On Board Training Record Book
In Finland, the academies use the On Board Training Record Book, published by the International Shipping Federation (ISF), for recording tasks performed during OBT. The same training record books are used internationally so that all apprentices, all over the world, follow the same structure in their OBT. The apprentices use different training record books depending on the level and department of the OBT:
A. On Board Training Record Book for Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch (Deck Cadets)
B. On Board Training Record Book for Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch and Ratings Qualifying as Able Seafarer Deck
C. On Board Training Record Book for Ratings Forming Part of an Engineering Watch and Ratings Qualifying as Able Seafarer Engine
D. On Board Training Record Book for Officers in Charge of an Engineering Watch (Engine Cadets)
During the student’s first 60-days of OBT, the training record book B (above) and training record book D (above) are used for recording OBT. If necessary, the training record books can be used to record up to 180 days of OBT*. Once the student has completed the first 60 days of OBT, s/he can apply for a certificate of competency for watchkeeping rating from Traficom.
In order to record the remaining 300 days of OBT, the training record book A and C is used (above). Once the remaining 300 days of OBT have been completed, the student has completed the number of sea days required for the CoCs for Deck Officer/Watchkeeping engineer.*
*This applies for degrees that require 360-days of OBT. Such degrees are e.g., Master mariner, marine engineer, chief engineer and deck officer.
Always be in contact with your own academy’s OBT-responsible in matters concerning the training record book.
OBT can be approved if it has been correctly recorded in the training record book. The training record books are reviewed by the maritime academies. The DTO’s or captains signature is proof for that the apprentice has performed tasks and acquired new skills during the OBT.
