TWENTY-FOUR boat owners and sailors completed an inaugural seafarer’s course organised by Royal Selangor Yacht Club (RSYC) in Port Klang, Selangor.
The participants were trained by Akademi Laut Malaysia.
The boat owners and sailors posing after completing the seven-day “Mate Domestic Below 500GT Open” seafarer’s course, which enables them to operate a boat safely.
Marine Department Malaysia Central Region (Port Klang) principal assistant director (operations) Lim Fung Vui said the boat owners and sailors were trained as first mate aboard a boat during the seven-day “Mate Domestic Below 500GT Open” course.
The course aimed to enable them to perform navigational responsibilities at sea with safety of the boat and crew in mind.
The department oversees coastal areas of Selangor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan.
“All 24 participants were given a week of intensive training to obtain their seafarer’s licence,” said Lim.
Lim calls for more boat owners to be trained to handle traffic, emergencies and boat operations at sea.
He said the participants were now qualified to pilot boats following the rules of navigation.
He stressed that there was a need to improve standards in traffic and emergency management as well as boat operations.
RSYC subcommittee (safety) member Mohamad Shamsul Ahmad Kamal received the Certificate of Competence (COC) that gave him the accreditation to navigate in open seas and ferry up to 12 passengers at a time.
“I feel better equipped now thanks to the knowledge I gained on navigation aspects,” he said.
The COC course covers chartwork, regulations, meteorology and general knowledge of ships.
RSYC committee member
J. Renga Rajoo said RSYC was more than just a sailing club.
“Our club contributes towards a healthy, happy and safe lifestyle for members and their families.
“After taking courses including the Mate Domestic Below 500GT Open, members who own boats can better understand safety aspects at sea,” he said.
