Specialist courses
In addition to the boat handling and STCW basic safety courses IOMTC is also able to provide several specialist training courses as listed below. If you are interested in any of these courses scroll down to find further information.
- Diesel engine maintenance
- Outboard engine maintenance
- Radar
- VHF radio operator
- Navigation
- Training for boat and fleet operators
- Sea survival
- Swimming lessons
- Swimming pool lifeguard training
- Beach lifeguard training
- Diving courses
- Commercial diving courses
- Specialist diving courses
RYA Diesel engine maintenance
This is a one-day course that targets boat captains and crews to provide them with a clearer understanding of how to care for their Diesel engines. Understanding the basics of how a diesel engine works and how to do simple maintenance tasks such as change the oil and filters, check the coolant or bleed the air from the fuel can save a lot of money and lost operational time. Also, understanding how to make simple repairs, such as changing a fan belt or the impeller in the raw water pump can make a huge difference to your engine's lifespan.
No. of persons - 8 max
Duration - 1 day
No. of persons - 8 max
Duration - 1 day
Outboard engine maintenance courses
IOMTC through the Captain Andy's Technical Academy (CATA) are able to offer high quality training on outboard engines through three levels. All our instructors are very experienced Yamaha four stroke technicians, and our lead instructor, Alfred Kithi is a YTS Silver Technician which is the highest classification of Yamaha technician in Africa currently.
Basic outboard engine maintenance
This course targets those boat operators who are not necessarily very mechanically minded but would like to understand more about their engines and how best to care for them.
No. of persons - 8 max
Duration - 1 day
Yamaha intermediate outboard engine maintenance
This Yamaha course covers all aspects of the outboard engine including the differences between 2 and 4-stroke systems, the fuel, cooling, electrical and lubrication systems, propellers, anodes, and service schedules. This course targets those persons responsible for the maintenance of outboard engines. The cost of the course will be dependent on the number of candidates enrolling for the course.
No. of persons - 8 max
Duration - 5 days
Location - this course may be offered on site at your location if you have an engine that may be used for the training.
Yamaha advanced outboard engine maintenance
This Yamaha course targets mechanics whose role includes the maintenance and repairing outboard engines at their place of work. During this course a 2-stroke Yamaha engine will be stripped down to the last nut and bolt then rebuilt again under expert supervision. All trainees wishing to enrol in this course should have sufficient mechanical experience of dismantling and rebuilding engines.
No. of persons - 8 max
Duration - 10 days
Location - Watamu
Basic outboard engine maintenance
This course targets those boat operators who are not necessarily very mechanically minded but would like to understand more about their engines and how best to care for them.
No. of persons - 8 max
Duration - 1 day
Yamaha intermediate outboard engine maintenance
This Yamaha course covers all aspects of the outboard engine including the differences between 2 and 4-stroke systems, the fuel, cooling, electrical and lubrication systems, propellers, anodes, and service schedules. This course targets those persons responsible for the maintenance of outboard engines. The cost of the course will be dependent on the number of candidates enrolling for the course.
No. of persons - 8 max
Duration - 5 days
Location - this course may be offered on site at your location if you have an engine that may be used for the training.
Yamaha advanced outboard engine maintenance
This Yamaha course targets mechanics whose role includes the maintenance and repairing outboard engines at their place of work. During this course a 2-stroke Yamaha engine will be stripped down to the last nut and bolt then rebuilt again under expert supervision. All trainees wishing to enrol in this course should have sufficient mechanical experience of dismantling and rebuilding engines.
No. of persons - 8 max
Duration - 10 days
Location - Watamu
RYA Radar course
If your boat is equipped with radar you may benefit from doing this one-day course that will help you get the most out of your equipment. Under International Maritime Law although you are not required to carry radar on your boat, if you do then you should know how to use it. Most people who have never done a course assume that interpreting the radar picture is obvious, an assumption that may lead to catastrophic results. The most common error is to ignore relative motion where both your vessel and the approaching target vessel are moving.
No. of persons - 8 max
Duration - 1 day
No. of persons - 8 max
Duration - 1 day
RYA/MCA Short Range Certificate (VHF)
This is a VHF Operator's Licence, which in many countries is mandatory before one may use a marine VHF radio. This is Maritime & Coastguard Agency course is approved all over the world. At the end of the course there is both a written and practical examination that needs to be passed. The certificates are issued by the RYA on behalf of the MCA.
Your VHF radio may one day save your life and understanding how to use its many features including Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is essential for any boater. Don't wait until an emergency happens before trying to learn how to make or receive a distress call. Your radio equipment includes the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), Search and Rescue Transponder (SART), NAVTEX and Radar.
Since April 2018 you can now enrol for the online SRC Radio course through our website, please contact us for further information.
Following the online course you will receive a course completion certificate, which you should bring to us together with the original Examination Application Form. We shall give you ample time to become familiar with our training radios before sitting the exam.
VHF Online Course
If you are interested in doing this course please contact us
Before you enrol on this course you should check that your computer meets the minimum system requirements below:
Your VHF radio may one day save your life and understanding how to use its many features including Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is essential for any boater. Don't wait until an emergency happens before trying to learn how to make or receive a distress call. Your radio equipment includes the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), Search and Rescue Transponder (SART), NAVTEX and Radar.
Since April 2018 you can now enrol for the online SRC Radio course through our website, please contact us for further information.
Following the online course you will receive a course completion certificate, which you should bring to us together with the original Examination Application Form. We shall give you ample time to become familiar with our training radios before sitting the exam.
VHF Online Course
If you are interested in doing this course please contact us
Before you enrol on this course you should check that your computer meets the minimum system requirements below:
- Mac Intel processor OS X 10.7 (Lion) or above.
- PC Windows Vista Service Pack 2 1 GHz (x86) processor 512 MB RAM Sound card. Windows XP and earlier operating systems are not compatible with this course.
- Netbooks are not supported due to the reduced screen resolution.
- iPad/iPad Mini using iOS 6 or above.
- Older generation iPads may have performance issues. We strongly recommend installing the SRC Taster Course before buying the full course to check that it will work on your device.
Navigation courses
It may be useful for anyone wishing to learn more about maritime navigation to arrange special tuition with our chief instructor. Or, for those persons that have enrolled on one of the RYA online Yachtmaster or Day Skipper navigation courses it may be beneficial to have the chief instructor help them through specific problems. In addition those wishing to do the Intermediate or Advanced Powerboat courses may need additional navigation coaching to bring them up to the required standards.
Training for boat or fleet managers
This course targets the managers rather than the operators themselves because in the past we have found that despite training the boat operators in appropriate techniques the boats continue to be poorly looked after usually as a result of poor management. This course is designed to help the managers understand their responsibilities and what it takes to manage a boat or fleet of boats.
The basic course will deal with the following topics:
The course will usually be tailored to meet the requirements of the organisation and to their unique system of operations. It may be conducted at your location or at our training facility in Watamu but we shall need access to a suitable class room equipped with multi media facility. The length of the course will depend on the course content and number of candidates. We can also create standard operating procedures for your organisation's fleet operations.
The basic course will deal with the following topics:
- Passage planning
- Record keeping
- Safety equipment use & maintenance
- Safety briefings
- Standard operating procedures & risk assessments for safe operation
- Managing fuel & oil consumption
- Engine hours
- Maintenance schedules
- Accident / incident reporting
- Budgeting for consumables
- Environmental protection
- Emergency situations
The course will usually be tailored to meet the requirements of the organisation and to their unique system of operations. It may be conducted at your location or at our training facility in Watamu but we shall need access to a suitable class room equipped with multi media facility. The length of the course will depend on the course content and number of candidates. We can also create standard operating procedures for your organisation's fleet operations.
Sea survival training
IOMTC may provide specialist sea survival training for your organisation with the course tailored to your specific needs. Any organisation working offshore whether on the ocean or one of the large inland lakes of East Africa should ensure that their employees are provided with adequate training to prepare them should an emergency ever happen. IOMTC has experience with training for organisations on Lake Kivu in Rwanda.
Life saving and lifeguard training
IOMTC now has the capacity to provide expert tuition in swimming, and for both beach and swimming pool lifeguards through our association with the Kenya Lifesaving Federation (KLF). The Kenya Lifesaving Federation is also a full member of the International Lifesaving Federation (ILS) and of the Royal Lifesaving Federation. Certification will be issued by KLF but if you may require your certification for work outside of Kenya with an extra cost you may also receive and ILS certificate that may be recognised globally.
All owners of swimming pools accessible to members of the public have a responsibility for duty of care that no amount of 'At your own risk' notices can detract from. A trained swimming pool lifeguard should be able to recognise where there exists risk and to intervene before an emergency situation may occur. They will also be trained in first aid so as to be able to provide the appropriate care should an incident take place. Lifeguards are also trained on working with children, persons with disability and to be respectful of gender, religion, etc.
All owners of swimming pools accessible to members of the public have a responsibility for duty of care that no amount of 'At your own risk' notices can detract from. A trained swimming pool lifeguard should be able to recognise where there exists risk and to intervene before an emergency situation may occur. They will also be trained in first aid so as to be able to provide the appropriate care should an incident take place. Lifeguards are also trained on working with children, persons with disability and to be respectful of gender, religion, etc.
Diving courses
Commercial Diving Course
IOMTC is proud to be able to offer commercial diver training but this can only be provided under local certification. This diving permit is required in many countries if a person wishes to be employed as a research diver, in aquaculture, under water archaeology, a police or fire brigade diver or wants to work as an underwater photographer or videographer to name a few examples.
Duration - 21 Days.
PADI Open Water Diver Course
Description
If you’ve always wanted to take scuba diving lessons, experience unparalleled adventure and see the world beneath the waves, this is where it starts. Get your scuba diving certification with the PADI® Open Water Diver course. Millions of people have discovered the wonders of the aquatic world through this course. To enroll in our PADI Open Water Diver course you must be 10 years old or older. You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health. No prior experience with scuba diving is required.
Academic
The PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three main phases:
- Knowledge Development ( independent study and in our classroom) to understand basic principles of scuba diving
- Confined Water Dives to learn basic scuba skills
- Open Water Dives to use your skills and explore!
Equipment
In the PADI Open Water Diver course, you learn to use scuba gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device, a tank and a diving computer. All equipment will be provided for the duration of the course.
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course
Description
Advancing your skills is what the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is all about. The course helps build confidence and expand your knowledge. You try out different specialties while gaining experience under the supervision of your PADI Instructor. You log dives and develop capabilities as you find new ways to have fun scuba diving.
Academic
There are two mandatory dives – Deep and Underwater Navigation. The other 3 dives you plan with your instructor by choosing from a long list of Adventure Dives depending on your personal interest, environment and available equipment for a total of five dives.
Equipment
Beyond using basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a compass and dive knife or dive tool. You’ll also use specialized gear depending on the Adventure Dives you choose. Your PADI Instructor will explain the equipment that you need and may suggest additional gear, such as dive light for night diving or lift bag for search and recovery diving.
PADI Rescue Diver course
Description
The PADI Rescue Diver course might well be one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding course you’ll ever take. Why? Because you learn to prevent and manage problems in the water and become more confident in your skills as a diver. During the course, you learn to become a better buddy by practicing problem solving skills until they become second nature so that you can help others if needed.
You need a valid CPR and First Aid training certificate not older than 24 months. You can complete this training with us before starting the course.
Academic
The PADI Rescue Diver course prepares you to deal with dive emergencies, minor and major, using a variety of techniques. Through knowledge development and rescue exercises, you learn what to look for and how to respond. During rescue scenarios, you put into practice your knowledge and skills. Topics include:
- Self-rescue
- Recognizing and managing stress in other divers
- Emergency management and equipment
- Rescuing panicked divers
- Rescuing unresponsive divers
Equipment
You’ll use your basic scuba equipment and will need a pocket mask to practice in-water resuscitation. Your PADI Instructor will explain the equipment that you need and may suggest additional gear, such as your own first aid kit, which will be useful throughout your diving career.
PADI Divemaster course
Description Love scuba diving? Want to share it with others on a whole new level? Take the PADI Divemaster course and do what you love to do as a career. Scuba divers look up to divemasters because they are leaders who mentor and motivate others. As a divemaster, you not only get to dive a lot, but also experience the joy of seeing others have as much fun diving as you do.
The PADI Divemaster course is your first level of professional training. Working closely with a PADI Instructor, you’ll fine-tune your dive skills, like perfecting the effortless hover, and refine your rescue skills so you anticipate and easily solve common problems. You’ll gain dive knowledge, management and supervision abilities so you become a role model to divers everywhere.
PADI Rescue Divers who are at least 18 years old may enroll in the PADI Divemaster course. You also need to have:
- CPR and First Aid training within the past 24 months.
- A medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months.
- At least 40 logged dives to begin the course and 60 dives to earn certification.
The PADI Divemaster course teaches you to be a leader and take charge of dive activities. Through knowledge development sessions, water skill exercises, workshops and hands-on practical assessment, you develop the skills to organize and direct a variety of scuba diving activities. Topics and practical workshops include:
- The role and characteristics of the PADI Divemaster
- Supervising dive activities and assisting with student divers
- Diver safety and risk management
- Divemaster conducted programs and specialized skills
- Business of diving and your career
- Awareness of the dive environment
- Dive setup and management
- Mapping an open water site
- Conducting dive briefings
- Organizing a search and recovery project and a deep dive
- Conducting a scuba review and skin diver course
- Assisting with Discover Scuba Diving and leading Discover Local Diving programs
Equipment
As a dive professional, you have to have all your basic scuba equipment, including a dive computer, a dive knife, and at least two surface signaling devices. During practical skills exercises, like underwater mapping and search and recovery, you’ll use a compass, floats, marker buoys, lift bags and slates. Your PADI Instructor may suggest additional gear that will be useful throughout your diving career.
