MCA Helm (Operational)

The HELM (O) course is designed to provide the education and training in the human element leadership and management at operational level & meets the syllabus requirements laid down by the UK Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB).

The emphasis throughout the course is to develop an understanding of human factor concepts and understanding of how managerial actions influence the practical application of those concepts. This understanding, properly applied, then enhances the safe operation of the ship and the care of all persons on board.

Which CoC needs the HELM (O)?

• Master 200-OOW 500

• OOW Yachts less than 3000GT

• Yacht Engineer Y4 & Y3

• Engineer Officer of the Watch

• Master (Tug less than 500GT and 3000GT) Near Coastal

• Identify good practice in shipboard human resource management 

• Identify the importance of the 'human element' in shipboard operation

• Apply the underpinning knowledge related to international maritime conventions and recommendations, national regulations, and codes of practice and guidelines covered in other mandatory units when controlling the operation of the ship and the care for persons onboard at the operational level

• Apply the elements of task and workload management including, planning, co-ordination, allocation and prioritisation of human and physical resources when controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons onboard 

• Apply effective resource management techniques with regard to: allocation, assignment & prioritisation of resources; use of effective communications onboard and ashore 

• Team-working principles

• Use of assertiveness, leadership and motivation principles

• Identifying and considering generated options including the decision-making process; the influence of culture on decision-making; selecting a course of action; and evaluating outcome effectiveness

• Managing fatigue and stress with regard to:

  • Causes and effects of fatigue

  • Causes and effects of stress

  • Relation between fatigue and stress

  • Identifying signs and symptoms of stress and fatigue

  • Developing stress and fatigue management strategies to prevent stress and fatigue from affecting safety

• Contribute to shipboard training, learning, assessing and developing human potential with regard to:

  • Formal and informal learning

  • Learning from mistakes

  • Continuous professional development

  • Shipboard training, learning, coaching, mentoring and assessment

Age 18

• Tea, Coffee and light refreshments

• Course Handbook

• Notepad & Pen