March 18, 2010 —
MPI has completed their first manned model shiphandling program held at their new training site, “Port St. Tammany” in Bush, Louisiana. The three day, Advanced Shiphandling for Pilots Anchoring Program, was hosted for the Lake Charles Pilots. MPI instructors included Capt. George Mowbray (MPI-LCP) and Capt. Robert Solar (MPI-NOBRA ret.). The Lake Charles Pilot students were Capt. Kevin May, Capt. Robert Nelson and Capt. Tricia Onufrey. Capt. Dan Robicheaux (MPI-Crescent Towing) operated the assist tug. The program utilized MPI’s new 1/25th scale Suezmax class bulk carrier and focused on anchoring techniques, including docking, turning on an anchor and dredging anchor for non-standard maneuvers. Special exercises utilized MPI’s scale-powered, radio controlled assist tug and bow thruster for control of stern-first towing and narrow-channel escort maneuvers. MPI is developing a series of advanced manned model piloting courses, with custom courses for the New Orleans Baton-Rouge Pilots and the Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New Orleans. The next MPI manned model class is scheduled for the end of March.
RIGHT IMAGE: Capt. Bobby Solar (MPI), Capt. Robert Nelson (LCP), Capt. Kevin May (LCP), Capt. George Mowbray (MPI-LCP), Capt. Dan Robicheaux (MPI-Crescent Towing), Mr. George Burkley (MPI), Capt. Tricia Onufrey (LCP)
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