West Nautical hosts another successful Superyacht Captain's Command and Control Course
by West Nautical 30 Oct 2021 10:33 BST
West Nautical hosted its annual MNTB recognised Superyacht Captain's Command and Control training course in association with South Shields Marine School.
Designed specifically for those who possess a STCW Reg A-II/2 Master (Yacht) 3000GT or above, the training programme sees Captain's being put through their paces in a series of emergency scenarios in a 360-degree bridge simulator at the Marine School.
The scenarios and training course aims to improve bridge team resource management and emergency responses. The simulated vessels are motor yachts between 40-meters and 90-meters in length, with realistic handling characteristics.
West Nautical, along with Kate Gillespie from KG Maritime, develop the unique simulated scenarios to be superyacht-specific and crew-focused to ensure that delegates gain valuable experience in a realistic environment.
Following each simulator session, a debrief with video footage of the scenarios, takes place where delegates can analyse their responses and the actions taken to allow them to identify any learning points that can be taken back and put into practice on board.
The three-day course put the Captain's through their paces with scenarios such as collision, engine loss, weather conditions, piracy and capsizing all whilst carrying out the correct and legally required emergency response procedures, including real-time calls to EOS and simulated calls to regional coastguards. On the final day the delegates were questioned on their actions by Maritime Lawyer Iain Butterworth in a 'Court Style' setup, who guided them through the intricacies and legalities in a relaxed environment and answered any questions, having worked many cases of such real-life occurrences.
The course has been designed for experienced superyacht captains, but it is also suitable to senior Officers holding a valid Master 3000GT license (or above) who are looking for simulated command experience prior to taking their first command.
Having received Merchant Navy Training Board recognition in 2016, participants receive a certificate of recognised qualification by attending the course.
Mike Hitch, Captain of 142m M/Y Nord, who attended this years' course said: "I think it was excellent. The reason I think it was excellent is because throughout all our training as Captains, we do various simulator courses as we do various certificates, but this was completely different because it's not about the rules of the road, it was simulating a whole scenario focusing on how we manage in an emergency, how we use the various crew we have in an emergency situation. The equipment is first rate."
Another delegate, Lisa Blackshaw, second officer on a 138m motor yacht, when asked about the course, said the following: "I found the course really insightful, it was beyond what I was expecting. I came on the course to learn how to be a good chief officer and how to support the captain. By being in the simulator, I really got the opportunity to get tested to the limits in a way we would be unable to during our training on board. I felt it was a safe environment to naturally make mistakes with the de-brief allowing me to learn from those mistakes."
Our resident maritime lawyer, Iain Butterworth from Butterworth Marine said: "As a lawyer and marine consultant, I'm involved with marine casualties and incidents all the time. For the purpose of this course, my role was to observe and assess the scenarios involving the delegates in order to provide feedback on the legalities involved in each scenario."
To find out more about the Captains Command and Control Course or to get in contact with West Nautical, visit our website: westnautical.com/services/training or contact Managing Director Geoff Moore on