Formal ship-handling training for Masters
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether the Master completed valid formal ship-handling training within the company requirement and can apply it to the vessel's actual operations and equipment.
Ready onboard
0/7 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1Who onboard requires formal ship-handling and why?
Use rank, duties, company matrix and vessel applicability, not a general crew list.
2When is refresher training due?
Show the company interval and calculate it from the verified completion date.
3What practical scenario from the course is relevant to this vessel?
Explain an applied scenario involving manoeuvring characteristics, shallow water, interaction, wind, current, tugs, emergencies and relevant ship type and connect it to ship procedures.
4Does a certificate alone prove competence?
No. Demonstrate ship-specific familiarisation, recent practice and the ability to respond to an abnormal situation.
5What control applies if required training is overdue?
Escalate before assignment, arrange training and apply company or flag restrictions; onboard briefing is not automatically an equivalent substitute.
Where an observation may arise
A required person has not completed formal ship-handling.
Training is outside the company refresher period.
The course does not match vessel type, duty or required operational scenarios.
Identity, provider, date or completion evidence is unreliable.
The person cannot apply shore training to fitted systems and procedures.
Training declarations do not match records.
Past observations for practice
The review of the company procedure noted there was a matrix provided for the master to possess ship handling training of various types of ships but there was no specific guidance provided for newly promoted master or when assigned to ship having different manoeuvring characteristics.
The master's experience in the rank was 2.0 years & held the ship handling certificate. However, there was no evidence that the course was in compliance with STCW requirements.
Master's practical note
Choose the officer whose training is oldest and ask for one abnormal scenario. This exposes whether formal ship-handling remains operational knowledge or only a certificate.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: Course equivalence, refresher intervals and affected ranks follow flag and company requirements. A model course is guidance unless made mandatory through an applicable requirement.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 3.3.2
- STCW Code table A-II/2
- IMO Model Course 1.22
Last reviewed: 2026-09-10