Pilot Class of Maker-Specific Hatch Cover Maintenance Course Run in the United Marine Training Center
United Marine Training Center kicked start the year 2024 by joining forces with Westfal-Larsen Management AS, represented by its Owner’s Representative C/E Antonio L. Ramon, to provide a specialized course on Maker-Specific Hatch Cover Maintenance for deck officers and ratings.
As the hatch cover is one of the crucial components of a ship's cargo hold and is considered one of the most expensive claims, Westfal-Larsen wanted to ensure proper maintenance, safe operation, and inspection of the hatch covers onboard.
The shipping company tapped UMTC last 2023 to be a partner in developing quality training and certifying competencies met within the regulations and standards set by RightShip- the world’s leading Environmental, Social, and Governance maritime platform that indicates a vessel’s safety performance.
UMTC designed the course following the guidelines and Safety Management System provided by Westfal-Larsen and led by Capt. Raymundo Elizario Jr., C/O Salvador Sigalat Jr., and BSN Joel Galera. The 3-day course includes theoretical and practical exercises on the maintenance of Pontoon-type hatch covers of the specific makers including MacGregor, Tsuji Heavy Industry, and Macor Marine Systems, as well as Den-Jet CE20-500 Water Blaster.
The course covered the following topics under recommendations from RightShip “Guide to Inspection” RISQ Section 9A: Hatch Cover and Lifting Appliances and applicable relevant sections of Tables A-II/1, A-II/5 of the STCW Code 2010 as amended:
- conducting inspections and operation
- troubleshooting and repair
- implementing proper maintenance procedures
The pilot class of the Maker-Specific Hatch Cover Maintenance Course was successfully conducted from 08-10 January 2024, with 12 participants who provided positive feedback as the course objective was met. This indicates the importance and value of the Maker-Specific Hatch Cover Maintenance Course in ensuring proper maintenance of hatch covers and minimizing cargo damage on board vessels.
Westfal-Larsen plans to send a total of 280 crew members by the end of the year.
