A scene during training.
ST. EUSTATIUS – A group of Statians recently completed “Boat Master 3” training, designed to equip them with the skills necessary to work as sailors on commercial vessels that currently operate in St. Eustatius waters.
The training program is a joint venture of various departments of the public entity Sint Eustatius, the maritime training institute, De Ruyter Training and Consultancy (DRTC) and the Dutch Caribbean Maritime Inspectorate.
Ongoing training.
Two types of merchant ships operate in the waters of Statia: Annex 6 ships and small merchant ships (SCV). Five Schedule 6 vessels are owned by dive shops and individuals. These only operate commercially around the island. As of January 1, 2025, these vessels must have on board at least one person with a Boat Captain 3 license.
SCV vessels fall under the Small Commercial Vessel Code and are licensed to operate commercially, inter-island. Currently, there are no Statia ships sailing under the SCV Code regulations.
Boat Master courses are mentioned in the Caribbean Small Commercial Vessel Code. This code also describes the level of license that may be required for each vessel. There are three levels: Boat Master 1 (which is the highest level) and levels 2 and 3. The ferry Makanafor example, requires a Boat Master 1 skill level and Global Terminal Investment (GTI) tender boats require a Boat Master 2 license.
It is expected that the group of students will also be able to take the Boat Master level 2 and 1 courses this year as well.
