In 22-February-2019, another member from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) completed the Boatswain’s Mate “A” Course at US Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia.
Seaman Second Class John Daryl Paglinawan PCG finished the 14-week course designed to equip Coast Guard personnel with knowledge in deck operations such as open-water navigation, international rules and regulation, vessel responsibility, search and rescue planning, and familiarization on navigation and communication devices onboard.
A total of 36 students mostly assigned in coast guard cutters/vessel or small boats participated in the said training where 33 are from the USCG, two from Indonesia BAKAMLA (Badan Keamanan Laut/Indonesian Maritime Security Agency), and one from the PCG.
The training also includes boat trailering, boat towing, basic lifesaving, helicopter operations, knot tying and splicing, operate and pass a portable pump, open-water survival skills, rescue and survival raft procedure. Simulation rooms equipped with latest technology are provided for every student before they go underway.
Students were also required to do physical training every morning such as swimming, running off-base, and sports and physical training tests. Moreover, students also completed the team coordination training and first-aid/CPR certification as part of the course.
Last 21-November-2018, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel emerged as the top student after graduating in the Electrician’s Mate “A” School in US Coast Guard Training Center (TRACEN) in Yorktown, Virginia.
Seaman First Class Stephen Bondesto PCG garnered the highest average of 99.85, while Seaman Second Class Rommel Fabros ranked fifth, and Petty Officer Third Class Lexter Levita ranked eighth. The class was composed of 18 students, 15 from USCG counterparts and 3 PCG personnel.
The Electrician’s Mate “A” School is a 19-week intensive course of instruction designed to train non-rated personnel to perform the duties of a Coast Guard Third Class Electricians Mate.
The American Council on Education has evaluated this course and recommends the following credits in the Lower-Division Baccalaureate/Associate degree category: three semester hours in basic electricity, three semester hours in AC & DC circuit theory, three in electrical power distribution, three in electrical circuits troubleshooting and maintenance, one in industrial safety, and one in blueprint reading.
The course includes training and practical exercises in a wide range of topics including: battery, power distribution system, lighting systems, motors and controllers, interior communication system, galley, scullery and laundry equipment, electric damage control equipment, small boat electrical system, deck machinery equipment and shore power.
There are 9 PCG personnel are undergoing different courses such as International Maritime Officer’s Course (IMOC), Gunner’s Mate ”A” School, Boatswain’s Mate “A” School and Machinery Technician “A” School at USCG TRACEN, Yorktown.
SOURCES:
- “PCG personnel graduates at USCG Training Center in Virginia.” Mintfo, 26-February-2019.
- “PCG tops class at USCG Training Center in Virginia.” PCG News, 27-November-2018.