Barge Supervisor / Barge Master / Marine Planner Course Online — LISCR Certified
5-Day Live Online Training | IMO A.1079(28) Compliant | Liberia (LISCR) Flag-State Approved | Valid on All Floater Types
The Barge Supervisor / Barge Master course at Elite Offshore Academy qualifies you for the senior marine management position on Mobile Offshore Units — Jack-Up Rigs, Semi-Submersibles, Accommodation Barges, Pipe-Lay Barges, Construction Barges, and Diving Support Vessels. On pipe-lay and construction barges the role is also known as Marine Planner.
The course is approved by the Liberia International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) and fully aligned with IMO Resolution A.1079(28). On completion you can apply for the Barge Master Licence from Liberia Registry — a certificate valid on any type of floater, accepted by most flag states with an offshore presence worldwide.
Unlike our OIM course (which requires 4 years MOU experience), the BS course requires only 3 years — making it the right first step for offshore professionals moving into supervisory marine roles.
Barge Supervisor Training is open to any mid level offshore rig worker leading to Barge Supervisor License. In addition, BCO course (MOU Stability) is required for Barge Supervisor License. Barge Master Course is Approved by Liberia Registry (LISCR).
Who Should Attend ?
Who Should Take the Barge Supervisor Course?
This course is designed for offshore personnel in deck and marine departments who are ready to take supervisory command of a Mobile Offshore Unit. Ideal candidates include:
– Drillers and Assistant Drillers with 3+ years MOU service
– Toolpushers and Assistant Toolpushers moving into marine management
– Crane Operators and Ballast Control Operators seeking a supervisory licence
– Subsea Specialists and Electricians with relevant MOU experience
– Mechanists and Mechanics holding equivalent supervisory sea time
– Officers holding a BSc from a recognised school of technology with 1+ year MOU supervisory experience
Note: Only 3 years of MOU experience is required — a lower threshold than the OIM course. This makes the BS course the natural first management qualification for offshore personnel on an upward career path.
Prerequisite
Barge Supervisor Course Prerequisites
Option A — Sea Service Route:
Minimum 3 years of service aboard Mobile Offshore Units (MOUs), including at least 1 year in a supervisory or equivalent role (driller, assistant driller, toolpusher, assistant toolpusher, mechanic, electrician, crane operator, subsea specialist, ballast control operator, or equivalent).
Option B — Engineering Degree Route:
BSc degree from a recognised school of technology PLUS at least 1 year of supervisory MOU service in any of the roles listed above.
For the LISCR Barge Master Licence Application (after completing this course):
– BCO (MOU Stability) certificate is also required when applying for the Barge Master Licence from LISCR.
– We offer the BCO course — many candidates complete BCO and BS in consecutive months.
Not sure if you qualify? Call or WhatsApp +91-9699272855 and our team will check your sea service records within 24 hours.
The syllabus as per IMO guidelines:
1. Stability and construction
The stability concepts specified for the ballast control operator plus a period of service in that capacity
2. Construction
Principles of construction, structural members, watertight integrity and damage control
3. Emergency duties:
Responsibilities set forth in the emergency plan or operating manual relating to the safety of the MOU
4. Communications: barge supervisor
Communication procedures for normal operations and for an emergency
5. Safe working practices: barge master
.1 occupational safety, health and hygiene
.2 hazardous areas
.3 permits to work
.4 work over water
.5 work in enclosed spaces (see resolution A.1050(27))
.6 personnel training
.7 understanding and inspection of safety equipment
6. Regulatory requirements:
International and national regulations and recommendations affecting operations
7. Emergency first aid: barge master
Provision of first aid to a casualty pending transfer to a medical facility
8. Transit operations: barge supervisor
.1 The 1972 Collision Regulations, as amended
.2 navigation and electronic navigational aids appropriate to the type of MOU
.3 towing procedures, including recovery of tow
9. Seamanship
.1 heavy weather
.2 store and bulk liquid transfer
.3 manoeuvring and positioning
.4 anchor handling
.5 dynamic positioning, if applicable
FAQ
Q1. What is the Barge Supervisor / Barge Master course?
The Barge Supervisor (BS) course trains offshore professionals to take marine supervisory command of a Mobile Offshore Unit. It is approved by LISCR (Liberia flag state) and aligned with IMO Resolution A.1079(28). On completion you apply to Liberia Registry for your Barge Master Licence — valid on jackup rigs, semi-submersibles, accommodation barges, pipe-lay barges, and all other floater types. |
Q2. How long is the Barge Supervisor course and how is it delivered?
Five days, delivered fully online as live instructor-led training via video conferencing. No travel required. Scheduling is timezone-adjusted to accommodate participants from India, the Middle East, South-East Asia, West Africa, and beyond. |
Q3. How much does the Barge Supervisor course cost?
INR 57,000 per delegate. Corporate and group rates are available — contact us at +91-9699272855 for a quote. This makes Elite Offshore Academy the most cost-effective LISCR-approved Barge Supervisor training provider available online. |
Q4. What are the prerequisites for the Barge Supervisor course?
3 years of service on Mobile Offshore Units including at least 1 year in a supervisory role (driller, toolpusher, BCO, crane operator, mechanic, electrician, or equivalent). Alternatively: BSc from a recognised school of technology plus 1 year supervisory MOU service. For the LISCR Barge Master Licence application, a BCO (MOU Stability) certificate is also required. |
Q5. Is only 3 years of experience required — less than the OIM course?
Yes. The Barge Supervisor course requires 3 years of MOU experience (vs. 4 years for the OIM course). This makes it the ideal first management qualification for offshore professionals stepping up into supervisory roles. Many delegates take BS first, then OIM as the next step toward full command. |
Q6. What is the difference between Barge Supervisor, Barge Master, and Marine Planner?
These three titles describe the same role on different vessel types. ‘Barge Supervisor’ is the standard IMO term used in the course and on drilling MOUs. ‘Barge Master’ is the title on the LISCR licence you receive after the course. ‘Marine Planner’ is the job title used on pipe-lay barges and construction barges by contractors such as Saipem, Van Oord, and McDermott. All three roles are covered by the same LISCR Barge Master Licence. |
Q7. What vessels is the LISCR Barge Master certificate valid for?
The certificate is valid for all floater types — jackup rigs, semi-submersibles, accommodation barges, pipe-lay barges, construction barges, diving support vessels, and any other non-propelled MOU. It is also accepted by most flag states that have an offshore presence worldwide. |
Q8. Do I need a BCO certificate before taking the BS course?
The BCO (MOU Stability) certificate is not required to attend the BS course itself, but it is required when you apply for the Barge Master Licence from Liberia Registry after the course. We recommend completing BCO before or alongside your BS training. Elite Offshore Academy offers BCO training — ask about our combined BCO + BS pathway. |
Q9. Can I take the Barge Supervisor course from outside India?
Yes. The course is fully online. Students have joined from Nigeria, UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, and across Europe. A stable broadband connection and a computer with camera and microphone is all you need. |
Q10. What is the career path after the Barge Supervisor certificate?
Many BS graduates proceed to the OIM (Offshore Installation Manager) course — the next step toward full command of a Mobile Offshore Unit. With BS + BCO + OIM, you have the complete LISCR senior management qualification pathway. Elite Offshore Academy offers all three courses. |
| Course | Fee (INR) | Date Commence | Duration | Course Timing | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS | 57,000 | 2nd Week of the Month | 5 days | Online-Time Zone Adjust | LISCR (Liberia) Approved |
