Purpose
BCO (Ballast Control Operator) / MODU Stability course is as per IMO Resolution A.1079(28) adopted on 4th Dec 2013. BCO course is applicable for non propulsion vessel such as Construction, Pipe-lay and Accommodation barges; Semisub and Jackup drilling units etc which use anchor to stay in position. This course is open to any mid level offshore rig worker.
Ballast Control Operator course is open to any mid level offshore rig worker. Those having STCW Officers and Engineer license (2nd mate, Mate, Master, 3rd Eng, 2nd Engr,Ch. Engr) will also be required to do this course to take up the job as BCO / CRO.
The course is approved by Liberia (LISCR) flag state. On completion of the course you get Certificate of Proficiency approved by Liberia Flag State. The certificate has no expiry and is valid for lifetime.
Prerequisite
The syllabus covers Ballast Control Operator
Basic MODU Stability (Ballast Control operator)
- Understanding of general terms, i.e. displacement, draught, trim, heel, freeboard, buoyancy, reserve buoyancy, etc.
- Understanding of centre of gravity, centre of buoyancy, position of metacentre, righting lever and its effect on transverse stability
- Stable, unstable and neutral equilibrium
- Theory of moments applied to stability including the effects of movement of heavy lifts
- Effect of adding, removing and shifting weight; calculation of vertical, transverse and longitudinal shift of centre of gravity
- Understanding of the inclining experiment report and its use
- Effect of free surface on stability and factors affecting same
- General understanding of change of trim, trimming moments, longitudinal metacentre and longitudinal stability
- Use of hydrostatic curves, deadweight scale and hydrostatic tables
- Use of cross curves to produce a curve of statical stability and information from curve;
- Dynamic stability; synchronous rolling and angle of loll; stability criteria for MOUs;
- Effect of mooring system on stability
- Daily loading calculations
Application of stability knowledge, including the relevant theory and calculations
- Deck loads and effect on stability; change in lightweight
- Examination of ballasting systems and procedures
- Response to systems failures including station-keeping systems, damage to structures and subsequent action
- Damage control procedure, watertight compartments counter-flooding, use of pumping systems and cross-connections
- Environmental conditions and their effect on stability
- Unit and environmental limitations and criteria for changing to survival condition
- Zones of reduced stability, precautions to take, unsymmetrical ballasting/deballasting and importance of sequence with regard to stress
- Theory of calculations carried out on daily loading sheet, variations in chain deployed and effect on vertical moment
- Emergency procedures
| Course | Fee (INR) | Date Commence | Duration | Course Timing | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MODU Stability | 45,000 | Once Every Month | 5 days | Online-Time Zone Adjust | LISCR (Liberia) Approved |
[simpay id=”10253″]
BCO (Ballast Control Operator MODU Stability)
Ballast Control Operator Course Overview
The Ballast Control Operator (BCO) / MODU Stability course is designed to meet the requirements outlined in IMO Resolution A.1079(28), adopted on 4th December 2013. This course is crucial for personnel working on non-propulsion vessels such as construction, pipe-lay, and accommodation barges, as well as semi-submersible and jack-up drilling units, which use anchoring systems to maintain their positions. It prepares participants to manage ballast systems effectively and ensure vessel stability in a range of offshore operations.
The course is ideal for mid-level offshore rig workers and also caters to those holding STCW Officers and Engineer licenses (2nd Mate, Mate, Master, 3rd Engineer, 2nd Engineer, Chief Engineer) who are required to complete this training to assume the role of a Ballast Control Operator (BCO) or Control Room Operator (CRO).
Course Accreditation and Certification
This course is approved by the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), and upon completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Proficiency that is valid for life with no expiry. This certification is internationally recognized and allows participants to work as Ballast Control Operators on various types of mobile offshore units (MOUs).
Prerequisites
To enroll in this course, participants must meet one of the following criteria:
1. Service Requirement:
o At least one year of service aboard a Mobile Offshore Unit (MOU), including two months of supervised training under a certified Ballast Control Operator.
2. Educational Requirement:
o A Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized institution in a relevant field, along with two months of service as a trainee under the supervision of a certified Ballast Control Operator.
Course Syllabus
The (BCO) Ballast Control Operator MODU Stability course provides a comprehensive understanding of ballast control and vessel stability. The syllabus includes:
1. Basic Stability Concepts:
o Displacement, draught, trim, heel, freeboard, buoyancy, and reserve buoyancy.
o Centre of gravity, centre of buoyancy, position of metacentre, and righting lever’s impact on transverse stability.
o Stability conditions: Stable, unstable, and neutral equilibrium.
2. Stability Calculations:
o Theory of moments as applied to stability.
o Effects of adding, removing, or shifting weight on vessel stability.
o Inclining experiment report and its practical use.
3. Free Surface Effect:
o Impact of free surface on stability.
o Factors affecting the free surface and mitigating actions.
4. Trim and Longitudinal Stability:
o Trimming moments and use of hydrostatic curves and tables.
o Use of deadweight scales and cross curves to assess statical stability.
5. Dynamic Stability and Special Situations:
o Synchronous rolling, angle of loll, and stability criteria for MOUs.
o Mooring systems and their effect on stability.
6. Daily Loading Calculations:
o Application of stability theory in daily operations.
o Handling deck loads, lightweight changes, and understanding the effect on stability.
7. Ballasting Systems and Emergency Procedures:
o Examination of ballasting systems and procedures.
o Responding to ballast system failures, damage control, and emergency ballasting procedures.
8. Environmental Impact:
o Influence of environmental factors on vessel stability.
o Managing vessel stability during adverse environmental conditions and transitioning to survival mode.
9. Zones of Reduced Stability:
o Understanding zones of reduced stability and the necessary precautions.
o Sequence of ballasting/deballasting with regard to vessel stress and stability.
10. Emergency Procedures:
o Ballasting system failures, damage control, watertight compartments, counter-flooding, and pumping systems.
Why Take This Course?
This course is essential for anyone looking to take up the role of a Ballast Control Operator or Control Room Operator in the offshore industry. The course content is aligned with international standards, and participants will gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills in ballast control, vessel stability, and emergency procedures, critical for ensuring the safety and operational efficiency of offshore platforms.
The Certificate of Proficiency issued upon completion is a lifelong credential that can open up career opportunities in offshore drilling, construction, and accommodation platforms around the globe.
