Commercial Vessel Boatmaster Grade 1

The course is of 39 Hours spread over 10 training Days

To apply for this course, candidates must FIRST be in a possession of a Transport Malta Notice of Eligibility.

 Minimum Age: 19

Vessel Length & Power: Qualification to serve as Master on a commercial vessel of less than 24 metres in length.

This certificate does not include an engineering qualification. Applicants who intend to act as both Master and Engineer on a vessel of 12 metres to less than 24 metres will need to hold an appropriate Engine Driver certificate.

Holders of such a COC having a minimum of 12 months sea time as master on vessels of 12 metres in length and above, may apply for an endorsement to serve as Mate on a commercial vessel of less than 50 metres in length.

Other additional requirements as applicable.

Operating Limits: Within ports, internal and territorial waters of Malta.

Prerequisite qualifying service:

1. Applicant must have at least 24 months appropriate service.
2. Be in possession of a General Purpose Hand Certificate.

Minimum Training required:

Completion of an approved training course followed by an Oral and Practical examination on:

1. Coastal Navigation

• Interpret the information found on a navigational chart and allow for the variation and deviation of a compass.
• Plan a safe route and plot your position on a navigational chart.

2. Ship Knowledge

• Identify parts of a vessel and explain their function.
• Maintain the watertight integrity of a vessel and operate fuel, freshwater & bilge systems.
• Operation of steering systems and emergency steering systems.
• Maintenance and survey requirements for different types of hulls.
• Interpretation and application of Stability Information available on board.

3. Radar & Navigational Aids

• Operate and interpret a small vessel radar display and use in conjunction with navigational charts to fix and monitor the vessel’s position.
• Use of radar as an aid in collision avoidance.
• Operation of Wheelhouse equipment including GPS, depth (echo) sounder, magnetic compasses, gyro and autopilot, alarm systems.

4. Work Team Communication

• Communication skills.
• Participate in small discussion groups to reach agreement on a workplace issue.
• Ability to make job related presentations and to co-operate with team members to plan and prepare it.

5. Marine Radio Telephone Operation

• Operate marine radio telephone equipment within the guidelines for ship station operators to transmit and receive messages relating to routine and emergency traffic.
• User maintenance and fault finding procedures to ensure the correct operation of the radio equipment and associated power supply.
• Operate an EPIRB and a SART.

6. Nautical Knowledge

• Nautical Terms.
• Regulations and Codes applicable to small vessels.
• Interpret meteorological information, radio reports and observations.
• Procedures for keeping a safe navigational watch on board a small vessel.
• Manoeuvre a vessel of less than 24 meters in routine and emergency situations. Use of anchors.
• Dealing with emergency situations involving the safety of the vessel and those on board or the safety of others.
• International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
• IALA Region A Buoyage system.
• International Code of Signals. Recognition and meaning of the single flags.
• Use and care of Distress Signals.
• Pollution prevention in port and at sea. Measures to be taken to prevent pollution during bunkering.
• Waste Management. Garbage Plans.

7. Occupational Health and Safety

• Recognise potential fire hazards.
• Use of lifesaving appliances carried on board.
• Survival techniques.
• Apply OH&S principles in relation to own responsibilities on board a small commercial vessel operating in local water.

Transport-Malta Requirements

Other requirements: In addition the applicant must be in possession of:

1. A marine radio operator certificate relevant to the radio equipment installed on board the vessel on which candidate intends to serve.
2. A current approved first aid certificate.
3. An approved Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting certificate.

To qualify: Produce to the Authority for Transport in Malta – Ports and Yachting Directorate – the following:

1. Completed application form.
2. Proof of Medical Fitness.
3. Proof of identity and age.
4. Proof of completing successfully the training and examination referred to above.
5. 2 colour passport size photographs.
6. Pay prescribed fees.

Note: Medical Certificate – Transport Malta

Applicants are reminded that Transport Malta requests a valid Medical Certificate which can be downloaded and printed from this link for Licencing purposes.