electrical System (MES) is a five-day course wherein the trainees are expected to be able to apply the concepts and principles of electrical systems normally installed in ships; carry out all necessary activities in the generation of electrical power; perform the tests required in the operation and maintenance of electrical machines and control systems; and appreciate the importance of marine electrical system in shipboard operations.

Radar Navigation, Radar Plotting and Use of ARPA (RNRPUARPA) is a nine-day upgrading course which will enable the trainee to recognize the appropriate time when radar should be in use, select a suitable mode and range setting for the circumstances, set the controls for optimal performance, and be conscious of the limitations of the equipment in detecting targets and in terms of accuracy, to name a few. Course contents include Basic theory and operation of marine radar system, setting up and operation of radar in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, performing manual radar plotting, use of radar to ensure safe navigation, use of radar to avoid collisions or close encounters, and description and operation of an ARPA system.

Marine Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (MRAC) is another five-day course that provides trainee participants with the applied knowledge and practical skills in blueprint reading, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting techniques of marine refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. This also helps trainees acquire required knowledge, understanding and proficiency in working with marine refrigeration and air-conditioning on board ship.

Maritime Law for Ship Officers (MAR LAW) is a five-day professional development course which is intended for masters and ships’ officers focusing on the salient features of maritime law with regard to their authorities, rights, duties and responsibilities in the commercial operation of seagoing merchant ships. Based on IMO Model Course 7.01, the course is aimed at enhancing and broadening the seafarer-trainees’ legal knowledge and understanding.

STD/HIV/AIDS Prevention in the Maritime Sector (SHAPIMS) is a one-day training course which deals on the nature of STD/HIV infection/AIDS and the methods of prevention and control, sexual behavior changes and modification, communicating its prevention in the workplace and among seafarers, partner notification and preventive measures. Aside from active seamen and aspirants, seafarers’ wives, and personnel of shipping and manning agencies are likewise encouraged to take this.

Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Maritime Sector (PADAMS) is another one-day course which covers topics on the nature and extent of alcohol and drug problem in the maritime sector, preventive measures and policies to address such problems, effects of alcoholic beverages in the performance onboard ships, pertinent laws and regulations as prescribed in Chapter VIII, Section B-VIII/2, Part 5 of the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended.

Gender Sensitivity Training for Seafarers (GSTS) is a four-hour course covering topics on gender roles ascribed by the society, gender equality and equity, rights-based approach to sexual and reproductive health, Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act (RA 9262), and The New Anti-Rape Law (RA 8353). This course is offered free to paying trainees enrolled in other courses.