Workboats are the backbone of the maritime industry. While cruise liners and container ships capture the headlines, it’s these rugged, purpose-built vessels — tugs, pilot boats, crew transfers, supply vessels — that keep ports running, wind farms operational, and coastlines dredged and buoyed. Understanding workboats means understanding how the maritime industry actually functions day to day, from the harbour to the open ocean.
Our e-learning courses take you inside that world, covering vessel types, propulsion systems, deck equipment, safety regulations, and the operational realities that define a career on board or ashore in workboat operations. Whether you’re new to the maritime sector or looking to deepen your technical knowledge, you’ll come away with a practical, working understanding of the vessels that keep global trade and offshore industries moving.
All courses are made in close collaboration with experts from the industry.
E-learning courses:
Principles of Anchor Handling
Principles of Anchor Handling
This course examines the principal vessel types and specialised equipment used in both offshore and inshore settings, including AHTS vessels, multicats, winches, and ancillary deck gear.
You will learn:
Vessels and Equipment in Anchor Handling
Stability Management and Operational Limits in Anchor Handling
Planning, Communication and Navigation
Anchor Recovery and Deployment Procedures
Operational Variations and Advanced Techniques in Anchor Handling
Emergency response for fire, spillage and first aid at sea
IDMG Code for Workboats - A Workboat Association course
Introduction to Multicat Workboats
This course covers the regulations, procedures and practical skills needed to carry packaged dangerous goods safely on workboats: what dangerous goods are and why the IMDG Code exists, the UK regulatory framework and your training obligations, classification into the nine hazard classes, packaging, labelling, placarding and documentation, and safe stowage and segregation. The final chapters address emergency response: fire-fighting, spillage procedures, first aid and the “can I carry this?” safety checklist.
This course gives workboat crews the foundation to make informed decisions on board.
You will learn:
What counts as dangerous goods, and why they require special handling
The UK and international framework that governs their carriage at sea
Classification, packaging, labelling and documentation requirements
Safe stowage, segregation and return of dangerous goods
Emergency response for fire, spillage and first aid at sea
Introduction to Multicat Workboats
Introduction to Multicat Workboats
This course provides an overview of multicat workboats (multicats). Learners will be introduced to the defining characteristics and essential equipment of multicats, their evolution, and their roles across ports and offshore environments.
You will learn:
What Is a Multicat? Key Features and Equipment
Roles and Operations of Multicats
Foundational Safety for Working with Multicats
Workboat Crew Requirements
Workboat Crew Requirements
This course introduces the three main roles on a workboat: Master/Chief Mate, Engineer, and Deckhand. By the end of it, you’ll be able to explain vessel types, crew structure, and onboard working conditions.
You will learn:
Understanding Workboat Operations
Master/Chief Mates Requirements
Engineer Requirements
Deckhand Requirements
The following modules will be available soon:
- Passage Planning
- Misuse of Alcohol and Drugs
