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)

Questions or need help? Send an email or call 0031 118 463382

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About this course

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.

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Practical info
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
 
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Frequently asked questions

DRTC provides a wide range of accredited safety courses for the maritime, offshore, wind and industrial sectors.

  • STCW – including Basic Training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSCRB/FRB), Medical First Aid, Medical Care and Security Awareness.
  • GWO – Basic Safety Training (BST) and individual modules such as Working at Height, First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, Sea Survival and Enhanced First Aid.
  • NOGEPA – Basic Offshore Safety, Helicopter Underwater Escape (HUET), Sea Survival, Fire-fighting and specialised refresher courses.
  • BHV/First Aid/VCA – Basic and refresher courses in Emergency Response, First Aid and Safety Certification for all sectors.

See the current course overview on our website or contact drtc@drtc.nl for advice on the right training for your needs.

For some courses, you can choose VAT exemption. This means the training will be invoiced without 21% VAT. The exemption applies only to recognised vocational training programmes that fall under official supervision by organisations such as ILT, OPITO, GWO, or NOGEPA.

Choose VAT exemption if you are taking the course for professional purposes or as a private individual without VAT deduction rights.
Choose including VAT if you are booking on behalf of a company that can reclaim VAT from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration.

Your invoice will then state:
“Exempt from VAT under Article 11, paragraph 1, section o of the Dutch VAT Act 1968.”

Not required, but possible. Call us for advice or available options at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.

Yes, we can. You can request this when booking or contact us by email or phone. We will arrange a suitable hotel and package for your stay.

Please inform us in advance when booking. We will make suitable arrangements, such as extra guidance, adapted materials, or additional time during assessments.

Yes, for day courses we provide coffee, tea, and lunch unless otherwise specified.

You can cancel your booking by contacting us via email or phone. For open enrolment courses you may cancel free of charge up to 5 working days before the start. For customised training you may cancel free of charge up to 14 working days before the start. If you cancel within those deadlines the full course fee will be invoiced.

Visit our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page for more information, or contact us at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.