Invitation to Subscribers and DP Trainees

AMC DP Unit Perth

The AMC DP Unit in Perth will conduct its first course, a DP Operators Basic course, during the week of 15-19 November, 2010.

A formal opening will be held the following Monday, 22 November.  From 4.00 pm the new training facility in Northbridge will be open for inspection, followed by a reception with drinks and nibbles at the nearby Brass Monkey Hotel, located on the corner of James and William Streets.

AMC’s Chairman, David Sterrett, AMC Search’s Chairman, Geoff Wilson, and AMC’s Principal, Malek Pourzanjani will be there, along with senior staff members and at least one or more of our leading DP Instructors.

Any current AMC Search newsletter subscribers (if you have received this newsletter direct from AMC Search then this includes you) who may be in Perth on 22 November, would be welcome to attend.  Also all DP Operator trainees attending the 15-19 November course will be invited to the Brass Monkey reception, and all Perth based DP Operator trainees who have attended courses at the AMC DP unit in Launceston are welcome to attend.

If you are in one of these categories and you would like to receive a formal invitation to our opening of the Perth AMC DP Unit, please send an email to Lee Jennings.

Anyone wishing to enrol on the first internationally accredited DP Operator course to be held in Perth should contact Catherine Wilson.

AMC DP Unit, Perth, located at Level 3, 102 James Street, Northbridge

Risk Management Through Simulation

Most Australian ports have well established processes and procedures to deal with the risks of managing shipping traffic, including emergency response plans.  Most have also used simulation to hone the skill of pilots, and to improve the effectiveness of pilotage through participation in Bridge Resource Management and Advanced Pilotage courses, and competency audits.

Flinders Ports working together with AMC recently developed a different approach with a port specific focus to Risk Management in pilotage.  A structured simulation program identifying operational zones and limitations within the Port of Adelaide was developed.  Potential risks within each zone were identified.

Interactive simulation, using both the full mission bridge simulator and AMC’s tug bridge simulator were conducted in simulation models of the pilot boarding ground, swinging basin, and inner and outer harbours.  Risks scenarios including rudder, engine and tug failure, and extreme wind and tide were tested.  Outcomes were assessed and used to not only confirm potential risks, but to assist in risk prevention planning and risk management.

The pilots and tug masters were able to simulate these risks, and trial decision making.  Flinders Ports will use the results to refine operational plans and strategies, including an ongoing training scheme, for risk management in the port of Adelaide during pilotage.

General Manager, Marine Operations Captain Carl Kavina was delighted with the outcomes of this approach to simulation and risk management, and commended the work of AMC’s Simulation Manager, Captain Ian Rodrigues.

Stability in Vietnam

A Ballast Control Operations Stability course was conducted in Ho Chi Minh City 23 – 27 August by former AMC lecturer, Captain John Milward.

The 42 hour course is designed to train Installation Managers, Barge Supervisors or Ballast Control Operators on board floating platforms (MODUs) to have a good appreciation of the stability of their craft, to understand the inherent dangers, and how to combat any loss of buoyancy that may result from damage.  Participants should gain an appreciation of the forces of nature in the marine environment, and learn how to compensate for these forces in maintaining a safe, firm and level drilling platform.  Course covers all stability aspects of IMO Resolution A.891 (21).

Upcoming Short Courses

There are still some vacancies on the following courses:

GMDSS Renewal: 21-23 September
VTS Operator: 20 September – 1 October
Dynamic Positioning (Advanced): 27 September – 1 October

The short course schedule is being continually updated, and the program for the remaining year can be accessed through our virtual calendar. Enquiries to our Short Course Manager.

Pacific Patrol Boat (PPB) Training

AMC Search has long been the primary training provider for officers and crew of 22 PPBs in operation in 12 Pacific Island nations.   Currently, Fiji is not part of the PPB program, which is a major element of Australia’s Defence Co-operation with the Pacific nations.  Therefore training is currently restricted to 19 PPBs in 11 nations.  However, this still keeps several staff and instructors very busy each year with courses ranging from entry level seafaring and technical programs to courses for commanding officers, base maintainers and management.

The current program runs through to the end of 2011, with courses ranging from 4 to 14 weeks being conducted at AMC, and some in-country in the Pacific.  The PPB program is sponsored by the International Policy Division of the Department of Defence, and both the Department and the Pacific Islander trainees show high levels of satisfaction with the quality of training provided and the extensive support services (accommodation, meals, travel, social and medical) provided by the AMC Search team under the watchful eye of Administration Manager, Sally Isaako.

Technical Electronics

Chart Work

Staff Profiles

Kate Edwards

AMC Search is delighted to welcome Kate Edwards as a new staff member.  Kate takes on the busy and demanding role of Pacific Patrol Boat (PPB) Training Administrator.  She works with Sally Isaako and the PPB support team, in providing administrative support services for the 150 or so Pacific Islanders who undertake PPB specific training courses provided by AMC Search each year.  Kate is now the second Kate working within the department.

Kate holds Certificate 3 and 4 in Business Administration and has 8 years administrative experience within a variety of industries, including a most challenging role within the Child Protection Agency Tasmania.

Busy with her new role, Kate’s spare time is taken up with planning her upcoming nuptials in January to fiancé Scott.  There’s much to do, and this is culminated with the training and nurturing of her new pup Enzo, the Golden Retriever.

Phill Ellmers

Our new Technical Officer Phill Ellmers was appointed to the Pacific Patrol Boat project team in January 2010.  He is integral to the PPB project, particularly for the Marine Technical Propulsion courses.

Phill’s previous experience has been in engineering, working within the aviation arena.  He has worked for various aviation companies and has previously owned and operated his own welding business for 7 years.