State Pilot Courses

MITAGS-PMI has been actively involved in numerous Escort Training Scenarios. From 3-day Escort Team Training in cooperation with Pilots, Ship Officers, and Tugboat Officers to 1-day Escort Training Scenarios for individuals assuming Escort Responsibilities

The goal of this 3-day, twenty-one hour training course is to provide attendees with basic knowledge, understanding, and proficiency in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) as they relate to use by maritime pilots. The program has been designed using the guidelines provided in the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Model Course 7.03 for ECDIS. The AIS portion of the course has been developed using manufacturers and government technical data. Practical applications ("hands-on" training) are provided through the use of MITAGS' and PMI's simulator systems.

Prerequisites-This is an advance level course; attendees should have previously completed ARPA, ECDIS, and Radar.

Suggested Courses/Skills- ARPA and BRM for Pilots.

This one-day seminar is designed to provide the pilots with knowledge of the technologies that make up the AIS, and to expose them to the advantages/problems associated with this equipment. The AIS portion of the course has been developed using both government and manufacturer technical data. A minimum of two hours is spent managing AIS target information in both simulated and live AIS environments

This seminar can be combined with 2-day ECDIS-ENAV for Pilots, and/or the 2-day PPNS for Pilots.

Prerequisites- Radar Observer Unlimited and ARPA.

Suggested Courses/Skills- ARPA and BRM for Pilots.

This is an 8-hour training course in basic azipod system operations developed and presented by the Pacific Maritime Insitute. This course combines classroom presentations with use of full mission simulation so trainees can practice and demonstrate azipod maneuvering techniques and skills.

Prerequisites- None

Suggested Courses/Skills- Practice and demonstrate azipod maneuvering techniques and skills.

The 2-day Azipod instruction course will instruct the attendee on the unique maneuvering techniques and characteristics of an Azipod propulsion system. The course divides the time between lectures and simulator work. Simulator training includes using the Azipod system in the "transit mode" (active rudders), "independent maneuvering" mode and the "joystick" mode. Simulation exercises are designed to provide a realistic transition from one mode to the next during all phases of maneuvering that is from "berth to berth".

Prerequisites- Basic and Advanced Shiphandling.

Suggested Courses/Skills- Demonstrates knowledge and skill in the use of Azimuthing Podded Drive (AZIPOD) Steering and Propulsion Control Units.

Note Trust Students:  This course's tuition is not covered by the MATES Program.

The 3-day Azipod instruction course is designed to introduce the attendee on the unique maneuvering techniques and characteristics of the Azipod propulsion system. The course includes extensive simulator orientation to the "transit" mode (active rudders), "independent maneuvering" mode and the "joystick:" mode. Simulation exercises are designed to provide a realistic transition from one mode to the next during all phases of maneuvering that is from "berth to berth". This course is for experienced maritime pilots or licensed mariners with ship handing experience.

This course has been accepted by the American Pilots Association and is required by all pilot groups. This 2-day course provides the principles and practices of Bridge Resource Management. Topics covered include an overview of Bridge Resource Management, Situational Awareness, Communications, and Risk Management. While the course is directed primarily to BRM from a pilot’s perspective, pilot’s must interact with masters and watch officers who work under regulations and guidance developed by international bodies, national administrations and company policies. Pilot’s should be made aware of the demands placed on bridge personnel by reviewing BRM requirements for ships in international trade, while also understanding that best local practices may differ from such generalized guidance addressed to masters and watchofficers.

This course satisfies the following STCW and CFR training requirements

• 33 CFR 157.415 and §Part 164

Prerequisites- APA membership and either Qualification as or Applicant to a maritime ships pilot association

Suggested Courses/Skills- None.

This 3-day course is designed to provide qualified maritime Pilots with instruction and proficiency in Emergency Shiphandling (SHS-ESH) and Bridge Resource Management for Pilots (BRMP). The program is American Pilots’ Association (APA) accepted. It uses full-mission bridge simulation to reflect and reinforce BRMP concepts through the simulation of emergency exercises. Shiphandling exercises are scripted, with extensive role-play that is designed to provide unique challenges in a BRMP environment. Constructive post-simulation debriefs are led by the students, with guidance and facilitation by the instructor, to ensure that both the review of the shipboard emergency simulation events and the BRMP events are identified and discussed. This program has no formal assessment nor is it designed to formally instruct Pilots in emergency shiphandling techniques or physical shiphandling skills. The simulation exercises provide a venue for the application of BRMP objectives and create an active environment to stimulate discussion of “Best Practices” during emergencies.

Prerequisites- APA membership and qualification as a maritime ships pilot.

Suggested Courses/Skills- None.

This course has been accepted by the American Pilots Association and is required by all pilot groups. This 2-day course provides the principles and practices of Bridge Resource Management. Topics covered include an overview of Bridge Resource Management, Situational Awareness, Communications, and Risk Management. While the course is directed primarily to BRM from a pilot’s perspective, pilot’s must interact with masters and watch officers who work under regulations and guidance developed by international bodies, national administrations and company policies. Pilot’s should be made aware of the demands placed on bridge personnel by reviewing BRM requirements for ships in international trade, while also understanding that best local practices may differ from such generalized guidance addressed to masters and watchofficers.

This course satisfies the following STCW and CFR training requirements

• 33 CFR 157.415 and §Part 164

Prerequisites- APA membership and either Qualification as or Applicant to a maritime ships pilot association

Suggested Courses/Skills- None.

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This Refresher Course is based on the popular Risk Resource Management Course for Pilots.  MITAGS worked with Captain Richard Beadon (2013 Plimsol Award Recipient) to update and expand upon lessons learned from previous BRM-P courses. This is a completely revised course with simulations based on more recent incidents/case studies, and includes discussions on the legal use of Portable Pilot Units as well as best practices for team piloting. A core element of the course is the use of specific simulation scenarios that stress the various topics and allow pilots to refine their best practices on the bridge.

Prerequisites- BRMP.

Suggested Courses/Skills- Risk Resource Management Course for Pilots.

This one-day contingency planning/emergency management seminar enhances the attendee's ability to develop ship, company and other emergency plans. The seminar follows the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1600 Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Workshop Guidelines.

Prerequisites- None.

Suggested Courses/Skills- None.

This one-day, 7-hour workshop is designed to provide the attendee with the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities for interaction with the news media during and after a crisis event. This is designed as a "hands-on" workshop. The attendee will be expected to participate in video taped mock interviews. 

Prerequisites- None.

Suggested Courses/Skills- None.

This two-day course is designed to cover the basic elements of ECDIS as required by international and national regulations, and the recommendations of The American Pilot Association. The course will include classroom instruction and demonstrations utilizing Transas NaviTrainer Desktop Simulation, NaviSailor 4000 ECDIS. The candidates will demonstrate proficiency in selected ECDIS and AIS tasks including ARPA integration and observance of proper Bridge Resource Management procedures.

Prerequisites- ECDIS, ARPA, and BRMP.

Suggested Courses/Skills-  ARPA and BRM/BRMP are highly recommended.

This one-day seminar will assist attendees in understanding how medications, sleep patterns / disorders decrease situational awareness. Basic information on the sleep and fatigue will be discussed. Participants will review the effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications on piloting performance and fatigue. Additionally, positive and negative utilization of caffeine / energy drinks as a stimulant will be discussed.

Prerequisites- None.

Suggested Courses/Skills- None.

A maritime attorney provides an overview of federal, state, and international regulation of pilots and pilotage with a focus on how the regulatory and legal process affects how pilots do their jobs. Some of the topics covered include: the background and relationship of the respective federal, state, and international regulatory jurisdictions, the role of the pilot, what to do after a casualty, and specific federal regulatory requirements. The instructor will attempt to tailor the course to the specific legal circumstances of the attendees. The maritime legal environment is undergoing substantial change. This seminar is designed to keep apprentice and senior state pilots abreast of current law and the impact of recent legal decisions on long-standing legal precedents. It is a "must take" seminar for pilots!

Students who attended a two hour seminar on the Legal Aspects of Pilotage. Topics discussed included the State versus Federal Jurisdiction over Pilotage, Federal Navigation Safety Regulations, Marine Casualties and Investigations, and Suspensions, Revocations, and Penalties.

Prerequisites- Member or Apprentice of a State Pilots' Association.

Suggested Courses/Skills- None.

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This innovative Navigation Skills Assessment Program utilizes custom simulation scenarios and assessment criteria based on a company's defined knowledge and skill requirements to objectively measure the mariner's performance. The results: Knowledge and skill gaps are identified and recommendations are made.

Areas assessed during the simulation include:

• COLREGS / Rules of the Road
• Situational Awareness
• Bridge Resource Management
• Company Policies and Procedures
• Communication
• Systems

Performance at each measurement point is rated: Highly Effective; Effective; Not Effective; and, in some cases Unsatisfactory. using a numerical point scale.

A comprehensive report is generated at the end of each assessment session for review purposes. This report includes the evaluator(s) observations and comments for each attendee and general recommendations that address the individual's knowledge and skill gaps. Observations and recommendations may include further training or implementation of additional company policies and procedures.

This Navigation Skills Assessment Program provides a safe and meaningful experience for mariners to improve on their performance, especially if the company has recently experienced an incident.

This solution is surprisingly affordable, please contact Gregg Trunnell at 206 719-2801 or by e-mail at gtrunnell@mates.org for a customized solution.

Please call for references from companies that have utilized this system to identify risk.

Prerequisites- Merchant Mariner License.

Suggested Courses/Skills- None; Employer Requirement.

Marine Pilots are led through an examination of the history of terrorism and the terminology critical to understanding and coping with potential terrorist acts. Terrorist practices are discussed with a focus on situations that marine pilots may encounter in their performance of their day-to-day duties. Proactive and reactive courses of action are suggested, as well as relatively simple means of changing daily routines to reduce vulnerability. Informational sources are identified and reporting responsibilities are also addressed. 

Prerequisites-  Maritime Pilot or applicant.

Suggested Courses/Skills- None.

The two-day tractor tug course provides the same knowledge as the three-day course but has less practical training in the shiphandling simulator. The course covers a number of areas in both the classroom and on the shiphandling simulator to demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of tractors.

Prerequisites- Master or Mate of Towing Vessels.

Suggested Courses/Skills- None.

The three-day tractor course provides knowledge and practical training in the theory, operation, and application of Voith Schneider and Z-Drive or "Reverse" Tractors. The course covers a number of areas in both the classroom and on the shiphandling simulator to demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of tractors.

Prerequisites- Master or Mate of Towing Vessels.

Suggested Courses/Skills- None.