A September 2020 MED class as they learn about Survival Suits and survival techniques.
by Connie Leo
Domestic Marine Emergency Duties
So, you have decided to begin your journey at sea, and you are onto the next step, discussing enrollment! By this time, you would have spoken to one of the WMI Admission Representatives to discuss the trade and where you envision your future as a deckhand.
A deckhand will begin their life at sea in one of two educational streams when enrolled at WMI. A student may choose to complete their Marine Emergency Duties (MED’s), or they may complete the Bridge Watch Rating (BWR) certificate. Whichever path the student decides, this will be the initial step in launching their career.
I often explain the MED courses as “safety at sea”- they provide a student the working knowledge of safety equipment, the use and design of various tools and machinery along with other vital safety information for their career. Depending on the capacity that the student wishes to work in will depend on what MED they will be required to hold.
It is important to mention that safety is paramount in the Marine Industry. For this reason, MED’s are required both to get started as a deckhand and as the student progresses in their career. Depending on the student’s chosen career path, this will determine which MED the student will be required to hold.
MED Small Domestic Vessel Safety (Formerly known as MED A3)
A student looking to pursue their MED SDVS should be at least 15 years of age and will require parental approval to take the course (if they are under 18). This certificate is the minimum basic personal safety training for seafarers who intend to work as crew members on vessels such as, small fishing vessels, workboats, or passenger vessels. For most of our students, the MED SDVS course is completed in addition to the “SVOP” training (to be mentioned later). A student working in this capacity will go no further than 25 miles offshore and therefore may be found operating in various jobs such as water taxis!
To explore our scheduled classes, click here.
MED Domestic Vessel Safety (Formerly known as MED A1/A2)
For a student who aims to work in Canadian waters on vessels such as tugs, barges, fishing vessels and passenger vessels, most companies require the successful completion of the MED DVS. The student should be at least 15 years of age and will require parental approval to take the course (if they are under 18). The MED DVS is designed to give students the knowledge and skills to prevent shipboard incidents, including fire; prepare and respond effectively to on-board emergency situations or drills; and assist in their own survival and rescue. You may find this MED student working for companies such as, Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC), various tugboat outfits and even on fishing boats!
To explore our scheduled classes, click here.