STCW - Human Element Leadership & Management - Bridge (HELM-B)

The STCW – HELM-M course focuses on leadership, communication, and management within the maritime environment. The training enables officers to lead effectively, make decisions under pressure, and understand the impact of human factors on safety. The course combines theory, simulation, and practical exercises, forming an essential part of the STCW leadership qualification alongside BRM.

Course duration: 5 days
Locations: Delfzijl, Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 2.782,00 (excl. BTW)

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

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About this course

STCW – Human Element Leadership & Management – ​​Management Level (HELM-M)

Introduction
The HELM-M course begins with a 3-day BRM module, followed by a 2-day management-level program. The first section focuses on teamwork — understanding what makes a team effective or dysfunctional — while the final two days emphasize leadership, management, and human factors in ship operations.
Human elements such as motivation, cooperation, limitations, and communication are key to preventing incidents and improving performance at sea.

Objective
To develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and human factor skills aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and collaboration on board.

Target Group
This course is designed for:

  • Captains, deck officers, engineers, and marofs

  • Shore-based staff involved in ship operations or safety management

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Practical info

Entry Requirements
Participants must hold a Deck or Engine Officer certificate or be in training for one.
Those without this qualification will receive a certificate of attendance.

Course Content
The course combines classroom instruction with simulator exercises and scenario-based learning. Topics include:

  • Effective teamwork and communication on board

  • Leadership styles and decision-making under pressure

  • Human factors and their role in safety management

  • Task and workload management, planning, and prioritization

  • Coaching, mentoring, and crew development

  • Monitoring standard operating procedures

  • Resource management and problem-solving

Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive the certificate:

  • HELM-M & BRM, in accordance with:

    • Table A-II/2 and A-III/2 (Use of Leadership and Managerial Skills)

    • Table A-II/1, A-III/1, and A-III/6 (Application of Leadership and Teamworking Skills) of the STCW Manila Amendments

Validity
Unlimited

Duration
5 consecutive days

Schedule
08:30 – 17:00

Number of Participants
Minimum 4, maximum 12

Assessment
Formative assessment of practical performance combined with a short written test at the end of the course.

Training Method
Blended learning through theoretical sessions and scenario-based practical exercises to enhance teamwork, leadership, and decision-making under realistic conditions.

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Day 1 - Search & Rescue and MCRM Introduction

The day begins with a Search and Rescue simulation and maintenance management session, followed by an introduction to Maritime Crew Resource Management (MCRM). Evening sessions feature the first bridge and engine room simulator exercises.

Day 2 - Leadership and MCRM Development

The second day deepens MCRM theory and leadership skills. Evening sessions include advanced BRM simulations emphasizing coordination, teamwork, and communication.

Day 3 - MCRM Application and BRM Simulation

Day three focuses on practical MCRM application through full-mission bridge simulations. Participants practice complex operational scenarios emphasizing situational awareness and decision-making under pressure.

Day 4 - HELM en MCRM

The fourth day covers HELM (Human Element, Leadership & Management) theory and explores the impact of human factors on operational safety. Afternoon sessions feature bridge simulations testing leadership under stress.

Day 5 - Integrated Simulation and Completion

The final day integrates all acquired skills in full-mission simulations combining leadership, communication, and decision-making. The program concludes with evaluation and certification.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Search & Rescue and MCRM Introduction
  • Day 2 - Leadership and MCRM Development
  • Day 3 - MCRM Application and BRM Simulation
  • Day 4 - HELM en MCRM
  • Day 5 - Integrated Simulation and Completion

High-quality facilities that make a difference

With the best resources and facilities at our disposal, we are able to offer training and courses of the highest quality.

Full Mission Bridge Simulator

Navigation and ship handling in a lifelike environment

Full Mission Bridge Simulator

In collaboration with HZ University of Applied Sciences, we have access to an extensive range of maritime simulators. These high-tech systems make it possible to train realistic scenarios covering navigation, communication, engineering, and electrical systems.

Part Task Bridge Simulator

Targeted training for specific bridge operations

Part Task Bridge Simulator

Flexible and targeted training on specific bridge systems and navigation procedures.

Navigation and ship handling in a lifelike environment

Full Mission Bridge Simulator

The Full Mission Bridge (FMB) is an advanced simulator that enables participants to train realistic bridge scenarios. From ship navigation and maneuvering to communication and teamwork within the bridge crew, the FMB provides a complete learning environment for both routine and emergency situations.

What makes the FMB unique is the combination of authentic bridge instruments and high-quality visualizations, allowing trainees to experience lifelike situations in a safe setting. The simulator can be used independently or integrated with other systems, such as the engine room simulator or the GMDSS classroom, to create fully coordinated Full Mission exercises.

Who is it for

The FMB is used by ship officers, nautical students, and maritime or offshore teams who want to develop or refine their skills in navigation, decision-making, and team coordination.

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What you’ll practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Navigate and maneuver under various conditions

  • Use bridge instruments such as radar, ECDIS, and conning displays

  • Apply bridge procedures and communicate with traffic control and other vessels

  • Work together, delegate tasks, and demonstrate leadership within a bridge team

  • Make decisions under pressure during emergency situations

  • Integrate operations with the engine room and GMDSS systems in full mission scenarios

For your organization

Would you like your team to train using realistic bridge scenarios or integrated full mission simulations?
Contact us — we’ll create a program tailored to your learning objectives.

Targeted training for specific bridge operations

Part Task Bridge Simulator

The Part Task Bridge (PTB) is a simulator designed for targeted training on specific bridge operations. While the Full Mission Bridge focuses on complete scenarios, the PTB allows participants to practice individual systems and procedures such as navigation, radar, and ECDIS.

What makes the PTB unique is its flexibility: participants can train individually or in small groups, allowing for more focused practice, repetition, and in-depth learning. The PTB can also be seamlessly integrated into broader Full Mission scenarios.

Who is it for

The PTB is used by ship officers, nautical students, and maritime and offshore teams who want to strengthen their knowledge and skills in specific bridge tasks.

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What you’ll practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Navigate using radar and ECDIS

  • Operate communication and alarm systems

  • Perform maneuvering tasks in simulated conditions

  • Apply COLREGS correctly in traffic scenarios

  • Execute routine and emergency procedures within defined training modules

  • Integrate part-task training into larger Full Mission simulations

For your organization

Would you like your crew or students to practice specific bridge tasks in a focused way?
Contact us — we offer customized PTB training programs, which can also be combined with the FMB or other simulators.

Our instructors

The people behind the training.

Our experienced trainers challenge you to bring out the best in yourself. Our program coordinators are available to provide you with all information and to answer any practical questions regarding the training.

Michel de Pooter
Senior Maritime Instructor
Maarten Janse
Senior Maritime Instructor
Martijn Schutz
Deputy Managing Director

Let them convince you

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 seafarers and maritime professionals who must comply with international STCW requirements.

Yes, our STCW courses are recognised by the Dutch flag state (the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate – ILT). Each certificate includes the relevant STCW reference, ensuring international recognition.

We offer Basic Training (BT), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Medical First Aid (MFA), Medical Care (MC), Proficiency in (Fast) Rescue Boats (PSCRB/FRB), and Security Awareness/Designated Duties.

Most STCW certificates must be renewed every 5 years (depending on the module and sea time requirements). Check the course page for exact details.

Yes, a valid maritime medical certificate is mandatory for participation.

Bring valid identification, a medical certificate (mandatory), and swimwear/towel if the course includes a pool module. PPE and rescue equipment are provided by DRTC.

 

Courses are available in Dutch or English. Additional support for reading difficulties can be arranged on request.

You will receive a digital and/or physical certificate in compliance with STCW standards. The format may vary by course.

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.

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.