(NEWPORT, RI — October 11, 2007) Pilots from the port of Altamira, Mexico, attended special training at MarineSafety International’s Newport Simulator Center from October 1 to 5, 2007. The goal of the training was to improve the shiphandling skills, communications skills and situational awareness of the “Pilotage Team”, consisting of the pilot, master and tug master along with terminal and port personnel, who also attended the course.
The training used a full mission bridge as an LNG carrier and a smaller simulator as a 55 tonne ASD tug. The exercises were interactive, with the pilot on the LNG carrier giving orders directly to the tug master. During the final two days of training the pilots and tug masters dealt with emergency situations, such as loss of propulsion or steering during their transit to the dock.
This is Phase II of the continuing training program for personnel working at the new Altamira LNG terminal. Previously, the terminal operators contracted with MarineSafety International to provide training to pilots and tug masters prior to the LNG terminal going into operation in August of 2006 Over the past year they have received 38 LNG shipments, without incident.
