IAMU News No.12, June 2006
5. LNG Training at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York
Capt. Thomas M. Dorr
Asst Prof. of Marine Transportation
US Merchant Marine Academy
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is a national institution, operated by the Federal Government's Maritime Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Academy's four-year program centers on a regimental system that instills its students with the traits of leadership, discipline and dedication required for a career that typically may include service at sea, maritime employment ashore, and serving as a commissioned officer in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The academic curriculum at the Academy is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and provides each midshipman with the broad college education required for a Bachelor of Science degree, with the specialized training for licensing as a merchant marine officer, and with the military knowledge for commissioning in a reserve component of the Armed Forces.
The Merchant Marine Academy places cadets aboard commercial merchant vessels during their program of study to meet the sea-year requirements of STCW 95. This seayear is split into two periods, with one or two academic in-residence trimesters between the sea periods. Approximately one-half of the midshipmen are assigned to tankers for a period of more than ninety days during their second sea period. This sea experience, along with participation in cargo transfer operations, and with a U.S. Coast Guard approved Tanker Operations course, qualifies them as a "Tankerman Person in Charge - Dangerous Liquids (PIC-DL)" upon graduation.
In the academic year 2004/2005, the Marine Transportation Department introduced the U.S.C.G. approved Liquefied Gas Tanker Operations elective course into the curriculum.
To enroll in the course, midshipmen must first complete the prerequisite courses of General Chemistry (MC 100), Basic Firefighting (DN 101), and Tanker Operations (DN 240). The objective of the Liquefied Gas Tanker course is to provide the individual with a thorough working knowledge of liquefied tankship operations, and enable them to conduct safe, pollution free cargo operations. The emphasis throughout the course is on the operational aspects of cargo operations in accordance with acceptable industry practice and legal requirements. The syllabus is designed to satisfy the training requirements of a Liquefied Gas Tanker Training Program as outlined in 46 CFR Part 13 Table 13.121(F), and Section A-V/1 paragraphs 1-7 and 22-34 in the STCW 95 Code.
Course Outline
- Introduction
- Chemistry and Physics (STCW Code, Section A-V/1 Para 26)
- Hazards (STCW Code, SectionA-V/1 Para 27, 32)
- Rules and Regulations (STCW Code, SectionA-V/1 Para 23)
- Ship Design and Cargo Containment (STCW Code, SectionA-V/1 Para 24, 28)
- Cargo Handling Systems (STCW Code, SectionA-V/1 Para 30)
- Safety (STCW Code, SectionA-V/1 Para 25, 29, 32)
- Cargo Handling Operations (STCW Code, SectionA-V/1 Para 30, 34)
- Ship/Shore Interface (STCW Code, SectionA-V/1 Para 31)
- Emergency Operations (STCW Code, SectionA-V/1 Para 30, 33, 34)
To date, this course has been offered to first classmen in their senior year during the second trimester. Twenty-seven midshipmen have successfully completed the course.
Upon graduation from the Academy, these midshipmen, now licensed officers, are issued a "Tankerman Assistant - Liquid Gasses" certificate. They must complete the experience requirements aboard a liquefied gas tanker and participate in cargo transfer operations to increase the certification to "Tankerman Person in Charge - Liquid Gasses (PIC-LG)."
During the academic year 2006/2007, the Liquefied Gas Tanker Operations course will be offered during the first and second trimesters. Third classmen in their sophomore year will be able to complete the course during the first trimester. These midshipmen will then be ready for their second sailing period as a cadet on board a liquefied gas tanker, and therefore complete the necessary training to gain the "Tankerman PIC-LG" certification at graduation.
USMMA is fortunate to have several licensed officers on the faculty with previous experience on board various types of LNG/LPG carriers. Options are being explored to acquire a Liquefied Gas Tanker simulator. Practical assessment utilizing a simulator is crucial in preparing the student to understand the various parts of the cargo system and the various cargo evolutions on board a liquefied gas tanker.
