This course is specifically designed for —such as ship surveyors and senior officers (Masters, Chief Engineers)—who are authorized to conduct port inspections.
: Inspect ships' certificates and ensure compliance with major international conventions like SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Prevention of Pollution from Ships).
| Challenge | Top Solution from Model Course 3.09 | | :--- | :--- | | | Use maritime-specific examples (watchkeeping handovers, engine room rounds) instead of generic teaching analogies. | | Resistance to role-play | Frame role-play as "tabletop drills" – familiar terminology for seafarers. | | Over-reliance on PowerPoint | Enforce the "20/20 rule" – 20 minutes of presentation, then 20 minutes of hands-on activity. | | Inconsistent assessment | Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for writing assessment criteria. | | Time constraints (5 days is short) | Flip the classroom: require pre-reading of Part C (Instructor Manual) before day one. | imo model course 309 top
The training covers the legal framework and practical application of Port State Control (PSC) through several modules:
The course covers a wide spectrum of maritime operations, including: Structural integrity Machinery systems Life-saving appliances Firefighting equipment Seafarer working and living conditions 4. Continuous Updating This course is specifically designed for —such as
Unlike technical courses (e.g., 1.27 for Oil Tanker Operations or 7.04 for Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch), Course 3.09 is purely . It focuses on how to teach , not what to teach . It transforms experienced seafarers into effective educators.
A PSCO must be intimately familiar with international law. The course dives deep into the requirements of: | | Resistance to role-play | Frame role-play
If you are a training provider or a maritime administrator, you can purchase the official Model Course 3.09 publication directly from the IMO's e-publications website. The 2026 edition is currently available at a list price of .