Feb 6, 2018

The National Marine Electronics Association’s (NMEA) Advanced Marine Electronics Installer (AMEI) Training course is totally new for 2018 and will be taught for the first time this year at the NMEA training event in Nashua, NH, on March 8. This training class is specifically geared towards the Marine Electronics Installer (MEI) who wishes to achieve installation competency in the advanced areas of: Marine Computers, Data & Ethernet, EMI, VHF, DSC, Single Side Band Installations, Non-Magnetic Heading Sensors, Antenna Placement / Satellite Communications, Class A AIS, Radar and Autopilots.

New, expanded and reworked content is found in all sections of the revamped AMEI course, including:

• Marine Computers. Now covers video input and monitor (display) types. Comparison of all types of cables and connectors for both analog and digital video signals.

• Data & Ethernet. Coverage of modern networking topology is greatly expanded, including onboard Wi-Fi and USB. Emphasis on encryption and security.

• Single Side Band Installations. Instructions for acquiring an FCC ship station license and an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number are definitely helpful for the student who has not done this before. Expanded explanation of ground planes and radio test procedures.

• Antenna Placement. More information about how antenna size and shape control gain with examples of how satellite dish antennas work. This base knowledge is helpful when considering the reasons for the physical spacing of antennas.

• Class A AIS. Additional information about time division multiple access (TDMA) and what vessel data is actually being transmitted in a single slot.

• Radar Installation. More detail about installation, tuning, timing, alignment and testing, as an installer needs to perform these duties during a radar sea trial.

• Satellite Compasses. Deeper coverage with an emphasis on how to avoid multipath interference.

• Autopilot Installation. Expanded explanation about the variety of drive and control units that are available in the market. Coverage of rotary and chain drive unit installations added as well as a deeper dive into hydraulic system plumbing.

The AMEI class will be offered on the following dates and locations in 2018:

March 8, Nashua, NH
June 7, Fort Lauderdale, FL
July 25, Sarasota, FL
September 27, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
November 15, Vancouver, BC, Canada
December 13, Riverhead, Long Island, NY

The AMEI class is $450 for NMEA members and $650 for non-members. Prerequisites apply for students taking the advanced class-see www.nmea.org for details. All classes run from 8am-5pm. Lunch and class materials are included.

To register or for more information go to www.nmea.org and click on the “Training” link, or call 410-975-9425, email info@nmea.org.