STCW - Engine Room Resource Management (ERM)

The STCW – Engine Room Resource Management (ERM) course is a three-day, practice-oriented training focused on teamwork, communication, and decision-making in the engine room. Using a bridge and engine room simulator, participants practice realistic scenarios that enhance safety, cooperation, and operational efficiency on board.

Course duration: 3 days
Locations: Delfzijl, Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 2.320,00 (excl. BTW)

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

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About this course

STCW – Engine Resource Management Training (ERM)

Introduction
The STCW – Engine Room Resource Management (ERM) course is designed to qualify marine engineers, marofs, and technical officers for effective leadership and teamwork in the engine room. The course develops situational awareness, communication skills, and coordination techniques essential for safe and efficient ship operations.
Shore-based representatives are also encouraged to participate, as cooperation between ship and shore is vital for overall maritime safety.

Objective
The objective of this course is to train participants in leadership, communication, and decision-making within the engine room. Upon completion, participants will be able to effectively lead technical teams, manage emergency situations, and make sound decisions under pressure.

Target Group
This course is intended for marine engineers, marofs, and technical officers seeking to strengthen their management and teamwork skills. It is also suitable for shore-based staff interested in technical operations and safety management.

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Practical info

Course Content
The course combines theoretical instruction with realistic simulator exercises. Topics include:

  • Leading and managing bridge and engine room teams

  • Cooperation between bridge and engine room personnel

  • Task distribution and workload management

  • Handling normal, abnormal, and emergency conditions

  • Decision-making under pressure and coordination with company management

  • Application of operational and safety procedures

  • Effective communication, leadership, and cultural awareness

Simulator-based practical sessions are assessed during the course to verify participant competence.

Entry Requirements
Participants must hold or be in training for an Officer, Marine Engineer, or Marof qualification.
Those without such background will receive a certificate of attendance.

Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive the internationally recognized certificate:
Engine Room Resource Management (ERM), in accordance with the STCW Manila Amendments:

  • Table A-III/1 – Engine Room Resource Management

  • Table A-II/2 and A-III/2 – Leadership and Managerial Skills

  • Table A-II/1, A-III/1, and A-III/6 – Leadership and Teamworking Skills

Duration
3 consecutive days

Schedule
08:30 – 21:00

Number of Participants
Minimum 4, maximum 7 participants

Recognition
The course meets international STCW Manila Amendment standards and is approved by the relevant maritime authorities.

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Day 1 - Introduction and Initial ECR Simulation

Day one (13:00 – 21:00) begins with an introduction to Maritime Crew Resource Management (MCRM) and the theoretical foundations of ERM. Topics include situational awareness, communication, leadership, and decision-making in the engine room. The evening session features the first ECR simulator exercises, allowing participants to apply these concepts in realistic scenarios.

Day 2 - MCRM Theory and Evening Simulation

The second day builds on MCRM theory, emphasizing teamwork, task management, stress handling, and human error prevention in technical operations. In the evening, participants engage in ECR simulations that focus on communication, coordination, and leadership during machinery operations.

Day 3 - Application and Evaluation

The final day (08:30 – 16:30) begins with advanced MCRM discussions and continues with intensive ECR simulator sessions. Participants face realistic fault and emergency scenarios that challenge their technical skills, teamwork, and decision-making. The course concludes with a debrief and evaluation of performance and learning outcomes.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Introduction and Initial ECR Simulation
  • Day 2 - MCRM Theory and Evening Simulation
  • Day 3 - Application and Evaluation

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.

Engine Room Classroom

Theoretical foundation and practical simulation

Engine Room Classroom

The combination of theory and simulation provides a solid foundation in engine room procedures.

Engine Control Room

Realistic training in operating the engine room

Engine Control Room

Realistic simulator for operation, monitoring, and emergency procedures in the engine room.

Full Mission Engine Room Simulator

Realistic training in the engine room and control room

Full Mission Engine Room Simulator

Comprehensive engine room and control room simulation, including high-voltage training.

Theoretical foundation and practical simulation

Engine Room Classroom

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.

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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.

Realistic training in operating the engine room

Engine Control Room

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.

Who is it for

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.

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What you’ll practice

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

  • 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

For your organization

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.

Realistic training in the engine room and control room

Full Mission Engine Room Simulator

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.

Who is it for

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.

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What you’ll practice

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

  • Operate and monitor propulsion and power systems

  • 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

For your organization

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 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.

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

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.