AB to Mate Program

This course (MITAGS-37) is required for all officers who serve on vessels equipped with ARPA. Attendees will learn collision avoidance and navigation. Trainees use commercial ARPA equipment with landmasses, environmental effects and vessel returns. The curriculum exceeds IMO requirements. “Hands-on” simulation is conducted on Raytheon, Sperry, and Furuno ARPAs. The successful completion of the course entitles attendees to a USCG/STCW ARPA certificate.

Prerequisite- Radar Observer Unlimited.

Suggested Courses/Skills- Required on vessels equipped with ARPA. See NVIC 10-14, 11-14 and 12-14.

This course satisfies the following STCW 2010 and CFR requirements:

• 46 CFR 11.305(a)(3)(vi); 46 CFR 11.307(a)(3)(vi); 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(xiv); 46 CFR 11.311(a)(3)(viii); 46 CFR 11.313(a)(3)(viii); 46 CFR 11.315(a)(3)(v); 46 CFR 11.317(a)(3)(vii); 46 CFR 11.319(a)(4)(viii); and 46 CFR 11.321(a)(3)(vii)
• STCW 2010 Table A-II/1 Code
• NVIC 10-14 Task 5.1.A
• NVIC 12-14 Tasks 3.5.A, 3.6.A, 3.6.B, 3.6.C, 3.6.D, 3.6.E, 3.6.F, 3.6.G, 3.6.H, 3.6.I, 3.6.J, 3.6.L, 3.6.M and 3.6.K

This course (MITPMI-71) is required for all Able Seamen upgrading to 3rd/2nd Mate. It utilizes full mission simulation to reinforce theoretical lessons. Students practice turning circles and stopping distance in deep and shallow water, man overboard procedures and basic anchoring. Students will demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and proficiency in basic shiphandling on a Full Mission Simulator and by written test.

This course satisfies the following STCW and CFR training requirements

• The Ship Handling requirements per 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(xi) for STCW endorsement as OICNW on vessels of 500 GT or more
• The following Tasks of NVIC 12-14: 9.1.A, 9.2.A, 9.2.B, 9.3.A, 9.4.A, and 9.5.A.

Prerequisites- This course is available to anyone pursuing qualifications to be in charge of a navigational watch. It is also suitable as a refresher for anyone currently operating as a qualified navigational watch keeper.

Suggested Courses/Skills- See NVIC 12-14 &13-14.

This course (MITAGS-100) is required for all Able Bodied Seamen upgrading to 3rd/2nd Mate. It prepares the student for undertaking deck watch duties while loading and discharging cargo in port and care of cargo in transit. The goal of this 35-hour training course, “Cargo Handling & Stowage”, is to provide trainees with knowledge, understanding and proficiency in monitoring the loading, stowage, securing and unloading of cargoes. It includes procedures for safe entry into confined spaces and handling dangerous goods but does not include specialized cargo operations. (E.g. LNG/LPG or chemical tanker operations)

This course is designed to satisfy the following STCW and CFR training requirements:

• Cargo Handling training requirements for certification as OICNW on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC)
• NVIC 12-14 Tasks: 10.2; 10.3.A; 11.1 11.2; 11.4.A; 11.5; 11.6; and 11.7
• 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(x)

Suggested Courses/Skills- See NVIC 12-14 & 13-14.

This course (MITAGS-114) is required by all Able Seamen upgrading to 500/1600/3rd Mate licenses as it satisfies the OICNW training requirements for Celestial Navigation. The course covers the most common forms of position fixing by celestial bodies. Subjects for this course include nautical astronomy, sextant, sight reductions, time of sunset, time of sunrise, and star identification.  *Please note that this course was previously two weeks, but we have expanded to three weeks based on attendee feedback.

• This course satisfies:
• Provided that this training was completed within one year of the date of application, the oceans navigation professional examination requirements of:

  • o   Navigation General: Oceans

    o   Navigation Problems: Oceans

    For increasing the scope of an endorsement from near coastal to oceans for the following National Deck Officer Endorsements:

    o   Second or Third Mate of self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage

    o   Master or Mate of self-propelled vessels of less than 1600 GRT

    o   Master or Mate of self-propelled vessels ofless than 500 GRT

    o   Master or Mate of self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT

    o   Master or Mate of Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels; AND

    ·       The Celestial Navigation training requirements of 46 CFR l l .309(a)(4)(viii) for an STCW endorsement as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC); AND

    ·       The Celestial Navigation standards of competence required by STCW Code Section A­ II/2 and Table A-II/2, as amended 2010, meeting the National Assessment Guidelines from NVICs  1O-l4(Ch-3),  11-l 4(Ch-3), and 03-18 Tasks 1.2.A, 1.2.B, 1.2.C, 2.1.A, 2.1.B, and 2.1.C; AND

  • The Celestial Navigation standards of competence required by STCW Code Section A­ IVI and Table A-WI , as amended 2010, meeting the National Assessment Guidelines from NVICs 12-14(Ch-4) and 02-18 Tasks I.I.A, 1.1.B, 1.1.C, 1.1.D, 1.1.E, and  1.1.F.

  • Applicants who have successfully completed your course need not present completed "Task Control Sheets" for these assessments in application for STCW certification.

Prerequisites- Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation (TCNAV).

Suggested Courses/Skills- See NVIC 12-14 & 13-14.

This course (MITPMI -125) combines the training for basic and advanced fire fighting into a convenient 5-day format. Also attendees learn how to develop and implement fire plans. Practical portion of the course includes applying techniques to fight live fires and to lead fire teams. The course meets all of the STCW 2010 and Coast Guard license requirements for basic and advanced fire fighting training.

This course satisfies the following STCW 2010 and CFR training requirements:

• STCW Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-2 - Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (BT Fire Module)
• STCW Section A-VI/3 and Table A-VI/3 - Advanced Fire Fighting
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting per 46 CFR 11.302(a)(2) and 46 CFR 12.602(a)(2)
• Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting per 46 CFR 11.201(h)(2) and 46 CFR 11.201(h)(3)
• Advanced Fire Fighting per 46 CFR 11.303(a)
• Firefighting requirements for a national tankerman endorsement in 46 CFR 13.201(c)(3), 13.301(c)(3); 13.401(d); and 13.501(c)(3)
• NVIC 10-14 Tasks: 16.2.A; 16.5.A; 17.1.A; 17.3.A.
• NVIC 12-14 Tasks: 14.1.A; 14.2.A; 14.3.A; 14.4.A; 19.2.A.

Prerequisites- None.

Suggested Courses/Skills- See NVIC 02-14 & 09-14. General good health and the physical ability to safely carry out rigorous activities during “live” fire fighting exercises. Fire-field safety rules require all students to be clean shaven in order to ensure a proper seal with the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Requirements for GMDSS Classes

The MITAGS GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) classes do not include any prerequisites or advised preparatory courses.

FCC licensing

If you do not already hold the FCC GMDSS Operator’s License (DO) — successful completion of the course allows you to apply for the FCC license (required both to operate aboard the vessel and receive the GMDSS STCW endorsement.) However, the FCC requires the following for licensing:

A resident of the United States

Comprehension of written and spoken messages in English

Successful completion of written or telegraphy exams

Supply proof of the above with FCC Form 605.

The instructor can assist you in filing the FCC Form 605 with the FCC and in some cases may be able to file directly on your behalf.

Training Requirements Satisfied by GMDSS Marine Radio Operator’s License Course

Our Coast Guard approved GMDSS course satisfies the following STCW and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requirements for obtaining your GMDSS STCW endorsement.

• 46 CFR 11.305(a)(3)(viii)
• 46 CFR 11.307(a)(3)(viii)
• 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(xv)
• 46 CFR 11.311(a)(3)(ix)
• 46 CFR 11.313(a)(3)(ix)
• 46 CFR 11.315(a)(3)(vi)
• 46 CFR 11.319(a)(4)(ix)
• Table A-IV/2 of the STCW Code, as amended 2010

The MITAGS GMDSS class also adheres to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards for Digital Selective Calling (DSC), plus emergency communications and all other operations.

Locations for GMDSS Training Courses in Washington and Maryland

We offer our GMDSS training courses and other maritime courses in Washington and Maryland. Our Seattle, WA campus occupies a prime place by the waterfront near to downtown and is only 30 minutes from the Seattle Tacoma (SEA-TAC) International Airport. Our Linthicum Heights, MD campus is also in a convenient location. It is less than five miles from the Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Both facilities feature the latest simulation technology and/or live equipment for comprehensive hands-on training.

How to Prepare for a GMDSS Class

Following your registration, as well as payment for the cost of your GMDSS course, prepare for your GMDSS training course in Maryland or Washington by downloading the test pool, GMDSS-GOC-EL7-2019 October. The exam features 100 questions, with six questions per page. Please read the class cover letter on the study guide that was emailed to you along with your enrollment confirmation.

GMDSS Course Schedule

Our two-week GMDSS training course at MITAGS - East (Maryland)  follows a Monday through Saturday schedule for the first week and a Monday through Thursday arrangement for the second week. At MITAGS - West (Washington) the course will be Monday through Friday for both weeks.

MITAGS - East labs remain open on Saturdays and Sundays, providing you with the opportunity to practice what you are learning in class. MITAGS - West lab week will also offer Instructor led weekend time

The one (1) day seven (7) hour course (MITAGS-768) covers those areas of leadership techniques and skills pertinent to operational or entry-level professional mariners. Course information and presentations reflect academic writings and “real life” experiences of individuals who have been in positions of leadership and have been or are responsible for the success of the organization and the success of individuals who work for and support the organization.The Course further provides communications techniques and skills that assist and augment the individual in his or her efforts to become a successful leader.

This course satisfies the following:

• NVIC 12-14 Tasks: 17.1.A – 18.5.A
• NVIC 17-14 Tasks: 15.1.A – 16.4.A
• Leadership and Teamworking Skills within 46 CFR 11.309; 46 CFR 11.319; 46 CFR 11.321
• Leadership

Prerequisites- None

Suggested Courses/Skills- See NVIC 12-14 & 13-14.

This 15-day prep course offered at MITAGS is designed for able seafarers that have completed the required STCW training for "Officer In Charge of a Navigational Watch" (OICNW) and desire assistance in preparing for their USCG Third Mate Oceans or Near Coastal License Exams. The test week that follows is dependent upon each student's schedule and the REC's schedule. 

Prerequisites-CG-718B Application submitted or USCG Approval Letter to Test. 

Suggested Courses/Skills- Completion of the MITAGS-PMI OICNW training courses is highly recommended. Please consider scheduling your test immediately following the course with the REC. 

The schedule generally follows TOC of Murphy Book #5 &  Capn Joe’s list of Stability Problems

This five-day medical care provider course (MITPMI-310) is for seafarers responsible for administering immediate first aid to the ship’s personnel, as well as assisting the Ship’s Medical Person-in-Charge with providing definitive medical care. Attendees will learn and develop skills needed to recognize and help in medical emergencies, promote the methods required to maintain the well-being and safety of ship's personnel, conduct patient assessments and other essential ship board medical procedures.

This course is established using guidelines provided by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Code (STCW).

View the available course dates

Maritime Medical Care Provider Course Requirements

At MITAGS, we require all applicants to complete an STCW basic first aid course with success. If you are aiming for an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) Qualification, you will need to adhere to select guidelines of the Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVIC), specifically 12-14 and 13-14, which mandate training as a medical first aid provider. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) must approve the medical care provider course you take.

Requirements Satisfied by STCW Medical Care Courses

This course satisfies the following STCW and CFR medical training requirements:

• Section A-VI/1, and Table A-VI/1-3 - BST Elementary First Aid.
• Section A-VI/4 and Table A-VI/4-1 Medical Care Provider.
• The Elementary First Aid training requirements of 46 CFR 11.302(a)(3), 46 CFR 12.602(a)(3), and the First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training requirements of 46 CFR 11.201(i)(1)
• The competency requirements of 46 CFR 12.619(a)(2)
• The Medical First-Aid Provider training requirements of 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(i); 46 CFR 11.317(a)(3)(i); 46 CFR 11.319(a)(4)(i); 46 CFR 11.329(a)(4)(i); 46 CFR 11.335(a)(3)(i); and 46 CFR 12.619(a)(1)
• The following Tasks of NVIC 12-14: 16.1.A and 19.3.A

Prerequisites- STCW- Basic First Aid

Suggested Courses/Skills- See NVIC 12-14 & 13-14. Mandatory for OICNW Qualification after 12/31/2017.

Locations for USCG Medical Care Provider Classes

At MITAGS, we teach our USCG medical care provider class at both our Maryland and our Washington campuses. The cost for the courses does not vary by location, offering you flexibility in where you choose to take your maritime medical care provider course. Both campuses are also in close proximity to nearby major airports, Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Seattle Tacoma (SEA-TAC) International Airport.

How to Register for an STCW Medical Care Course in Washington or Maryland

If you are signing up for an STCW medical care course in Washington or Maryland, follow these steps:

• Pick your session date.
• Add your class to your cart.
• Make your MITAGS account.
• Provide your preferred payment method.
• Complete your checkout and registration.

If you require assistance with registration, our knowledgeable team can help.

This course (MITAGS-316) is required for Able Seamen upgrading to 3rd/2nd Mate. The goal of this 35-hour training course, “Meteorology”, is to provide trainees with knowledge, understanding and proficiency in Meteorology at the Operational Level for Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch. It provides students with a knowledge of the characteristics of various weather systems, reporting procedures and recording systems and onboard meteorological instruments. Attendees will gain the ability to apply the meteorological information available.

This course satisfies the following STCW 2010 and CFR training requirements:

• the Meteorology knowledge, understanding, and proficiency requirements of Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code, as amended 2010; the approved training requirements of 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(xiii) for certification as an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 gross tons (ITC) or more.
• the specific assessments tasks from the National Assessment Guidelines found in NVIC 12-14: Tasks 1.9.A, 1.9.B, 1.10.A, 1.10.B, 1.10.C, 1.10.D, 1.10.E, 1.10.F, and 1.10.G.

Prerequisites- None.

Suggested Courses/Skills- See NVIC 12-14 & 13-14.

This Coast Guard approved course (MITAGS-399) is required for all officers who serve on vessels equipped with RADAR. Attendees will develop the skills needed for risk assessment, collision avoidance, and navigation. Trainees use commercial RADAR equipment with land masses, environmental effects and vessel returns. The curriculum exceeds USCG and IMO requirements for radar  training. “Hands-on” simulation is conducted in the Institute’s four-ship interactive radar simulator.  This course satisfies the following Tasks of NVIC NVIC 12-14 (Ch 4) and 02-18 (Ch 1) Tasks 1.4.A, 1.4.B, 2.1.D, 2.1.E, 2.1.F, 2.1.G, 3.2.A, 3.2.B, 3.3.A, and 3.4 and NVIC 13-14(Ch  3) Tasks 1.8.A and 1.8.B.

Prerequisites- None.

Suggested Courses/Skills- Knowledge of navigation is suggested for this maritime training course.

This course (MITAGS-445) is required by Able Seamen upgrading to 3rd/2nd Mate. This course 3 day course provides a thorough knowledge and understanding of the IMO Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual (MERSAR) such that trainees will be able to use it effectively when faced with a search and rescue situation. This Search and Rescue Course presents the student with policies, organization, and procedures involved in the Search and Rescue process as generally practiced by the U.S. Coast Guard and other countries as well. It is expected that students completing this course will gain a broad understanding of the subject matter beyond skills and operational procedures learned in training for qualification in daily seamanship and navigation training. Attaining this higher level of understanding will enable better understanding, knowledge and expertise to accomplish search and rescue functions.  This course satisfies: 46 CFR 11.305(a)(3)(v) and 46 CFR 11.307(a)(3)(v); 46 CFR 11.309(a)(4)(iii)and 46 CFR 11.309(a)(3); and 46 CFR 11.311(a)(3)(v) and 46 CFR 11.313(a)(3)(v); the specific tasks from the National Assessment Guidelines found in NVIC12-14: Task 5.1.A, 5.2.A, 5.3.A, and 6.1; AND the specific tasks from the National Assessment Guidelines found in NVIC10-14: Task 4.1.

Prerequisites- None.

Suggested Courses/Skills- None.

This course (MITAGS-449) is recommended for all "Able Seafarer - Deck" upgrading to Officer In Charge of a Navigation Watch (OICNW) and Third Mate Near Coastal or Oceans on vessels 500 GT and greater. The course provides students with a basic understanding of ship stability and construction. Through this course, trainees will become conversant in ship construction and proficient in basic stability and trim theory and its practicable applications.

Prerequisites- None.

Suggested Courses/Skills- Trainees will benefit from prior knowledge of basic math and physics; See NVIC 12-14 & 13-14.

This course satisfies the following Tasks of NVIC 12-14: 10.1.A, 11.3.A, 13.1.A, 13.2.A, 13.3.A, and 13.4.A.

This course (MITAGS-516) is required for all Able Seamen upgrading to 3rd Mate/2nd Mate. Attendees to this 15-day course will learn aspects of traditional navigation. Through this course, trainees will become proficient in Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation as well as the use and correction of magnetic and gyro compasses. This course is a prerequisite to basic watchkeeping and also acts as a great refresher for anyone interested in tuning their coastal navigation skills.

This course satisfies the following Tasks of NVIC 12-14: 1.2.A, 1.2.B, 1.2.C, 1.3.A, 1.3.B, 1.3.C, 1.6.A, 1.6.B, 1.6.C, 1.6.D, 1.7.A, 1.7.B, 1.7.C, 1.7.D, 1.7.E, and 1.7.F.

Prerequisites- Basic Math Pre-Test: https://themaritimeacademy.com/ .

Suggested Courses/Skills- See NVIC 12-14 (Ch 5).

This three-day, 21-hour ship security officer course (MITAGS-573) of instruction is designed to give you the proficiency required for personnel who are assigned responsibilities as Vessel Security Officer (VSO).

Our vessel security training will provide you with the tools to perform your duties, per the requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. This course complies with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code Chapter VI, Section A-VI/5. A candidate completing this course should be able to undertake the duties and responsibilities of a designated Vessel Security Officer.

Prerequisites- None.

This course (MITAGS-542) is required for all Able Seamen upgrading to Mate / OICNW. This 4-hour session, “Visual Communications”, assesses trainees in reading Morse code signals sent by light at a rate of four words per minute, and in the use of Pub 102 in decoding Morse code signals. Students must be able to translate the Morse Code alphabet and numbers prior to attending the FL session.

This course is available "On-demand" at MITAGS and can be added to almost any course of study. For more information please call MITAGS Admissions 1- 866-656-5568.

Prerequisites- Ability to translate Morse Code alphabet and numbers prior to enrolling.

Suggested Courses/Skills- See NVIC 12-14 & 13-14.