COURSE UNIT TITLE

: SURVIVAL AT SEA

DEGREE PROGRAMMES

Description of Individual Course Units

Course Unit Code Course Unit Title Type Of Course D U L ECTS
MTE 1138 SURVIVAL AT SEA COMPULSORY 2 0 0 2

Offered By

Marine Transportation Engineering (English)

Level of Course Unit

First Cycle Programmes (Bachelor's Degree)

Course Coordinator

DOCTOR MÜGE BÜBER

Offered to

Marine Transportation Engineering (English)

Course Objective

The primary objective of this course is to provide training on survival techniques after accidents that may occur on board ships. This course aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in survival techniques at sea, emergency interventions, fire fighting, the use of life-saving appliances, search and rescue operations, and basic first aid practices onboard ships. The course has been designed in accordance with the provisions of STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers), SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea), IAMSAR (International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue), and LSA (Life-Saving Appliances Code).

Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit

1   Proficiency in Using Life-Saving Appliances: Students will gain the ability to effectively use life-saving appliances and act in compliance with international regulations on safety and survival at sea.
2   Application of Emergency Management and Survival Strategies: Students will be able to explain and implement ship abandonment procedures and survival techniques at sea. They will also take appropriate precautions against open-sea risks such as hypothermia, starvation, and dehydration.
3   Understanding and Application of Life-Saving Equipment: Students will demonstrate the ability to operate, manage, and maintain lifeboats and life rafts. They will ensure the correct use of life-saving appliances (LSA) and personal survival equipment.
4   Understanding and Managing Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations: Students will be able to explain the stages of search and rescue operations in compliance with IAMSAR and IMO regulations. They will apply procedures for responding to distress signals and utilize techniques for rescuing individuals at sea.
5   Application of Fire Prevention and Fire-Fighting Systems: Students will analyze the fire triangle, fire classes, and the processes of fire propagation. They will effectively operate fire-fighting systems on board, such as CO , foam, and water curtain systems.
6   Use of Emergency Communication and Communication Systems: Students will apply emergency communication procedures using EPIRB, SART, VHF radios, and GMDSS systems. They will be able to request medical assistance via radio in emergency situations.
7   Acquisition of Basic First Aid Skills: Students will apply basic first aid interventions in emergencies such as bleeding, burns, fractures, dislocations, and loss of consciousness. They will take appropriate first aid measures against environmental health risks such as hypothermia and heatstroke.
8   Competence in Maritime Medical Care and Interventions: Students will explain and implement medical care and radio medical assistance procedures onboard ships. They will comprehend the use of MFAG (Medical First Aid Guide) for incidents involving hazardous materials.
9   Practical Skills in Drills and Emergency Scenarios: Students will apply maritime safety and survival procedures through realistic scenarios and case studies. They will actively participate in drills related to life-saving, fire-fighting, and emergency medical aid.

Mode of Delivery

Face -to- Face

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

None

Recomended Optional Programme Components

None

Course Contents

Week Subject Description
1 Basics of Survival at Sea and International Conventions Fundamental principles and international regulations of SOLAS, LSA, STCW, and IAMSAR. Requirements for survival at sea.
2 Emergency Management and Life-Saving Appliances Onboard emergency procedures, types of life-saving appliances, their use, maintenance, and management.
3 Ship Abandonment Procedures and Rescue Methods Scenarios for abandoning ship, personal survival techniques, water-entry procedures, and evacuation plans.
4 Rescuing People from the Sea and Assistance Operations Search and rescue operations, methods for rescuing casualties from the sea, and techniques for bringing them onboard.
5 Sea Hazards and Open-Sea Survival Techniques Management of hypothermia, dehydration, hunger, and fatigue. Survival strategies, risks from hazardous sea creatures, and potential threats.
6 Principles of Survival and Usage of Life-Saving Appliances Preparation, launching, and retrieval techniques for lifeboats and life rafts.
7 Midterm Exam
8 Importance of Training and Drills, Communication at Sea, and Emergency Communications Life-saving appliance abandonment drills, fire and evacuation drills, case studies, and simulations. Principles of search and rescue, IMO and IAMSAR guidelines, distress signal procedures, GMDSS systems, EPIRB, SART, and VHF radio emergency communication.
9 Personal Protective Equipment Life jackets, thermal protective clothing, personal survival equipment (immersion suits), and buoyancy aids. Management and maintenance of life-saving appliances according to SOLAS and LSA Code. Location and emergency access procedures for onboard life-saving appliances.
10 Post-Abandonment Survival Strategies in Water Techniques for preventing hypothermia and maintaining body heat. Methods for surviving against ocean currents and waves, individual and group survival strategies, protection against hazards in the water, swimming with life jackets, and survival techniques.
11 Actions in Life Rafts and Lifeboats Techniques for boarding life rafts and lifeboats and maintaining internal order. Management of water, food, and emergency supplies. Psychological aspects of survival at sea, the importance of morale and motivation, distress signals, and precautions while waiting for rescue.
12 Preparedness for Emergencies and Immediate Actions Following Collisions and Groundings Measures to take when intentionally grounding a ship, emergency intervention procedures after collisions, and methods for limiting damage and rescuing the vessel after a fire or explosion.
13 First Aid and Medical Intervention at Sea Assessment of casualties, clearing airways, controlling bleeding, and interventions for hypothermia and heatstroke in emergency situations.
14 Care for Survivors and Post-Rescue Procedures Treatment for burns, fractures, dislocations, and injuries from sea creatures. Use of medications, coordination for radio medical assistance, post-rescue medical care, psychological support, addressing dehydration and malnutrition, and rehabilitation processes.

Recomended or Required Reading

IMO Model Course 1.23 - Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats
Comprehensive training on the use, operation, and maintenance of survival craft and rescue boats, including procedures for launching and recovery under various emergency conditions.

IMO Model Course 1.19 - Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques
Training on survival techniques at sea, including abandoning ship, water survival skills, and emergency signaling.

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention
The primary international convention addressing the safety of ships and life at sea, covering emergency preparedness, safety equipment, and operational requirements.

LSA (Life-Saving Appliances) Code
Specifications and requirements for life-saving appliances, including life jackets, lifeboats, and life rafts, ensuring safety standards are maintained onboard vessels.

STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Convention
Standards for the training and certification of seafarers, ensuring their competencies in maritime safety and emergency procedures.

IAMSAR (International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue) Manual
Guidelines for coordinating search and rescue operations, including distress signal responses, rescue planning, and operational coordination between maritime and aeronautical units.
MFAG (Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods)

A guide for providing medical assistance in emergencies involving hazardous materials, including treatment protocols and safety measures for onboard incidents.
International Medical Guidebooks and First Aid Manuals

Comprehensive references for onboard medical care, first aid procedures, and emergency treatment for injuries and illnesses encountered at sea.

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

The Survival at Sea course will be conducted using diverse teaching methods, including theoretical instruction, practical training, simulations, group work, and case studies. The course will cover the use of life-saving appliances, search and rescue operations, fire-fighting, and basic first aid topics, all within the framework of international conventions such as SOLAS, STCW, LSA, and IAMSAR.

Students will enhance their crisis management skills through hands-on drills, simulations, and on-water training. They will also gain real-world experience through group projects and field trips to maritime environments. Moreover, individual and team-based training will be provided via scenarios involving emergency radio communication and medical intervention.

The learning process will be reinforced with quizzes, feedback, and evaluation exams, ensuring that students develop comprehensive competencies in survival at sea.

Assessment Methods

SORTING NUMBER SHORT CODE LONG CODE FORMULA
1 MTE MIDTERM EXAM
2 FINS FINAL EXAM
3 FCG FINAL COURSE GRADE MTE * 0.40 + FINS * 0.60
4 RST RESIT
5 FCGR FINAL COURSE GRADE (RESIT) MTE * 0.40 + RST * 0.60


Further Notes About Assessment Methods

None

Assessment Criteria

Within the scope of this course, students will be assessed on their undergraduate-level knowledge, skills, and competencies in survival at sea; their abilities in research, analysis, and interpretation; and their oral and written communication skills. Additionally, problem-solving, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial analytical thinking skills will be evaluated.

Students are expected to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills in accordance with international maritime safety standards (SOLAS, STCW, LSA, IAMSAR) in areas such as survival at sea, search and rescue operations, fire-fighting, and basic first aid practices.

The evaluation process will be conducted through practical exams, project-based assignments, case studies, group work, oral and written examinations, simulations, and drills. This comprehensive approach ensures that students gain both theoretical understanding and practical proficiency.

Language of Instruction

English

Course Policies and Rules

To be announced.

Contact Details for the Lecturer(s)

Dr. Müge BÜBER
muge.buber@deu.edu.tr

Office Hours

To be announced.

Work Placement(s)

None

Workload Calculation

Activities Number Time (hours) Total Work Load (hours)
Lectures 14 2 28
Preparations before/after weekly lectures 14 1 14
Preparation for midterm exam 1 2 2
Preparation for final exam 1 2 2
Final 1 2 2
Midterm 1 2 2
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours) 50

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

PO/LOPO.1PO.2PO.3PO.4PO.5PO.6PO.7PO.8PO.9PO.10PO.11PO.12PO.13PO.14PO.15PO.16PO.17
LO.135355
LO.23533333
LO.335333533
LO.43533
LO.53533355
LO.6
LO.7
LO.8
LO.9

CONTACT INFORMATION
Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Cumhuriyet Bulvarı No: 144 35210 Alsancak / İZMİR
Phone: +90(232) 412 12 12 - Fax: +90 (232) 464 81 35

Copyright 2015 DEÜ. BİD

HOME / ABOUT US / DEGREE PROGRAMMES / GENERAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS / INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS