Marine Safety Instructor Training

The MSIT is a U.S. Coast Guard-accepted, 5 and a half-day, intensive train-the-trainer course.  This program trains individuals to effectively teach cold-water survival procedures, the use of marine safety equipment, and onboard safety drills. The course is designed for those wanting to teach cold-water safety and survival in a variety of settings – for commercial fishermen, private businesses or government agencies, for recreational boaters, or in schools. The topics covered include:

 

Preparation for Emergencies

The "Seven Steps to Survival"(a priority listing of steps to take during an emergency), the role of preparation in dealing with emergencies, and survival kits.

 

Cold-Water Survival

Overview of types of personal flotation devices (PFDs), includes advantages, disadvantages, and maintenance as well as cold-water survival techniques. A pool practical is included.

 

Sea Survival, Equipment, Procedures & Onboard Drills

Discussion, hands-on demonstrations and practice with survival equipment (EPIRBs, life rafts, flares, immersion suits, etc.), fire fighting equipment, abandon ship procedures, vessel stability, USCG-assisted evacuations, vessel orientation, emergency instruction, and station bills. This section meets USCG training requirements for documented fishing vessels, and usually includes actual drills onboard a vessel.

 

Land Survival

Techniques important to surviving in Alaska's environment including shelters, signals and the "Seven Steps to Survival" as they apply to a shore survival situation.

 

Food and Water in a Survival Situation

The vital role of water in a sea or land survival situation with emphasis on the importance of a safe water supply and preventing dehydration. May include a beach walk to identify edible foods.

 

Cold-Water Near Drowning

The latest information on cold water near-drowning, including a review of the latest State of Alaska guidelines.

 

Hypothermia

Hypothermia physiology, prevention, recognition, and treatment in accordance with the latest State of Alaska guidelines.

 

Methods of Instruction

Information for potential instructors who do not already have a teaching background including practical techniques helpful when instructing marine safety, lesson plan formulation, adult learning styles, class logistics, and teaching practice.

 

Risk Assessment & Risk Management

Theories of risk assessment, risk perceptions and tolerances, how to increase risk recognition skills, and risk management as applicable to teaching marine safety and workplace and in recreational activities.

 

Cross-Cultural Communication

Exploration of how people miscommunicate due to differing cultural communication styles, how this miscommunication interferes in the learning environment, and what can be done to help.

 

Overnight Exercise

An overnight exercise may be offered on request in classes located in Alaska. The overnight exercise allows course participants to experience a "survival" situation in a life raft or on shore. Use of rations, safe sources of food and water, and dressing to prevent hypothermia are stressed. This exercise and the debriefing that follows make up the culminating course activities.

 

Costs:

AMSEA Members: $875.00*

Non-Members: $995.00

Refresher for Members: $400*

Refresher for Non-Members: $490

 

Registrations received less than 10 days prior to course start date will incur a $250 fee.

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*Membership starts at $50 - to join, visit our Membership Page.