Sal Marina Beach Academy


Alvaro Ferrando
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Currently serving as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami Investigations Division, this instructor brings extensive expertise and real-world experience to the classroom.
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A recipient of numerous Coast Guard awards and commendations, they have also been honored twice with the prestigious U.S. Coast Guard Captain Niels P. Thomsen Innovation Award (2018 and 2020), recognizing exceptional contributions to maritime safety and innovation.
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In 2023, they were awarded the DHS Secretary’s Meritorious Silver Service Medal for their pivotal role in combating illegal charters, underscoring their commitment to upholding maritime law and ensuring public safety.
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With a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of excellence, this instructor is uniquely qualified to offer the best maritime course in Miami.
Who Should Attend Our Maritime Courses:
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1. Legal Professionals: Attorneys, paralegals, and legal departments with clients in the recreational and commercial boat rental industry.
2. Boat Captains and Operators: Those managing Uninspected Passenger Vessels (UPVs) and Small Passenger Vessels under U.S. regulations.
3. Charter Operators: Providers of sightseeing, fishing trips, or other paid recreational vessel services.
4. Vessel Owners: Particularly those involved in Livery and Bareboat Charters, ensuring legal compliance.
5. Maritime Personnel: Responsible for vessel documentation, safety equipment, and credentialing under U.S. Code and CFR regulations.
6. Compliance Officers: Ensuring adherence to drug & alcohol programs, safety standards, and personnel credentialing.
7. Business Owners: Operators of boat rental companies affected by Florida SB606 regulations.
8. Crew Members: Working on UPVs, needing to understand safety and operational protocols.
This streamlined version is concise for a web page while retaining key target audiences.
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9. Summary: Definitions, Uninspected passenger vessels, small passenger vessels, Personnel credentialing, vessels documentation, drug & alcohol Program, Bareboat Charters, Case Study, Epic II, Most Common violation Penalties, Advertising / Social Media, Open Forum, Q&A
Seminars:
Passenger for Hire Workshop (English)
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Workshop Overview:
This comprehensive 6-hour workshop is designed for operators of vessels carrying up to 6 passengers. It covers essntial topics required for safe and compliant operations, including:
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- Credentialing: Understanding the process of obtaining and maintaining the necessary certifications and credentials for maritime personnel.
- Vessel Safety Requirements: Key regulations and guidelines to ensure vessels meet all safety standards.
- Drug and Alcohol Programs: Policies and programs that manage drug and alcohol testing, ensuring compliance with safety and operational requirements.
- Common Violations: A review of frequent regulatory violations and how to avoid them.
Definitions:
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- Watchstanding: The responsibilities and duties of personnel assigned to maintain safe operations and navigation of the vessel while on watch.
- Vessel Documentation: The process of registering a vessel with the relevant maritime authorities, ensuring it meets all legal requirements for operation.
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- Personnel Licensing: The steps and qualifications required for maritime personnel to obtain the necessary licenses to perform their duties.
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- Drug Testing: An overview of mandatory drug testing procedures to maintain a safe and compliant maritime environment.
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- Marine Casualty Reporting: The protocols for reporting incidents at sea, including accidents, injuries, and other significant events.
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- Communications: Best practices for maintaining effective communication on board and between vessels, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.
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- AIS (Automatic Identification System): Understanding the use of AIS for tracking and identifying ships, enhancing maritime safety and traffic management.
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- Charts & Electronic Equivalents: Navigating with traditional charts and their modern electronic counterparts, ensuring accurate and compliant navigation practices.
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Summary: Definitions, Uninspected passenger vessels, small passenger vessels, Personnel credentialing, vessels documentation, drug & alcohol Program, Bareboat Charters, Case Study, Epic II, Most Common violation Penalties, Advertising / Social Media, Open Forum, Q&A
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This workshop is essential for operators of 12-pack vessels (up to 100GT) carrying passengers, helping you stay compliant, safe, and prepared.
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Seminars:
Taller de Pasajeros de Bote por medio de pago (Espanol)
Resumen del Taller:
Este taller cubre temas esenciales para profesionales marítimos, proporcionando conocimientos clave para garantizar la seguridad y el cumplimiento de las normas. Los temas incluyen:
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- Credenciales: Proceso para obtener y mantener las certificaciones necesarias.
- Requisitos de seguridad de los buques: Regulaciones clave para cumplir con los estándares de seguridad.
- Programas de drogas y alcohol: Políticas de pruebas para garantizar un entorno seguro.
- Violaciones comunes: Revisión de infracciones frecuentes y cómo evitarlas.
Definiciones:
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- Guardias de navegación: Responsabilidades del personal para mantener la seguridad y operación del buque.
- Documentación de buques: Proceso de registro del buque con las autoridades pertinentes.
- Licencias de personal: Requisitos para obtener licencias necesarias.
- Pruebas de drogas: Procedimientos obligatorios para mantener un entorno seguro.
- Reporte de incidentes marítimos: Protocolos para informar accidentes y eventos relevantes.
- Comunicaciones: Mejores prácticas para la comunicación a bordo y entre buques.
- Sistema de Identificación Automática (AIS): Uso del AIS para rastrear y gestionar el tráfico marítimo.
- Cartas náuticas y equivalentes electrónicos: Navegación con cartas tradicionales y modernas.
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Este taller está diseñado para proporcionar a los profesionales marítimos el conocimiento necesario para garantizar la seguridad y el cumplimiento en el mar.
Seminars:
How to Pass your UPV Examination
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This comprehensive 6-hour workshop is designed for operators of vessels carrying up to 12 passengers. It covers essential topics required for safe and compliant operations, including:
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- Credentialing: Learn about necessary certifications and licenses for vessel operators.
- Vessel Safety Requirements: Ensure your vessel meets all safety standards.
- Drug and Alcohol Programs: Understand the required programs and testing protocols.
- Common Violations: Familiarize yourself with the most common infractions and how to avoid them.
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Key Topics Covered:
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- Definitions: Clarifying important maritime terms.
- Watchstanding: Best practices for maintaining safe watch.
- Vessel Documentation: Ensure your vessel's paperwork is up to date and compliant.
- Personnel Licensing: Overview of necessary licensing for crew members.
- Drug Testing: Requirements for drug testing programs.
- Marine Casualty Reporting: Proper procedures for reporting incidents.
- Communications: Best practices for vessel-to-vessel and shore communication.
- AIS (Automatic Identification System): Understanding and using AIS for vessel tracking
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- Charts & Electronic Equivalencies: Navigational charting and approved electronic alternatives.
- Navigation Lights: Requirements for proper lighting on vessels.
- Garbage and Waste Management: Complying with regulations on disposal.
- Lifesaving Equipment: Required life-saving devices and their proper use.
- Fire Prevention and Suppression: Ensuring your vessel is equipped for fire safety.
- Safety Orientation / Instructions: Guidelines for briefing passengers on safety procedures.
- Passenger List / Passenger Count: Maintaining an accurate record of passengers.
- Marine Sanitation Devices: Proper use and maintenance of sanitation systems.
- Oil Pollution Prevention: Steps to avoid oil pollution and comply with environmental regulations.
- Special Permits: Navigating the requirements for special permits.
- Marine Events (National Significance): Rules for vessels participating in significant marine events.
- Additional Recommended Safety Items: Extra safety equipment to consider for your vessel.
This workshop is essential for operators of 12-pack vessels (up to 100 GT) carrying passengers, helping you stay compliant, safe, and prepared.