07-01-2025 - Marine Shipyard Competent Person Refresher - Norfolk, VA

Why Should You Take This Marine Shipyard Competent Person Refresher course?

In order to be recognized as a qualified Marine Shipyard Competent Person to work on a US Navy vessel, one must successfully complete an initial 3-day course and receive annual 1-day classes taught by an NFPA certified Marine Chemist. Specific requirements can be found in NAVSEA 009-07 Standard Items. 

Briefly, the Marine Shipyard Competent Person must be able to understand the directions and instructions left by the NFPA certified Marine Chemist; have knowledge of the Subparts of 29 CFR 1915; know the structure and location where work is to be performed on vessels and within shipyard location; must understand how to use testing equipment and how to accurately interpret the results of required instrumentation as well as knowing how to post results and maintain records.

Who should take the Marine Shipyard Competent Person Refresher course?

Professionals looking to work on a US Navy vessel should take this course to maintain their status as a Marine Shipyard Compentent Person.

The following represent a minimum, but not limited to, list of topics that may be reviewed during the class. Topics are updated to reflect changes in regulations as they may occur:

Hazard Description and Recognition:

• Relevant terms, fire and explosion theory, relevant chemistry (including concepts of flash points, explosive range, the role of oxygen, classification of fuels and solvent vapor pressure)
• Relevant shipboard structures, locations and system
• Toxicity and Industrial Hygiene concepts
• Toxicity resources, guidance and standards: OSHA maritime standards
• MSDS information and skills

Hazard Evaluation and Measurement:

• Instrumentation, theory, operation, maintenance, calibration, limitation of testing equipment
• Preparation for and the execution of shipboard confined space testing

Hazard Prevention, Control and Elimination:

• Regulations: Scope and application of OSHA 1915 and NFPA 306
• The responsibilities and interaction of the competent person and NFPA certificated Marine Chemist.
• NFPA Marine Chemist's standard safety designation
• Control of ignition sources
• Ventilation theory and application
• Key aspects of respiratory protection
• The fire watch
• Written competent person records
• The Marine Chemist certificate

Practical exercises and applications:

• Practice exercises in testing, recordkeeping and MSDS
• Review of key elements
• Examination

Course Includes:

• Interactive refresher training
• Hands-on classroom experience
• Personal instruction from an experienced professional
• Tips and strategies for use in the field