Maritime

SCV Code Boat Master Grade I (1)

The SCV Code Boat Master Grade I (1) course is part of the Safety Code for Small Commercial Vessels (SCV Code), which sets operational standards for safety, crew certification, welfare, and environmental protection for vessels operating in the Caribbean Trading Area. It applies to commercial vessels between 5 and 24 meters in length. The Boat Master Grade I (1) training is designed for captains of open boats under 24 meters operating in exposed, coastal, and protected waters. The course is offered by De Ruyter Training & Consultancy (DRTC) in Aruba, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Curaçao, and Saba.

Course duration: 5 days

Locations: Willemstad

Cost per student: € 1.500,00 (excl. BTW)

SCV Code Boat Master Grade I (1)

Introduction
The SCV Code 2021 ensures safe and responsible navigation of small commercial vessels within the Caribbean region. The Boat Master Grade I (1) course is intended for experienced captains responsible for the safe operation, maneuvering, and management of vessels in various maritime zones. The program includes both theoretical instruction and practical exercises focused on safety, seamanship, emergency response, and marine pollution prevention.

Objective
The objective of this course is to qualify participants as competent captains capable of maneuvering vessels effectively, responding appropriately to emergencies, and complying with international and local safety and environmental regulations. Participants will gain knowledge of collision prevention, seamanship, navigation, passenger safety, meteorology, technical operations, and legal responsibilities toward crew and passengers.

Target group
This course is intended for captains of open boats under 24 meters operating in exposed, coastal, and protected waters within the Caribbean Trading Area.

Entry requirements
Participants must meet the following criteria:

Minimum age of 20 years
At least four months of approved sea time
Valid medical certificate
Physically fit for practical participation
Holder of a Boat Master Grade II certificate

The following STCW Basic Safety Training certificates are required (available at DRTC Caribbean):

Basic Sea Survival (IMO Model Course 1.19)
Elementary First Aid (IMO Model Course 1.13)
Basic Firefighting (IMO Model Course 1.20)
Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (IMO Model Course 1.21)

Course content
The course includes both theory and practice, covering:

Ship handling and maneuvering
Emergency procedures
Rules for collision prevention
Local navigation knowledge and regulations
Seamanship and ship stability
Chartwork and navigation techniques
Firefighting and life-saving equipment
Passenger safety and distress signaling
Meteorology and weather interpretation
Technical operation and maintenance
Prevention of marine pollution
Basic first aid and emergency care

Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive the Boat Master Grade I certificate in accordance with the Code of Safety for Small Vessels (SCV Code), Chapter X and Annex 11.

Validity
The certificate is valid indefinitely, provided competence is maintained through operational experience.

Practical information
Duration: 5 days
Minimum participants: 3
Course hours: 08:30 – 16:30
Locations: Aruba, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Curaçao, Saba

Note
Passenger vessels operating under this Code must:

Sail within 20 nautical miles of the nearest port or place of refuge
Carry no more than 150 passengers
If overnight accommodation is provided, carry no more than 50 passengers on night voyages