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CBR-D Course Now Available At RTM STAR Center
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To meet yet another training requirement, AMO's RTM Simulation, Training, Assessment and Research Center in Dania Beach now offers a one-day course in Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Defense Orientation, or CBR-D. The course was among the first of its kind to win approval from the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, which requires such training for work on its ships and on ships it charters from the private sector. AMO is the principal source of licensed officers for ships on MSC hire. Approval of RTM STAR Center in Toledo as a CBR-D training site was pending Feb. 1. MSC requires the training because the Department of Defense is increasingly concerned about U.S. military and civilian personnel at risk of exposure to chemical or biological warfare agents. MSC wants to be certain the U.S. can continue its strategic sealift operations and deploy and sustain its forces under the chemical-biological threat. The U.S. Transportation Command, or TRANSCOM, has what one RTM STAR Center faculty member called "a long-term goal to provide this course for the entire high seas maritime labor pool and incorporate it as a standard critical component of training for all U.S. merchant marine personnel." All AMO members nd applicants for membership are urged to complete the CBR-D course, whether or not they are currently employed aboard MSC-chartered ships. "Those without the required CBR-D training will lose opportunities in the growing fleet of MSC ships under AMO contract," said AMO National President Michael R. McKay. "We strongly recommend that all deep-sea AMO members complete all available training so that they can qualify for all jobs in that diverse and ever-expanding sector." MSC requires all mariners undergoing CBR-D training to "meet the physical, educational, and linguistic standards and requirements set forth by the U.S. Coast Guard," MSC said. "For seafarers taking this course, the wearing of facial hair, including beards, long sideburns, mutton chops, long mustaches etc. that come between the sealing periphery of a respirator face-piece and face, or facial hair that could interfere with the MCU 2/P gas mask valve function is prohibited." The training will be scheduled to complement other courses required by MSC or required for certification under Standards for Training, Certification, an Watchstanding, or STCW, including Basic Safety and Small Arms. | |||
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