“Knowledge is Power.” That’s a quote from Francis Bacon in the late 1500s and used by Thomas Jefferson, also a Founding Father, the third president of the U.S., and founder of a major institution of learning in the State of Virginia. Today, the challenge is how to obtain that essential knowledge and what method of delivery to use? Almost everyone was quickly forced to online learning earlier this year, which in itself can be problematic. It is a useful platform of information but it also requires the ability to reorganize how you receive knowledge and also, what you do with it. I am not qualified to comment on anything in the current educational environment. That is a topic of contentious and vigorous debate. However, I can comment on the subject matter of training, and assessments for skill-sets as they relate to the maritime realm.
Some USCG License schools are built around a physical location. There is nothing wrong with that business approach, but with the current restrictions of physical distancing, that type of learning environment can have adverse effects while utilizing the classroom method. In-person is still preferred by many because it delivers the personal touch to the learning process. This is made possible because of the additional non-verbal language that comprises most of the communication we experience normally.
The next option of teaching is online. Again, there are training institutions that currently do not have approved online courses of instruction for the USCG License. This situation eventually transforms the delivery method to what is commonly referred to as Distance Learning. Instead of being present in class, you can receive the instruction online, live webinar portals, such as Zoom for example. That method of education can be difficult to produce and received by the audience for a wide variety of reasons. It is, however, the system used by some schools with success. There is also a variant of distance learning that incorporates more of a change in the point-of-view. Having a live camera shot from a classroom setting does have more power than just an online webinar presence. The slight change in production delivers more of a live telecast then just a webinar event.
There is another very remarkable educational system I want to introduce, concentrating on boating safety type instruction, such as the USCG Captain’s License and other subjects. What if you could combine the best of both academic worlds: in-person classrooms with superior online content? It is possible.
Mastering the USCG Navigation Rules of the Road by this blended approach is a prime example of Knowledge is Power. The understanding of those regulations alone has enduring benefits, giving you the ability to assess risk, predict dangerous situations with accuracy, and taking corrective actions.
The procedures to obtain the license or take a boating safety course of instruction are not as difficult with the right guidance. That is exactly where my experience can be of service. Whether you need a refresher in the basics, complicated tasks such as piloting or operating your advanced marine technology, there is a large network of professional organizations and schools nearby that can help you achieve your goals in marine education.
There are many different ways to get the most out of your training options. Blended format of training is one of the premier techniques to harness that potential, producing outstanding results in boating safety and compliance. Do you want to know more? Because as they say, knowledge is power.
horizontal or lateral movement between vessels is the main reason. It is much more difficult to assess bearing drift, the primary element critical for collision avoidance, from a narrow angle than to observe from a side view vantage point. The diagram displayed shows the danger zone labeled “Overtaking Sector” which is the area where the hazard resides. The break between 22.5 degrees behind the beam on both sides highlights the demarcation. Further in the Rules it states that you are still not relieved of responsibility as the operator in charge of the overtaking vessel until you are “finally past and clear” of the vessel you are overtaking. That means moving away from and not just crossing into the 22.5 degree zone on either side of the vessel.
beyond its maritime origin. A prime example of a nautical flag, and one that a lot of people have never seen or recognized, is the U.S. Coast Guard Ensign. Approved by President John Adams and first raised on August 1, 1799, to signify the United States ship that carried the banner was a cutter of the Revenue-Marine, eventually in time becoming the U.S. Coast Guard.