USCG Captains Courses, Vessel Operator Training Programs & NASBLA Boat Courses in Woodbridge VA
Located at Woodbridge VA, Marine Emergency Response Group (MERG) offers several programs including Maritime Consulting, Crewmember Training, Operator Training and USCG License Courses. All of the instructors are licensed USCG Captains and the staff have over 100 years of combined maritime service in a variety tasks from operating fireboats to towboats, from marine salvage to new equipment installations, and from marina operations to fire ground operations.
The Marine Emergency Response Group, LLC, (MERG) was founded by U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captains; each providing years of diversified experience in maritime, and fire and rescue operations.
MERG has taken this as a challenge and is working closely with the USCG, DHS, NASBLA and other agencies to develop training courses to broaden the horizons of the firefighters, police officers and marine patrols to create a safer environment when emergencies necessitate the actions of these agencies.
MERG is an approved instructional company for the USCG courses. MERG also teaches general to advanced handling techniques for vessels equipped with jets or props, single or multiple engines.
Training Programs
USCG Certified Training Courses
- Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV): This course is primarily intended for individuals who will be responsible for the safe operation of uninspected passenger vessels of less than 100 Gross Tons.
- Assistance Towing Endorsement Master/Mate 200 GRT Course: This 4.5-hour course is primarily intended for individuals who will be upgrading their license to meet the current USCG requirements for an Assistance Towing Endorsement. The course is of limited duration yet provides the comprehensive training required of an USCG Approved Course
- Navigation Rules and Regulations: Commonly known as Rules of the Road , this section covers both Inland and International rules of safe navigation as required by the USCG for licensing courses.
- Chart Information: This section of the course provides an overview of the Charts and Publications used for safe navigation on our navigable waterways.
- Aids to Navigation: There are many types of Aids to Navigation used on the U.S. navigable waterways. This section of the course looks at the buoys, lights, and markings of the U.S. buoyage system.
- Electronic Navigation: Provides information on GPS, Radar, Chart Plotters and Depth Sounders so the vessel operators understand the basic information each of these devices is displaying.
Basic Crewmember Training
- 16-Hour Class: It will cover basic marine terminology, vessel characteristics, equipment, distress signals, towing and trailering, ropes and knots, safety, communications, and department SOP's.
- 32-Hour Class: Class begins with the 16-hour course and progress into practical applications for boat operators on day three while crewmembers are completing more practical exercises. On the last day, we combine operator and crewmember techniques in practical activities to introduce the team concept and team building.
Vessel Operator Training
- Jet & Prop Propulsion Vessels: MERG will teach general to advanced handling techniques for vessels equipped with jets or props, single or multiple engines. Operator training involves hands-on operations of your vessel, while underway, through a series of evolutions involving, but not limited to, docking, close-quarter handling, high-speed operations, and a variety of other techniques used in routine and emergencies.
- Marine Jet Operational Training: MERG instructors have received recommendations from Hamilton Jet, LLC, and Ultra Dynamics Inc. to instruct marine jet propulsion operations. MERG is also authorized and certified by Hamilton Jet and Ultra Dynamics to provide service and parts for their products.
Other Programs
- Boat Crew Member Course
- Boat Operator Search and Rescue (BOSAR) Course
- Fire Boat Small Course
Last Updated: Oct 14, 2024