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Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW)

Course Description

This course is required for all mariners assigned to lookout and watchkeeping support duties on ocean going vessels. It is supplemented by a period of required sea service of not less than two months, where trainees conduct related practical training and assessments.This course provides the knowledge and understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a RFPNW.  While in training under supervision they will complete the necessary onboard assessments to acquire a full Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch.

This course satisfies the following STCW95 and CFR training requirements:

• NMC Policy Letter 14-02 and Regulations II/4
• STCW Code Section A-II/4 and Table AII/4

Pre-requisites- None for this course, but trainees will benefit from prior experience in experience in the bridge as a trainee and Basic Safety Training

This course qualifies for Lookout duties only. Full RFPNW issued after seatime and assessments.

What You Will Learn

• Watchstanding Duties
• Helmsman Duties
• Emergency Situations
• Emergency Radio Equipment and Pyrotechnics
• Marine Pollution
• Identify the fundamentals and requirements of standing a proper wheelhouse watch, lookout watch, and steps to properly relieve a watch.
• Identify the fundamentals and state the requirements of being a helmsman of a Navigational Watch.
• State the various emergency situations that may occur aboard ship and the proper actions that need to be taken in order to survive.
• Identify the emergency radio equipment found aboard ship, which aids in survival and rescue; as well as pyrotechnics and the lifesaving signals.
• State basic environmental protection procedure and regulations

Students who satisfactorily completed the 14-hour course for Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch – Lookout Duties Only.  This course is part of a United States Coast Guard Approved program that meets the requirements set forth in National Maritime Center (NMC) policy letter 14-02.  This course will also meet requirements set forth in Section A-II/4 and Table A-II/4 of the STCW Code.  This certificate allows, in accordance with NMC policy letter 14-02, the sea requirement of the program to be reduced from six months to two months.  This certificate is only valid for one year from the date of issue.