TRAINING INFORMATION
Marine Firemen's Union Training Program
Interested members who meet the Training Program eligibility requirements and prerequisites outlined for each course may obtain an application online at mfoww.org or at Headquarters and branch offices. All applications must be accompanied by a copy of the member’s Merchant Mariner Credential.
(a) Eligible participants are MFOW members who:
(1) Have maintained A, B or C seniority classification.
(2) Are current with their dues.
(3) Are eligible for medical coverage through covered employment.
(4) Have a current Q-card (annual physical) issued by the Seafarers’ Medical Center and are fit for duty.
(b) Non-seniority applicants:
(1) Applicants may be selected for required government vessels training as required to fulfill manning obligations under the various MFOW government vessel contracts.
(2) Selectees under this provision must meet all other requirements for seagoing employment and shall have demonstrated satisfactory work habits through casual employment.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - MARITIME INSTITUTE
Courses are conducted at Maritime Institute in San Diego, California, and are contingent on enrollment levels. Tuition, lodging, and transportation are pre-arranged by the MFU Training Plan.
Military Sealift Command (MSC) Government Vessels Course
This four-day course is required for employment aboard various MSC contract-operated ships and includes the following segments: Shipboard Damage Control; Environmental Protection; Chemical, Biological and Radiological Defense; Helo Firefighting.
Military Sealift Command (MSC) Readiness Refresher
This two-day course renews the following government vessel segments: Helo Firefighting; Environmental Protection; Damage Control; and Chemical, Biological and Radiological Defense. The full versions of these segments must have been completed within 5 years of taking the Readiness Refresher course.
Basic IGF Code
Any applicant who has successfully completed your Basic IGF Code Operations (MARINS-805) course will satisfy: The training and standards of competence required by STCW Code Section A-V/3 and Table A-V/3-1, as amended 2010, for original or renewal of STCW endorsement for Basic IGF Code Operations. A course certificate may be used for one application which results in the issuance of an endorsement and may not be used for any application transactions thereafter.
IECEx CoPC Certification
Training is based upon the IECEx 05 CoPC Scheme and is broken down into various customized modules. The following modules are covered:
· Ex 001 - Apply basic principles of protection in explosive atmospheres
· Ex 002 - Perform classification of hazardous areas
· Ex 003 - Install explosion-protected equipment and wiring systems
· Ex 007 - Perform visual & close inspection of electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmosphere
· Ex 008 - Perform detailed inspection of electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmosphere
· Ex 009 - Design electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres
Prerequisites: QMED Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer, AS-E and Basic IGF Code.
QMED Oiler, Boiler Technician/Watertender
A member who successfully completes the four-week Qualified Member of the Engine Department QMED Oiler, Boiler Technician/Watertender course will satisfy the requirements needed for the national endorsement, provided all other requirements, including sea service, are also met. Prerequisites: 180 days of MFOW-contracted sea time as Wiper; PLUS, Coast Guard approval letter for endorsement upgrading, which certifies minimum of 180 days’ sea time as Wiper.
STCW Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch
A member who successfully completes the five-day Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW) course will satisfy the requirements needed for the STCW endorsement. Prerequisites: See QMED Oiler, Boiler Technician/Watertender. Eligible candidates will be scheduled for the QMED Fireman/Oiler/Watertender and RFPEW courses back-to-back for a five-week combined training session.
QMED Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer
A member who successfully completes the six-week QMED Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer course will satisfy the requirements needed for the national endorsement, provided all other requirements, including sea service, are also met. Prerequisites: QMED Oiler, Boiler Technician/Watertender and RFPEW; PLUS 180 days of MFOW-contracted sea time while qualified as RFPEW.
STCW Able Seafarer-Engine
A member who successfully completes the five-day Able Seafarer-Engine (AS-E) course will satisfy the requirements needed for the STCW endorsement as AS-E. Prerequisites: QMED Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer, QMED Oiler, Boiler Technician/Watertender and RFPEW; PLUS 180 days of MFOW-contracted sea time while qualified as RFPEW.
QMED Pump Technician/Machinist
A member who successfully completes the five-week QMED Pumpman/Machinist course will satisfy the requirements needed for the national endorsement as QMED Pump Technician/Machinist. Prerequisites: 240 days of MFOW-contracted sea time aboard a tanker vessel while holding the endorsements as QMED Oiler and RFPEW.
High Voltage Safety
This five-day course is comprised of classroom lectures, simulator-based training, and assessments on our state of-the-art TRANSAS TechSim 5000 High-Voltage (HV) Circuit Breaker Simulator. Students will be exposed to the principles behind shock hazards, and arc flash/arc blast phenomena. Prerequisites: QMED Electrician-Refrigerating Engineer/Junior Engineer/RFPEW and Able Seafarer-Engine endorsements.
OTHER COURSES
Maritime Institute - 1130 West Marine View Drive, Everett WA
- QMED Oiler
- STCW Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch
STCW Basic Training Revalidation
The BT Revalidation course is for personnel who have previously completed a Basic Training course and have at least one year of approved Sea Service within the last five years.
- Maritime Institute, San Diego, CA
- Maritime Institute, Honolulu, HI
- Maritime Institute, Everett, WA
- Cal Poly Maritime Academy, Vallejo, CA
- MITAGS-PMI, Seattle, WA
STCW Basic Training Refresher
The BT Refresher course is for personnel who have previously completed a Basic Training course and have NOT completed one year of approved Sea Service within the last five years.
- Maritime Institute, San Diego, CA
- Maritime Institute, Everett, WA
- Cal Poly Maritime Academy, Vallejo, CA
- MITAGS-PMI, Seattle, WA
Training Course Reimbursement
The following courses are eligible for tuition reimbursement upon pre-approval from the Training Plan and successful completion of the course. Members need to provide Headquarters with completion certificates, itemized tuition bill and copy of Merchant Mariners Credential in order to receive reimbursement:
Carrier Transicold One-Week Container Course - This is an overview of Carrier Transicold container refrigeration equipment. The program will include information on unit operation, service and maintenance procedures. Microprocessors, interrogation and date retrieval, humidity systems, compression technology and electrical systems will be covered.
Carrier Transicold Three-Day Container Product Update - This course is designed to provide the seasoned technician with operational knowledge and troubleshooting and repair procedures for new product features.