In July 2021, the meeting of the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (CMOU) amended the Code of Safety for Small Commercial Vessels undertaking voyages in the Caribbean (SCV Code).
The amendments to the SCV Code will apply from 1 August 2021 for the application of the Regulations on the Safety of Seagoing Vessels and the Regulations on the Safety of Aruban, Curaçao and St. Maarten Seagoing Vessels.
This requirement has a three-year transition period. This means that from Jan. 1, 2025, every Annex 6 ship must have the required certified crew on board.
DRTC has now been accredited for Boat Master III & Boat Master II by Inspectorate of Environment and Transport and is currently going through the process of accreditation for Boat Master I.The first Boat Master III course was held by DRTC in Bonaire from May 9 to 14, 2022. Shore boatman Nicole Madlenar, captain of the Pilot Vessel “Velos,” is the instructor Boat Master De Ruyter Training & Consultancy.
Koert Heidergott SICN (Scheepvaartinspectie Caribisch Nederland) and Alexan van Roon (Loods) assisted Walbootsman Madlenar throughout the week with exercises that provided a most authentic and professional experience. “I feel fortunate to have been a participant in the first graduation class. It is truly a first-class course filled with theory and plenty of hands-on experience in the field. Introduction to navigation-chart plotting, firefighting, man-over-board and abandon ship drills in the sea and boat handling are included”
Yuri van Kampen, Captain and owner of “Bonaire Big Game fishing”, states: “Finally being able to follow the course on Bonaire made all the difference to me. I liked the class aspect of the course interaction between our instructors and all students whilst she explained. The different topics were evenly adressed and enough time was taken for explanation and questions. Nicole, (Walbootsman Madlenar) is a natural born teacher and did an awesome job to help us understand by visualizing topics with video presentations. I can safely say that before this course I was less aware and now feel more knowledgeable. I hope that more will follow this course. It is getting busier on the water every day and the more aware people are the safer it will be for all.”
Fellow graduate, Walter Huszar, adds “The course provided my wife, Michelle and I an eye-opening experience! Both in the scope and depth of information covered. The class format allowed for the exchange and expansion that can and will only help to keep the growing commercial and I dare say the pleasure boating community safe. The instructor was professional, and most enjoyable! Having attended many training formats I have only positive remarks to give.”