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About DRTC
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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 ERM.
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ERM + HELM-M Human Element Leadership & Management (Management Level)
ERM + HELM-M Human Element Leadership & Management (Management Level) (Pinkstermaandag lesvrij)
IntroductionThe HELM-M course begins with a 3-day ERM 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.
ObjectiveTo develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and human factor skills aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and collaboration on board.
Target GroupThis course is designed for:
Captains, deck officers, engineers, and marofs
Shore-based staff involved in ship operations or safety management
Entry RequirementsParticipants 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 ContentThe 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
CertificationUpon successful completion, participants receive the certificate:
HELM-M & ERM, 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
ValidityUnlimited
Duration5 consecutive days
Schedule08:30 – 17:00
Number of ParticipantsMinimum 4, maximum 12
AssessmentFormative assessment of practical performance combined with a short written test at the end of the course.
Training MethodBlended learning through theoretical sessions and scenario-based practical exercises to enhance teamwork, leadership, and decision-making under realistic conditions.
The morning session covers Maintenance Management and the organization of technical maintenance on board. In the afternoon, participants are introduced to Maritime Crew Resource Management (MCRM). The evening is dedicated to the first ERM simulator exercises in the Engine Control Room (ECR)
The second day deepens MCRM theory and leadership skills. Evening sessions include advanced ERM simulations emphasizing coordination, teamwork, and communication.
The third day is fully dedicated to ERM application. Participants work in realistic ECR simulations involving system failures, emergency scenarios, and team coordination.
The fouth day covers HELM (Human Element, Leadership & Management) and the human factor in technical decision-making. In the afternoon, this is applied during MCRM engine room simulations, focusing on leadership under pressure.
The final day integrates all acquired skills in full-mission simulations combining leadership, communication, and decision-making. The program concludes with evaluation and certification.
With the best resources and facilities at our disposal, we are able to offer training and courses of the highest quality.
The combination of theory and simulation provides a solid foundation in engine room procedures.
Realistic simulator for operation, monitoring, and emergency procedures in the engine room.
Comprehensive engine room and control room simulation, including high-voltage training.
The Engine Room Classroom is designed to introduce participants to the operation of the engine room and its systems. In this learning environment, theory is directly connected to simulation, allowing trainees to not only understand how systems work but also apply that knowledge in practice.
What makes the Engine Room Classroom unique is the combination of classroom instruction and interactive simulations. Participants gain insight into system structures, malfunctions, and emergency situations, and learn how to respond effectively.
Who is it for
The Engine Room Classroom is used by engineers, ship officers, maritime students, and offshore teams who want to build a solid foundation in engine room procedures and safety.
What you’ll practice
Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:
Understand the basic principles of engine room systems and installations
Identify and analyze faults and alarms
Perform standard operating and maintenance procedures
Apply safety measures and effective communication in the engine room
Practice emergency procedures in simulated scenarios
Prepare for integrated Full Mission exercises with bridge and control room systems
For your organization
Would you like your team or students to develop the fundamental skills for safe and efficient engine room operations?Contact us — we offer customized programs in the Engine Room Classroom, which can also be integrated into full mission scenarios.
The Engine Control Room is our simulator that realistically replicates a ship’s engine control room. Here, participants learn how to operate and monitor a vessel’s propulsion and power generation systems safely and efficiently.
What makes the Engine Control Room unique is that trainees work with authentic panels, displays, and systems identical to those found on real ships. This gives participants insight into both normal operations and how to recognize and respond effectively to malfunctions or emergency situations.
The Engine Control Room is used by engineers, ship officers, maritime students, and offshore teams who want to gain hands-on experience with engine room procedures and control room operations.
Operate and monitor propulsion and power systems
Identify and analyze faults and irregularities
Apply standard and emergency procedures
Collaborate and communicate effectively within the technical team
Integrate control room operations into Full Mission scenarios with the bridge and engine room
Make decisions under pressure and prioritize effectively during incidents
Would you like your team to train in a realistic engine control environment?Contact us — we offer customized programs in the Engine Control Room, available as standalone training or integrated with other simulators.
The Full Mission Engine combines the Engine Room Classroom and the Engine Control Room into one fully integrated simulator environment. Here, participants train complete scenarios ranging from normal operations to complex emergency situations in the engine room.
What makes the Full Mission Engine unique is its ability to integrate all technical disciplines: control room operations, physical systems in the classroom, and specific high-voltage simulations. This allows participants to train both basic skills and advanced procedures, including cooperation with the bridge in a fully immersive Full Mission scenario.
The Full Mission Engine is used by engineers, ship officers, maritime students, and offshore teams who want to develop their knowledge and skills in engine room procedures, power management, and teamwork under pressure.
Coordinate operations between the engine room and control room
Apply emergency procedures during faults and incidents
Work safely with and recognize risks in high-voltage systems
Communicate and allocate tasks within the technical team
Integrate engine room operations into full mission scenarios with the bridge
Would you like your team to train in a complete engine room environment with realistic systems and high-voltage simulation?Contact us — we offer customized programs in the Full Mission Engine, available as a standalone module or integrated with the Full Mission Bridge.
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.
Born and raised in Zeeland, Michel de Pooter carries the sea in his heart. From a young age, his parents took him along on their sailing boat, instilling in him a deep-rooted love for the water and maritime life.
After completing his Maritime Officer training, Michel began his career as a 4th Officer with the cruise ships of Holland America Line. In the following years, he rose through the ranks to Staff Captain, gaining a wealth of experience in leadership and ship operations on board cruise vessels worldwide.
In 2025, Michel chose a new course: a shore-based position that allowed him to spend more time with his family while sharing his extensive hands-on knowledge with others. As Senior Maritime Instructor at DRTC, he delivers a variety of maritime training programs and is also regularly involved in the preparation and development of courses at the office.
Maarten Janse was born and raised in Zeeland and has a deep connection with the sea. After completing his Bachelor of Maritime Officer degree at the Maritime Institute De Ruyter (2002–2006), he began his career as a 4th officer on the cruise ships of Holland America Line. In the years that followed, he progressed to 1st officer and gained worldwide experience in ship navigation and maneuvering, delivering safety training to crew in various emergency roles, organizing emergency drills, and leading teams responsible for the maintenance of lifesaving appliances and fire detection, prevention, and firefighting systems.
In 2022, Maarten made the transition to a shore-based position, wishing to spend more time with his family while sharing his extensive hands-on experience with others. As a Senior Maritime Instructor at DRTC, he delivers training such as AFF, PST, PSCRB, FRB, ECDIS, GWO, and MCRM, as well as modules within ship management. His trainings are realistic, practice-oriented, and always linked to real-world situations. Maarten holds the certificate of competency as Master Mariner (all ships) and Firefighting Crew Member, and is a certified CAE MCRM instructor, making him a specialist in maritime incident response and teamwork.
Maarten has a strong passion for sharing knowledge. As a black belt holder in Kyokushin karate, he enthusiastically taught both youth and adults for many years. That same energy, dedication and attention to the participant characterize his approach in every training he delivers.
DRTC provides a wide range of accredited safety courses for the maritime, offshore, wind and industrial 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.