United Marine Training Center started 2024 by joining forces with Westfal-Larsen Management AS, represented by its Owner’s Representative C/E Antonio L. Ramon, to provide a specialized course on Maker-Specific Hatch Cover Maintenance for deck officers and ratings.
As the hatch cover is one of the crucial components of a ship's cargo hold and is considered one of the most expensive claims, Westfal-Larsen wanted to ensure proper maintenance, safe operation, and inspection of the hatch covers onboard.
The shipping company tapped UMTC in 2023 to partner in developing quality training and certifying competencies met within the regulations and standards set by RightShip, the world’s leading Environmental, Social, and Governance maritime platform that indicates a vessel’s safety performance.
UMTC designed the course following the guidelines and Safety Management System provided by Westfal-Larsen and led by Capt. Raymundo Elizario Jr., C/O Salvador Sigalat Jr., and BSN Joel Galera. The three-day course includes theoretical and practical exercises on the maintenance of Pontoon-type hatch covers of specific makers, including MacGregor, Tsuji Heavy Industry, and Macor Marine Systems, as well as Den-Jet CE20-500 Water Blaster.
The course covered the following topics under recommendations from RightShip “Guide to Inspection” RISQ Section 9A: Hatch Cover and Lifting Appliances and applicable relevant sections of Tables A-II/1, A-II/5 of the STCW Code 2010 as amended:
- conducting inspections and operation
- troubleshooting and repair
- implementing proper maintenance procedures
The pilot-class of the Maker-Specific Hatch Cover Maintenance Course, held from 08-10 January 2024, was a resounding success. With 12 participants providing positive feedback, it's clear that the course objective was met. This outcome underscores the course's importance in ensuring the proper maintenance of hatch covers and minimizing cargo damage on board vessels.
Westfal-Larsen plans to send 280 crew members by the end of the year.
For more course details, please contact the Sales and Marketing department:
T: +63 2 8981 6643/6628/6644
