Specialized courses

See some of the specialized courses that SIMAC Training offers below.

Specialist Courses

SIMAC Training offers a range of specialist courses, including those listed below.

You can register for open courses here.

Specialist courses can be delivered either at SIMAC or on-site at the customer’s location, depending on what best supports the equipment, operational requirements, and participants involved.

If you cannot find suitable course dates, or if you would like to discuss the possibility of a customized training programme tailored to your specific requirements within a specialist area, please feel free to contact SIMAC Training directly.

Specialized Courses

Heavy Lift (Online)

Purpose and Course Content:

Heavy lift operations are characterized by the absence of standardization, requiring extensive planning and multidisciplinary preparation.

Conducting heavy lift operations requires:

• Planning

• Procedures and techniques for heavy lift handling

• Understanding vessel stability and the use of ballast during lifting operations

• Inspection and preparation of the vessel, lifting equipment, and deck equipment

• Selection and preparation of equipment, including securing arrangements

• Awareness of safety, regulations, standards, and legislation

Entry Requirements/Target Group:

The course is intended for operators, shipboard personnel, brokers, and others who require a better understanding of the challenges associated with heavy lift operations.

Duration:

2 days

Notes:

This course is offered on request only. For course dates, please contact SIMAC Training directly at training@simac.dk.

Basic Polar Course (Online)

Purpose and Course Content:

The course has been developed for Masters, Chief Officers, and other officers with responsibility for navigation and operations in polar waters, as required by the IMO Polar Code.

The course complies with the requirements of STCW Regulation V/4 and Section A-V/4, Table A-V/4-1 of the STCW Code.

The Basic Polar Course for ships operating in polar waters provides participants with an understanding of the safe operation of vessels in polar regions, together with knowledge of the applicable international and national regulatory requirements and safe working practices specific to polar waters.

In accordance with STCW Regulation V/4, Masters, Chief Officers, and officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships operating in polar waters are required to hold a Basic Polar Certificate.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to contribute to the safe operation of ships in polar waters, monitor and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and apply safe working practices, including responding effectively to emergency situations.

The course also provides knowledge of environmental protection requirements, including pollution prevention measures and the prevention of environmental hazards in polar regions.

Entry Requirements/Target Group:

The course is intended for Masters, Chief Officers, and other officers with responsibility for navigation and operations in polar waters.

Duration:

2 days

Registration:

Sign up

Advanced Polar Course

Purpose and Course Content:

The Advanced Polar Course is intended for Masters, Chief Officers, and other navigation officers serving on ships operating in polar waters covered by the requirements of the Polar Code.

The course is conducted in accordance with the requirements of the IMO Polar Waters Manual. Upon successful completion, participants are awarded a certificate for Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters.

The course is approved by the Danish Maritime Authority and fulfills the training requirements defined in STCW Code Section A-V/4 and IMO Model Course 7.12.

Upon completion of the course, participants will have the advanced knowledge and competencies required to safely manage and operate ships in polar waters in compliance with the Polar Code and applicable international regulations.

Entry Requirements/Target Group:

The course is intended for Masters, Chief Officers, and other navigation officers serving on ships operating in polar waters.

Participants must have completed a recognized Basic Polar Course and possess a minimum of two months of approved bridge watchkeeping service at either operational or management level in polar waters.

Duration:

3 days.

Registration:

Sign up

Basic Training for Oil, Chemical and Liquified Gas Tanker Cargo Operations

Purpose and Course Content:

This online course is based on the requirements of the STCW Convention, including:

• Chapter V, Regulation V/1-1

• Chapter V, Section A-V/1-1, Paragraph 2.2

• Chapter V, Section A-V/1-2, Paragraph 2.2

These provisions define the standards of competence for advanced training in oil tanker cargo operations under the STCW Convention of 1978, as amended.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be awarded a certificate in Basic Training for Oil, Chemical and Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations.

Entry Requirements/Target Group:

The course is intended for personnel who require certification in basic tanker cargo operations involving oil, chemical, and liquefied gas tankers.

Duration:

2 days

Technical Requirements:

• Laptop or PC with a minimum screen size of 12 inches for training sessions, reading materials, and assignments

• Two screens are recommended where possible; one screen may be a tablet

• Keyboard and mouse available throughout the course

• Webcam, speakers, and microphone available throughout the course

• Broadband or high-speed mobile internet connection available throughout the course

Registration:

Sign up

Integrated personal assessment and BRM or ERM training

Purpose and Course Content:

The purpose of the course is:

1. To assess participants against the competency profile associated with their rank in relation to Human Factors and Technical Factors, including the identification of personal development areas and the preparation of an individual development plan.

2. To develop a proactive approach aimed at minimizing errors in operational performance and improving safety on board.

This is achieved through the development of knowledge and skills that strengthen the participant’s ability to interact effectively with the maritime environment, whether on the bridge or in the engine room.

Although not directly measured as a learning outcome, the course also seeks to influence attitudes regarding:

• Acceptance that errors are inevitable in dynamic and complex systems

• Recognition that continuous monitoring of work processes by system operators is essential

• Establishment of appropriate preparedness and contingency systems

Participants undergo a comprehensive assessment of Human Factors and Technical Factors, resulting in the identification of development areas and the creation of an individual action plan. Parallel to the assessment process, participants complete an integrated training programme designed to gradually build the knowledge and essential skills required for their operational role.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate effective self-management and management of others under increasingly complex conditions

• Create clarity in complex situations by breaking challenges down into manageable elements

• Apply situational behaviour to effectively address operational tasks on the bridge or in the engine room

Participants are introduced to and work with the Essential Leadership Toolbox® and Human Factor elements from Essential 7 Human Factors®.

The course covers the following topics:

• Psychometric assessments, including:

  • Personality testing

  • Cognitive testing

  • Multi-tasking capacity testing

  • Interviews

  • Dilemma-based case studies

• Assessment and personal feedback

• Personal development areas and action plans

• Essential 7 Human Factors®, including:

  • Situational Awareness

  • Situational Judgement

  • Decision Making

  • Communication

  • Cooperation

  • Leadership

  • Individual Modulators

  • Technical Factors (COLREG, RADAR, and ECDIS)

• Essential Leadership Toolbox®

• Simulator exercises

• Individual and group assignments

• Stress and stress management, including crisis and disaster psychology

• Cultural psychology

Entry Requirements/Target Group:

Participants must hold a minimum rank of:

• Master

• Chief Officer

• First Officer

• Second Officer

The course is offered on request and can be tailored to the specific needs of the client organization.

Duration:

5 days, including:

• ½ day online assessment prior to the course

• 4 days of classroom and simulator training

• ½ day dedicated to the preparation of the individual development plan

Total course duration: 38 hours.

Notes:

The assessment process is conducted in accordance with the Ethical Guidelines for Nordic Psychologists and the standards of the Danish Centre for Assessment.

Participants receive an individual assessment report covering Human Factors and Technical Factors. The report is provided both to the participant and to the client organization.

Final assessment consists of:

• Participation in the concluding simulator exercise and feedback session

• Submission of the individual development plan after course completion

Participants are expected to stay together during the course period and complete preparation activities for the following day’s programme each evening.

The course is delivered by authorized psychologists and SIMAC instructors with maritime expertise.

For course dates and customized programmes, please contact SIMAC Training directly at training@simac.dk.

Integrated bridge ressource management training

Purpose and Course Content:

The purpose of the course is to develop a proactive mindset focused on minimizing operational errors and improving safety on board. This is achieved through the development of knowledge and skills that strengthen the participant’s ability to interact effectively with the maritime environment, whether on the bridge or in the engine room.

Although not directly measured as a learning outcome, the course also aims to influence attitudes regarding:

• Acceptance that errors inevitably occur in dynamic and complex systems

• Recognition that continuous monitoring of operational processes by system operators is essential

• Establishment of appropriate contingency and preparedness procedures

Participants complete an integrated training programme designed to gradually build the knowledge and essential skills required for their operational role.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate effective self-management and management of others under increasingly complex conditions on the bridge or in the engine room

• Create clarity in complex situations by breaking challenges down into manageable elements

• Apply situational behaviour to effectively address operational tasks within a specific context

Participants are introduced to and work with the Essential Leadership Toolbox® and Human Factor elements from Essential 7 Human Factors®.

A satisfactory result is achieved when participants are able to:

• Explain the relationship between Human Factors, Technical Factors, and onboard safety

• Demonstrate appropriate behaviour and decision-making in realistic simulations related to Bridge Resource Management

• Comply with applicable company procedures and regulations

The course covers the following topics:

• Essential 7 Human Factors®, including:

  • Situational Awareness

  • Situational Judgement

  • Decision Making

  • Communication

  • Cooperation

  • Leadership

  • Individual Modulators

  • Technical Factors, including COLREG, RADAR, and ECDIS

• Essential Leadership Toolbox®

• Simulator exercises

• Individual and group assignments

• Stress and stress management, including crisis and disaster psychology

• Cultural psychology

Training Methodology:

Integrated training differs from traditional classroom-based instruction, where subjects are taught separately and followed by practical exercises. The integrated training approach introduces and develops individual Bridge Resource Management elements progressively as the need for new knowledge, skills, and insight arises during practical exercises.

In other words, activities conducted on the bridge form the primary training framework. The course emphasizes the relationship between individual topics to provide participants with a clear understanding of the broader operational context in which their knowledge and skills must be applied.

Entry Requirements/Target Group:

Participants must hold a minimum rank of:

• Master

• Chief Officer

• First Officer

• Second Officer

Duration:

3 days

A total of 12 hours is allocated to training and assessment activities, with an additional 3 hours reserved for group reflection and discussion.

Notes:

Maximum number of participants: 8.

Final assessment is conducted through:

• Participation in the final simulator exercise and feedback session

• Submission of an individual action plan after course completion

Participants are expected to be accommodated together during the course period and to prepare for the following day’s programme each evening.

The course is delivered by authorized psychologists and experienced maritime instructors.

This course is offered on request only. For course dates, please contact SIMAC Training directly at training@simac.dk.

Conduct after capture/Maritime environments (CAC-MAR)

Purpose and Course Content:

The purpose of the course is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve their chances of survival during a piracy attack and any subsequent period of captivity.

CAC-MAR is specifically focused on the internal psychological processes of the individual, as well as the social dynamics between hostages and between hostage-takers and hostages.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize and understand their own reactions, as well as the reactions of pirates and hostage-takers

• Consider appropriate actions to counter undesirable reactions in themselves and life-threatening behaviour from hostage-takers

• Initiate appropriate actions that increase the likelihood of survival during a piracy attack and hostage situation

• Mitigate the long-term psychological effects of piracy attacks and hostage-taking

Throughout the course, participants are introduced to and work with the Hostage Survival Toolbox®.

A satisfactory outcome is achieved when participants:

• Demonstrate sound judgement in relation to the dilemmas and scenarios presented during the course

• Demonstrate the social skills necessary to interact effectively with both fellow hostages and hostage-takers

The course covers the following topics:

• The nature of life-threatening environments, piracy attacks, and hostage situations

• Survival psychology, psychotraumatology, and crisis and disaster psychology

• Individual and social aspects of extreme stress and human adaptation

• Individual and social approaches to improving survival during piracy attacks and hostage situations

• Integrated psychological first aid for oneself and others

• The internal dynamics of negotiations and hostage rescue operations

• Psychological defusing techniques

Entry Requirements/Target Group:

The course is intended for maritime personnel operating in environments where there is a potential risk of piracy and hostage-taking.

Duration:

3 days

Instructors:

The course is delivered by a Chief Psychologist and former Major in the Reserve Forces, together with an Authorized Psychologist, Master Mariner, and former First Lieutenant in the Reserve Forces.

Notes:

Participants are required to sign disclaimer forms prior to the commencement of the course.

This course is offered on request only. For course dates and further information, please contact SIMAC Training directly at training@simac.dk.

Open Courses