24 July 2007; Newport, RI: Itabo Pilots from the Dominican Republic attended a customized shiphandling course from June 19 to 21. The course was designed around major ship maneuvering evolutions: traffic situations, arrival/departure, anchoring, and maneuvering in channels. The Pilots conducted numerous dockings and undockings at the Itabo coal jetty at Haina, Dominican Republic.
Simulated bulk carriers used during this session ranged from 40,000 to 70,000 DWT. Subject matter included the proper relationship between engines and helm for ship maneuvering; and the effects on ship behavior caused by wind, current, shallow water, banks, narrow channels and conditions of loading. Practical application exercises performed on the bridge and bridge wing simulators reinforced conceptual learning. Weather conditions included winds up to 25 knots, wave heights up to 1.2 meters, and tidal current velocities up to 0.6 knots. MarineSafety training is tailored to specific shipping company operations, vessels and ports.