QMED, STCW, Carrier Transicold, High Voltage Safety, and Military Sealift Command Training for Unlicensed Merchant Mariners
Established in 1883 and located in San Franciso, The Pacific Coast Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Association (commonly referred to as the Marine Firemen's Union) is represents unlicensed merchant mariners who work in the engine department aboard a variety of ships. The Marine Firemen's Union is an affiliate union of the Seafarers International Union of North America.
The union was formed October 1883 in San Francisco, California. The founding members were firemen on Pacific Coast coal-burning steamers.
Today, the union dispatches mariners to the following billets: Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer, Pumpman/Machinist, Junior Engineer, Oiler, Wiper and Shore Mechanic.
The Marine Firemen’s Union represents unlicensed merchant mariners who work in the engine department aboard a variety of ships.
Training Programs
QMED Courses
- QMED Fireman/Watertender and Oiler: A member who successfully completes the 160-hour Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) Fireman/Watertender and Oiler course will satisfy the requirements needed for the national endorsements as QMED Fireman/Watertender and QMED Oiler, provided all other requirements, including sea service, are also met.
- QMED Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer: A member who successfully completes the 240-hour QMED Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer course will satisfy the requirements needed for the national endorsement as QMED Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer, provided all other requirements, including sea service, are also met.
STCW Courses
- STCW Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch: A member who successfully completes the 40-hour Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW) course will satisfy the requirements needed for the STCW endorsement as RFPEW.
- STCW Able Seafarer-Engine: A member who successfully completes the 40-hour Able Seafarer-Engine (AS-E) course will satisfy the requirements needed for the STCW endorsement as AS-E.
- STCW Basic Training Revalidation: The BT Revalidation course is designed for personnel who have previously completed a 40-hour Basic Training course and have at least one year of approved Sea Service within the last five years. Locations - Training Resources Maritime Institute, San Diego, CA (one day) & MITAGS-PMA, Seattle, WA (two days)
- STCW Basic Training Refresher : The BT Refresher course (24 hours) is designed for personnel who have previously completed a 40-hour Basic Training course and have NOT completed one year of approved Sea Service within the last five years. Locations - Training Resources Maritime Institute, San Diego, CA; Compass Courses, Edmonds, WA; and MITAGS-PMA, Seattle, WA
Other Maritime Courses
- High Voltage Safety: This five-day course is open to members who have Electrical equipment background and training.
- Military Sealift Command Training: This 4-1/2 day course includes the following segments - Shipboard Damage Control; Environmental Programs; Chemical, Biological and Radiological Defense orientation; Helicopter Firefighting; Anti-Terrorism (one-year validation); Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (three-year periodicity). These segments are required for employment aboard various MSC contract-operated ships.
- 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.
LAST UPDATED ON Sep 12, 2023