How to fill in your Training Record Book (TRB)
By: Fred, but mainly Emma :-)
Are you filling out your TRB correctly?
🚨 If not you could fail your exam.
I’m sad to report that a recent student failed, and this was partly due to his TRB, which was missing bits.
Here are a few “strong” suggestions so you don’t follow in those footsteps!
❶ Once printed: bind it, protect it and KEEP IT SAFE.
First, think about what would happen if it was damaged or you lost it. Nightmare.
Second, your examiner will be viewing this before you sit your exam. What would he think if it was dirty, missing bits, and looked like you had no respect for it? Well, he could fail you. ––Have I got your attention?
Thirdly, make sure you scan it.
NOTE MIN 690 - The full physical book should be sent to the Seafarer Services Branch, but you must retain scanned copies of the overview signature pages from the TRB as these may be required during the online oral examination.
âť· Read it!
From beginning to end. I know it sounds obvious, but all the information is in there (and it will help you understand this article too). Sure, there might be a few things you don’t know, but don’t expect the Captain or Chiefmate to coddle you through it.
❸ Fill it out meticulously and fill it out in “real-time.”
When students used to ask us to look at their TRBs before sending them off to the MCA (in the old days) you could instantly see who had done it legitimately and who had told some “white lies.”
Don’t rush this. It's so obvious if you do.
Plus, don’t you want to learn and do the job right? So, don’t sign off 20 pages all in one go and use the exact pen & signature. Don’t sign off on a particular duty at sea when you were clearly in port, etc. Do it properly!
TIP: if the captain is too busy that day to sign off your task, make some personal notes in pencil including the date, and he can then sign it later. It has to be real.
❹ “Persons authorised to make entries in the training record book” (section 6)
A common mistake here is that in the column “Signature of Master AND duly Authorised Officers” ––signatures of BOTH PARTIES are missed.
âťş Double-check these sections
Service Record (section 7)
Another common mistake is that you list all of the boats you have worked on. This is only for boats since you started your TRB. It is entirely separate from your sea service testimonials, discharge book, etc ––to prove your sea time. The TRB proves your training.
Masters inspection of this training record book (section 9)
This section always seems to get overlooked. Make sure it is filled in regularly and when you leave the vessel.
Familiarisation training records (section 11)
Another common mistake is that this gets left out completely.
To assist you in your familiarisation, the following familiarisation sheets should be completed for each vessel:
Familiarisation training sheet
Yacht particulars: pages 1 - 2
Location of muster stations and assigned emergency duties
ℹ️ TIP:
Make sure you have these 3 items for every boat you worked on since opening the TRB. I personally would also photocopy your muster station lists/duties and insert them into your TRB too.
Page 78, “onboard ship operations”
Under the column “Satisfactory Standard of Proficiency Witnessed,” it’s missing space for the Name of Ship, Date, and Signature. Fill this in, anyway.
âť» Get your training record book signed off/stamped/endorsed when:
Upon joining the vessel
At regular intervals
Upon leaving the vessel
❼ All sections must be completed over a minimum of 12 months.
If you are not on a sailing yacht or sail training vessel, you are exempted from the sailing section.
Some tasks might not be relevant to your vessel, but make a note of why and research the subject. Make notes to show you understand the task. Remember, everything must be filled in.
âť˝ Self-assessing the TRB
You can self-assess IF you are signed on as the Captain and hold a valid COC (such as a yachtmaster offshore or Master 200gt). You will need a letter from the owner or managing company confirming your employment and position onboard. You will also have to provide a letter or statement to explain the situation and that you are the most qualified crew member onboard.
Check out my video…
Lastly check out an example of a TRB I filled out.
Final words
Do it right. This is the first impression the examiner will have of you.
So, do you want to seem organised & thorough? …or messy & incomplete? 🤨
