IMEC initiative bears fruit
19.03.08
A NEW training initiative developed by the International Maritime Employers’ Committee (IMEC) and the UK's Warsash Maritime Academy is bearing fruit as the batch of Filipino college lecturers return home to use their enhanced skills to train their country's officer candidates.
Funding for the pioneering Postgraduate Certificate in Maritime Education & Training (PGCertMET) Philippines, which is designed to improve the academic management skills of Filipino college lecturers, is being provided by the International Maritime Training Trust (IMTT).
IMTT secretary, Captain Joseph Thuillier said: "We are very proud of this certificate. Training at all levels is very important to IMTT companies."
IMEC's backing for the course stems from a recommendation from its Executive Board, which was agreed in November 2006, to establish an Officer Recruitment and Training Working Group. According to IMEC vice chairman and IMTT trustee, Bob Goodall, the Working Group found that IMEC needed to get involved in the training of cadets and in how to turn ratings into officers. The Working Group recommended that enhanced and upgraded cadet training should be provided in the Philippines through a dedicated IMEC training course. As a result, the PGCertMET was developed by Warsash Maritime Academy (WMA), which is part of Southampton Solent University.
The course was developed by former ship's officer, Mike Barnett, Professor of Maritime Safety and Associate Director (Academic Development) at Warsash and his senior lecturer colleagues Claire Pekcan and David Gatfield. Prof Barnett says: "The university-validated course was adapted from the Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, which our University runs for all our own academic staff. It is a very demanding course and aims to enhance the academic management skills and professional development of key college staff. To achieve the standards required of a Master's level degree, there is an emphasis on personal reflection and critical evaluation of teaching and learning theory as well as practice. The course uses portfolio-based work and written assignments as a means of assessing progress through the course."
PRESS RELEASE Singapore Careers Portal
13-03-2008 LAUNCH OF FIRST DEDICATED CAREER PORTAL FOR THE MARITIME SECTOR A one-stop job portal was launched by Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Chief Executive BG (NS) Tay Lim Heng at the quarterly NetworkONE Reception for the maritime community on 13 March 2008.
Maritimecareers.com.sg, which supports Singapore's rapid growth as an international maritime centre, promotes maritime careers and education, brings prospective employers and employees together, and features jobs spanning all three maritime sectors: shore-based maritime services, offshore and marine engineering, and seafaring.1
Speaking at the event, Guest of Honour BG (NS) Tay said, “The launch of this new maritime career portal marries the growing interest among our youth in the maritime sector and the industry's need for quality manpower to fuel the rapid growth of Singapore as an international maritime centre. By leveraging on the internet, the job match-making can be effected around the clock.”
Over the years, the MPA has worked closely with tertiary institutions to enhance the maritime education and training landscape to support the growth of the maritime sector. Since 2002, 15 new maritime tertiary programmes have been introduced at the diploma, graduate and post graduate levels.
The new and pre-existing programmes produce some 900 maritime-ready manpower for the industry each year in support of the growth of the maritime sector which contributes some seven percent to Singapore's GDP. This dedicated maritime careers portal is thus a timely initiative, warmly welcomed by the industry.
Mr. S.S. Teo, Chairman of the MaritimeONE steering committee, said, “We are very heartened by the support of the maritime industry to the various events and initiatives that the MaritimeONE has organised. This portal is yet another avenue for the industry to showcase its wide ranging career opportunities that many may not be aware. We welcome all graduating students from the institutes of higher learning to visit this portal and discover for themselves the many job opportunities in the wide spectrum of the maritime industry.”
Maritimecareers.com.sg is an initiative under MaritimeONE (Outreach Network). It effectively performs the role of an on line job match maker that operates 24/7, complementing NetworkONE Receptions which bring prospective employees and employers together on a quarterly basis. Many graduating students found their first jobs at the first two NetworkONE Receptions held in April and October 2007. Maritimecareers.com.sg is envisaged to further facilitate and enhance the overall success rate of job matches.
The maritimecareers portal was launched at the 3rd NetworkONE Reception, which was attended by some 160 students from Nanyang Technology University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), and Singapore Management University (SMU) and 90 representatives from maritime companies. This is part of the MaritimeONE initiative involving the industry, educational institutions, and government to collectively raise the awareness of the maritime industry and attract new entrants into the industry.
Footnote:
1 The jobs featured under these three sectors include: ship broker, ship banker, marine insurer, ship charterer, ship planner, maritime lawyer, naval architect, marine engineer, marine surveyor, ship captain, and chief engineer. Visit http://maritimecareers.com.sg for details.
PRESS RELEASE STW 39
03.03.08
IMO secretary General's speech to STW 39 Distinguished delegates,
Undoubtedly, the most important item on your agenda this week is the “Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and the STCW Code”. At its session in Copenhagen last October, the Maritime Safety Committee approved the scope of the review as well as the list of topics to be reviewed, addressing such important areas as maritime security; competence-based training programmes for personnel on board tankers, including LNG carriers; hours of work; training of ratings; and innovative training methodologies, including distance and e-learning. Because this is the first major review since the 1995 STCW Conference, it is imperative that the revised Convention meets the challenges the shipping industry is facing today and those it is anticipated it will face in the future; and, taking also into account that, once adopted, it will, in principle, enter into force early in the second decade of the century, that it should provide global standards for the training of seafarers that would apply for a considerable time thereafter.
The large number of submissions on the Comprehensive Review indicates its importance and significance in the minds of all parties concerned. The proposals on standards of competence for the training of personnel serving on different types of tankers are indeed timely, particularly in view of the impressive growth of the world LNG fleet, which is expected to double in number by the end of this decade. Equally timely is the proposal for simplifying and harmonizing the requirements for personnel serving on passenger and ro-ro passenger ships; while the need to harmonize chapter VIII of the STCW Convention and the STCW Code with ILO’s consolidated Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 (to which I will return in a short while) is equally important if we are to ensure that the standards of the two conventions do not contain conflicting requirements, thereby causing difficulties for Governments, the industry and seafarers, with respect to their acceptance and effective implementation and enforcement – not to mention the undesirable effect this would have in exposing the two Organizations, ILO and IMO, as not working in harmony on matters of common interest.
I have just mentioned a few of the large number of proposals tabled under the review item, all of which aim at facilitating the exercise at hand, thus enabling you to develop draft amendments both to the STCW Convention and Code that are consistent with each other and with other parts of both instruments, while also substantively improving and updating the current system of seafarers’ training and certification. In this regard, I think it would be worthwhile, even at this early stage, to spend some time to consider whether the substance and extent of the proposed amendments would warrant the convening of a Conference for their adoption, or whether an expanded session of the MSC would serve the purpose. Your advice on this matter will assist the Committee in deciding on the best way to take the matter forward and, depending on such a decision, whether the Council should be involved in the decision-making process in any appropriate way.
***
Distinguished delegates,
Although the wide and effective implementation of the STCW Convention can ensure that seafarers are properly educated and trained to meet the needs of safe navigation, their supply in sufficient numbers worldwide continues to cause concern, in particular when seen against the anticipated shortage of some 27,000 officers representing almost 6% of the total by the year 2015 and when set against the recent, unprecedented rise in orders for new buildings. Once delivered, these increasingly sophisticated ships will be entrusted to seafarers who must be competent in all respects to sail them in a safe, environmentally-sound and efficient manner. And there the problem starts.
The apparent reluctance of young people in traditional maritime countries and regions to join the ranks, take on higher duties or, even more importantly, to remain in service, coupled with recent unhelpful legislation and practices, which have the potential to discourage them to do so, continues to be a challenge for all of us. Therefore, being conscious of the vital service that seafarers render to an industry that has a good track record and a good story to tell – one that contributes significantly to global and sustainable development and prosperity by carrying the bulk of world trade safely, securely, efficiently and at a fraction of the environmental impact of other modes of transport – we should not miss a single opportunity to raise the profile of shipping as a vibrant industry, which, in keeping with its corporate social responsibilities, provides rewarding, stimulating and long-term career prospects. In so doing, we should focus not only on ensuring that politicians and the general public are better informed of shipping’s great value to the international community, but also on promoting, among the children and young people in schools and universities all of the world, a career at sea and emphasizing the variety of opportunities it offers in the short-, medium- and long-term.
That is why I was so pleased to assist, last month, in the inauguration of India’s first Maritime University in Chennai, because it gave me the opportunity, when addressing its 1,500 cadets, not only to congratulate them for choosing a career at sea and championing the cause of shipping but also to remind them of what a tremendous responsibility they would be shouldering following their graduation – both towards safely and efficiently serving the seaborne trade and towards protecting and preserving the marine environment.
A further issue that continues to cause considerable concern is fatigue, which, according to analyses of recent reports into marine accidents and incidents, has emerged as a significant contributory factor. Certain applicable levels of manning and watchkeeping arrangements, particularly on short sea voyages, are reportedly related to the generation of fatigue; and, seen in this light, the review of resolution A.890 on Principles of safe manning, which was included in the Sub-Committee’s work programme last year, is, indeed, timely and I look forward to a fruitful outcome to this work of significant impact on the safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment. I am informed that the correspondence group established at your last session has made good progress and would wish to take this opportunity to thank all the participating Governments and organizations and, in particular, its coordinator and lead country. I am confident that the outcome of the group’s work will assist you significantly in your efforts to ensure safe and efficient manning levels on ships.
As fatigue may also have an impact on the health and wellbeing of seafarers, I was very pleased to receive, recently, the third revised edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships – the outcome of a commendable collaborative effort by ILO, IMO and WHO. The Guide covers a very important aspect of the onboard life of seafarers and the fact that three international organizations joined forces to prepare it in its present form should be seen as an appreciable demonstration of duty, care and sympathy.
On yet another topic, you have been dealing, for some time, with the issue of unlawful practices associated with certificates of competency, as well as the means to prevent them. As you are only too well aware, such practices may have serious implications for safety, security and environmental protection, which, in times of seafarer shortages, may have detrimental consequences. It is precisely for this very reason that the incidence of such practices features as a performance indicator in the Organization’s Strategic Plan, for the greater their frequency, the greater their negative impact on our collective efforts to fulfil the IMO mission of safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans. At this session, you will consider a summary of reports on fraudulent certificates submitted in the new reporting format, and I am confident that, through close and meticulous examination, you will be able to reach valuable conclusions to take the matter forward when reporting to the MSC. Distinguished delegates,
So far, I have highlighted only a few of the substantive items before the Sub-Committee. There are, however, many other important issues which deserve careful consideration, such as the validation of model training courses; training for seafarer safety representatives; and casualty analysis. In all these activities, you should keep uppermost in your mind the role of the human element, as repeatedly emphasized by the MSC and specifically called for in the Committees’ Guidelines on the organization and method of work.
As I mentioned earlier on and because it is related to the human element on board ships, I think I should, although not an IMO Convention, say a few things about the ILO Maritime Labour Convention adopted in Geneva two years ago. For it to enter into force, there is a need for 30 States, with an aggregate of 33 per cent of the world gross tonnage of merchant shipping, to ratify it. To date, only three States (namely, The Bahamas, Liberia and the Marshall Islands) have done so and I think more needs to be done if we want the seafarers and shipping, in general, to benefit from the provisions of the Convention. It will be much appreciated if, when we meet, at the Sub-Committee’s next session, one year from now, I am in a position to report a significantly higher number of ratifications.
Before I move on to other matters, I would like to say a few words about the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol and the 1995 STCW-F Convention, as I continue to be deeply concerned about the reported unacceptably high number of losses of fishing vessel personnel every year. With a view to keeping the issue at the forefront of our perennial efforts to improve the safety of life at sea, last year’s Assembly adopted resolution A.1003, which endorses the decision of the MSC to explore some options proposed by the Joint FAO/IMO Ad Hoc Working Group on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing and Related Matters, aimed at facilitating and expediting the entry into force of the Torremolinos Protocol; and requests the Committee, in the light of its review, to take action as it deems appropriate. Meanwhile, to assist Member States in preparing to accept the STCW-F Convention, the Secretariat has, with the generous support of the Republic of Korea, developed three model courses providing guidance to States on its effective implementation. In view of these positive developments, I would, once again, reiterate my previous pleas and urge all Governments that have not yet done so, to ratify these two treaty instruments at the earliest opportunity in order to bring them into force and, through rigorous implementation and enforcement, contribute to the enhancement of the safety of the personnel and vessels engaged in the fishing industry.
PRESS RELEASE Transas mobile GMDSS simulators
Hamburg, Germany. Transas Europe, Hamburg (Germany) is happy to announce the successful delivery of six mobile GMDSS simulators to the German Sailing Association (DSV). The six systems consist of Transas TGS 4100 GMDSS simulators, each equipped with one Instructor and two Trainee stations. The networked simulator is connected via a wireless LAN and trainees are equipped with touchscreens, which enable realistic operation of the GMDSS communication equipment and training in standard and distress communication procedures. All components have been designed to be carried in rugged suitcases to allow easy travelling and quick setup on-site. The DSV is conducting the formal examination of trainees to achieve the Long Range Certificate (LRC) on behalf of the German Ministry of Transport. The LRC Radio license has been mandatory since 2006 for the operation of GMDSS equipment on board yachts in international voyage. Before the examination teams began using Transas GMDSS simulators, they used real radio equipment (VHF, MF/HF transmitters), which have been difficult to carry and to install for the examination itself. The six systems have been distributed all over Germany for local examinations on-site at various Yacht Radio schools and are in operation almost every weekend to fulfil the demand for LRC licenses.
“Don't put your certificate on the Internet!”
20.02.08 “Don't put your certificate on the Internet!”
A 29 year old UK woman has been formally cautioned after certification she used to hire a yacht last year was found to be fraudulent. The woman hired a yacht last summer of 2007 from a South coast charter firm whose conditions of hire were that the charterer should provide a valid MCA/RYA Yachtmaster certificate. Although a relatively low level qualification it can be used to command small commercial vessels of up to 24 metres in length. The woman in question submitted a photocopy of a certificate which was initially accepted but later found to be a forgery. The matter was reported to the Enforcement unit of the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The Marine Unit of Dorset Police carried out a full investigation of the incident and on the 22nd February the woman attended Bournemouth Police Station. The decision was made to release the offender with a caution for a Fraud Act offence as she was of previous good character, the yacht was returned undamaged and the charter was paid in full. As a result of being cautioned the individual now has her DNA, fingerprints and photograph on file. If she should come to the notice of the Police for offences of a similar nature then she will go to court.
In this case the offender found an original Yachtmaster's certificate on the website Facebook on which she based her 'photocopy'. She then presented staff with the 'photocopy' of the altered certificate, stating that she did not carry the original certificate on her in case it was lost.
Captain Andrew Phillips of the MCA Enforcement Unit said: "Seafarers should never publish copies of their certification on the Internet. If you have already done so then you are strongly advised to remove them immediately. Having the document on the Internet allows them to be copied, and then abused. Equally, when checking seafarer's documentation, always ask to see the original document. We would like to thank the Marine Unit of the Dorset Police for investigating this matter."
PRESS RELEASE "MOST MATURE CADET"
PR0208 March 4, 2008
World's most mature cadet qualifies
Cardiff-based Graig Ship Management is pleased to announce that its ex-fireman cadet Peter Sommerfield has recently qualified as a certificated watchkeeping officer at the age of 45 years. He has completed his cadetship and qualified for his STCW II/I certificate.
Following a long career in the UK fire service, Peter spent two years looking for a company willing to provide sponsorship for a deck cadetship. Graig's Fleet Personnel Director Captain David John agreed to give Peter the opportunity he sought.
Press coverage at the time Peter joined, as what is thought to be the world's oldest deck cadet, led to Graig receiving a number of approaches from more mature persons contemplating cadet sponsorship. As a result Vincent Powell is currently under training, having commenced a cadetship with Graig at the age of 34 years.
"We are an innovative company and we are pleased at Peter's success, which proves that age is not a barrier to a successful career at sea. Our crews benefited from Peter's fire service experience during his periods onboard our fleet of multi-purpose vessels, and he will make a good officer," says John. "We currently have eleven cadets under training and will be recruiting five more in September, when four will complete their training. The mix of backgrounds, ages and nationalities on our vessels helps to make for dynamic and efficient crews."
Sommerfield says, "The experience gained with Graig was more than I could ever have expected. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and would like to express my gratitude and thanks to the masters I sailed with. They all taught me so much in what then seemed so little time. I remember going down to the Graig offices to be interviewed by Captain John thinking that it would be a waste of time as he would consider me too old. However, that was not the case and when towards the end of the interview he asked me how I would feel having to wear flannels, shirt and tie, and going to college with 17 year olds I replied 'I would wear a skirt if I had to'. I am forever grateful to Graig Ship Management for giving me that opportunity. I am really enjoying my new career and certainly have no regrets."
Graig Ship Management manages a fleet of multi-purpose vessels and has successfully supervised the building of over 100 ships of different types at yards in Asia. It is currently supervising the building of 27 Diamond 53 and 10 Diamond 34 future-proof bulk carriers in Vietnam alone, for itself and its partners, plus other vessels in India and China.
The Graig Group is a broad-based international shipowning and shipping services group which provides innovative solutions for newbuilding supervision, ship management, ship design, ship owning and ship finance. Working from offices in Cardiff, London, Shanghai, Hamburg and Hanoi it is currently building ships for itself and other owners and operators at yards in China, Vietnam and India and managing an active portfolio of modern vessels.
PRESS RELEASE LR Student Award
18.02.0-8 Lloyd's Register Educational Trust announces Maritime Technology Student Award in North America
Investing in the future of the maritime industry
The Lloyd's Register Educational Trust (LRET) has signed an agreement with the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) in the United States of America to sponsor a Maritime Technology Student of the Year competition and award in North America. Designed to highlight excellence, the award will encourage students to showcase their research and investigative studies on various topics in the areas of naval architecture and marine engineering and promote leadership in the industry.
The 'Lloyd's Register Educational Trust Maritime Technology Student of the Year Award' is a collaborative effort between SNAME, which is dedicated to advancing the art, science, and practice of naval architecture, shipbuilding, and marine engineering, and the LRET, which supports science, engineering, and technical education programs worldwide. The award is based on an existing scheme that the LRET has funded in the UK for ten years.
"The success of students in this field of study will be vitally important to the maritime industry as they apply engineering and science to design, build, and operate the huge variety of vessels and structures on or under the sea's surface," says Michael Franklin, LRET Director. "The Lloyd's Register Educational Trust is very pleased to further its commitment to improving the quality and safety of the maritime industry worldwide by sponsoring this award."
"We believe it is essential to encourage, inspire, and recognize the work of young men and women who have chosen naval architecture or marine engineering as their course of study," says SNAME's Executive Director, Phil Kimball. "We are delighted that the Lloyd's Register Educational Trust has chosen to work with us on this prestigious award."
The competition is open to undergraduates at academic institutions throughout the US and Canada that offer programs in naval architecture and marine engineering, and provides a cash award to a first and second place winner selected by a judging panel of industry experts.
Ends.
Notes to editors
1. The Lloyd's Register Educational Trust, an independent charity wholly funded by the Lloyd's Register Group, was established in October 2004. Its principal purpose is to support advances in transportation, science, engineering and technology education, training and research worldwide for the benefit of all. It also funds work that enhances the safety of life and property at sea, on land and in the air. The Trust focuses on four categories:
* pre-university education: through appropriate organisations, promotes careers in science, engineering and technology to young people, their parents and teachers * university education: through universities and colleges, provides undergraduate and post-graduate scholarships and awards at first degree/masters levels to students of proven ability * vocational training and professional development: supports professional institutions, educational and training establishments working with people of all ages * research: funds existing or new centres of excellence at institutes and universities.
2. The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers is an internationally recognized nonprofit, technical, professional society of individual members serving the maritime and offshore industries and their suppliers. Founded in 1893, the Society comprises over 10,000 individuals throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. Membership is open to all qualified applicants in or associated with the maritime, offshore, and small craft industries. www.sname.org
3. A photograph of Phil Kimball, Executive Director, SNAME (left) and Tim Protheroe, President, Lloyd's Register North America, Inc. is available from lori.malone@lr.org
Contact:
PRESS RELEASE SEAGULL
(6 March, 2008)
Seagull AS is pleased to announce that Minerva Marine Inc. has chosen the new Seagull Training System with the complete Seagull CBT library for their offices and ships.
Photo: From the right to the left the Marine Personnel Manager of Minerva Marine Inc. , the Managing Director of Seagull's branch in Greece, the Safety & Quality Manager of Minerva Marine Inc. , the Operations Manager of Minerva Marine Inc. and the C.E.O. of NewsLink Services.
The Seagull Training System consists of a dedicated training computer, in which all training and administration programs are pre-installed and configured by Seagull. Incorporated in the Seagull Training System is the Training Administrator and also training material to complete some approved statutory onboard courses. This is an extremely cost effective training concept, where theoretical knowledge is covered by CBT programs, combined with structured and practical on-the-job training.
Minerva Marine Inc. is a young progressive and dynamic ship management Company, which started as an offspring of Thenamaris and now operates independently a fleet of over 30 tankers with an average age of 3.7 years. The structure of the fleet ranges between Medium Range Product tankers to Suezmax Crude Oil Carriers.
Minerva Marine Inc. believes that successful organizations create human resource systems, which inspire staff to strive for excellence. Trained and experienced crew, supported by the same level of shore-based personnel, ensure the Company’s success.
Minerva Marine Inc. welcomes the opportunity of working with Seagull AS and looks forward to implementing the Seagull Training System on board their vessels and offices, as they firmly believe that this training solution in combination with the existing ship and shore based training programs will contribute to a high level of competence of their seafarers and will enhance its effort towards the achievement of flawless operations.
PRESS RELEASE K Line Acadameny
22.02.08
Opening Ceremony of “K” Line Maritime Academy (Philippines)
In May 2006, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) introduced “K” Line Maritime Academy (KLMA) for securing and fostering “K” Line Seafarers as the principle and one of the various initiatives in the establishment of a ship management structure geared to sustain safety and quality and to promote the planned expansion of business operations advocated in the company’s revised interim management plan “K” LINE Vision 2008+.
“K” Line established “K” Line Maritime Academy (Philippines) as a main focus of this concept at Pasay City in The Philippines, and “Opening Ceremony” was held on 22nd February 2008 at the Academy with Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and many delegations from The Philippine Government, Seafarers Educational Institution and other related interests in attendance.
The Academy is the key facility of KLMA and each training course will be carried out in accordance “K” Line’s fundamental philosophy that fosters the development of “K” Line Seafarers regardless of nationality by using KLMA Basic Training Matrix and Syllabus.
As for navigation officers, the Academy will conduct training for prevention of ship collision and grounding in congested waters and narrow straits, using the new ship handling simulator, and will ensure that trainees thoroughly understand the “do’s and don’ts” concerning safety and quality. With an LNG training course in accordance with SIGTTO Standard and using cargo handling simulator of LNG carrier, the Academy will conduct training in order to secure thoroughly safe and efficient cargo works.
As for engineers, the Academy will conduct training for maintenance of piston, cylinder and so on using the actual main engine with two cylinders. By using a learning system incorporating full-mission engine room simulator, the Academy will conduct training in order to acquire basic knowledge of Engine Room Systems and Machineries as well as exercise on trouble shooting of various systems. In addition, the Academy will conduct training using actual vessel equipment and also stress management training, team work training and so on.
In addition to providing the above latest simulator at KLMA (Philippines), we have installed accommodations and dining room for 110 people, and will be able to accept a total of 10,000 trainees per year regardless of nationality.
Furthermore, a clinic furnished with modern equipment has been set up and will manage the health of all seafarers who go onboard “K” Line group vessels.
To supply highly-skilled seafarers, various “K” Line groups are at work and are the main force behind the training center project, aiming to assure maintenance and further improvement of the “K” Line brand of Security, Safety and Trust.
PRESS RELEASE MMA TRAINING CRUISE
20.02.08
MMA TRAINING CRUISE TO VISIT SOUTHERN U.S. AND ATLANTIC ISLAND PORTS CASTINE, Maine - Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) students, officers, and crew will visit southern U.S. and island nations in the Atlantic Ocean this spring as part of the college's annual two-month training cruise to foreign and domestic ports-of-call. This year's training cruise itinerary includes, Norfolk, Va., May 9-12; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, May 23-May 26; St. George, Bermuda, June 13-16; and Savannah, Ga., June 20-23. The ship will make a brief stop in Rockland, Maine, for a family day sail on the return leg to Castine. Under the command of Captain Larry Wade of Bradley, Maine, the training ship, State of Maine, will depart from Castine harbor at approximately 7:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. The training cruise will commence in port on Friday, May 2, for pre-sailing preparation. According to Captain Wade, students participating in this year's training cruise will have the opportunity to make a trans-Atlantic crossing, transit the equator, and visit a number of beautiful port cities in the U.S. and abroad. "This itinerary is particularly welcome after a long winter in Maine," said Wade. "Beyond the sheer warmth and sunshine, the ports we plan to visit provide the opportunity for students to experience domestic port operations, port security, and bunker operations. Our foreign ports provide the first taste of international seafaring and port experiences for our first year students."
"Follow the Voyage," MMA's annual online ship tracking and interactive web site, will be coordinated by students and staff as part of this year's training activities. "Follow the Voyage" is developed and presented in conjunction with a number of external partners including the Maine Department of Education and the U.S. Maritime Administration. In its sixth year of operation, the site covers the Academy's annual training cruise from a variety of perspectives and contains a number of related links. In addition to an interactive tracking chart of the cruise, the site provides links devoted to teaching and educational materials for students of all ages. Once the ship is underway, the public is invited to join the voyage by visiting www.mma.edu and following the highlighted hyperlink.
Due to shipboard security, the vessel will not be open to the general public for tours while in foreign or domestic ports. Well-wishers are welcomed and encouraged to view the vessel departure and return from the MMA waterfront, however shipboard visits are not permitted.
On the return leg to Castine from Rockland, upper class students may invite their parents to join them. The day sail allows parents the unique opportunity to see the high level of technical proficiency and leadership achieved by their students. The training ship will return to its homeport of Castine, Maine, on Saturday, June 28. Arrival in Castine Harbor is expected at approximately 1:30 p.m., with docking anticipated at 2 p.m. Training cruise activity will continue in port through Monday, June 30.
Students pursuing an officer's license from the U.S. Coast Guard as a third mate or third assistant engineer are required to train at sea for at least 60 days in each of their first three years at the Academy. Freshman and juniors sail aboard the MMA vessel, while sophomores are assigned to merchant ships worldwide. In recent years, MMA training cruises have taken students to Aruba, Bermuda, Brazil, Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Russia, and Spain; as well as other European and Caribbean countries.
The 500-foot, 16,000-ton T/S State of Maine, the former USNS Tanner, originally served as a Navy oceanographic research vessel and was converted in 1997 to accommodate the training needs of the college. The fourth vessel to bear the name State of Maine, the ship is a modern, technologically advances training vessel.
Maine Maritime Academy, founded in 1941, enrolls more than 800 students from 35 states and several foreign countries. The college awards, A.S., B.S., and M.S. degrees in 15 fields of study.
PRESS RELEASE MOL's 360-Degree Bridge Simulator in India
04.02.08
MOL Introduces 360-Degree Bridge Simulator at Training Center in India
TOKYO, 4 February 2008 - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL, President: Akimitsu Ashida) today announced that the company has installed a 360-degree bridge simulator at MOL Training Center (MANET-India). This is the world's most advanced simulator, featuring a first bridge with India's first 360-degree large-screen, and a second bridge with a 120-degree field of view.
The new simulator allows practical training under realistic conditions with first bridge and second bridge, such as simultaneous operations of two vessels, port calls and departures, and training related to vessel stability. MOL will open this simulator to students of its partner maritime university (see MANET*1), helping to promote their skills.
[Outline of bridge simulator]
Transas* NAVI-TRAINER PROFESSIONAL 4000
Continuous images of the first bridge's 360-degree (13.1m in diameter) view can be projected by 12 PCs (30-degree per unit), and the second bridge's 120-degree view can be shown by three PCs (40-degree per unit). Full mission type.
* Transas offers a range of simulators for the ocean shipping and airline industries. Based in Ireland, it was founded in 1990.
[Outline of training center]
Name: MOL Training Center (MANET-India)
Established by tie-up with Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education & Training (MANET*1)
Location: On MANET campus (Pune, Maharashtra, India)
Main training facilities: 360-degree Bridge Simulator, Operational Diesel Engine, Refrigeration Equipment, Compressor, Ark Welding Equipment, Lathe Machine, etc.
Training: Bridge Resource Management (BRM), Ship Handling Simulator (SHS) Vessel Operation, Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), Diesel Engine Maintenance Workshop, Welding and Machining Workshop, Practical Electrical Knowledge, Management Skills Development, Risk Management & Safety Officer etc.
*1: Outline of Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education & Training (MANET)
Established as maritime university in 2001. Located in Pune, Maharashtra (about 200km southeast from Mumbai), the site area is about 100 acres (about 400,000m2). Currently it has only a Marine Engineering (four years, 120 students per year), but a Nautical Course (three years, 120 students per year) will open in 2008.
PLEASE NOTE**** All photo images associated with this press release can be found on the Image Line web site: http://www.imagelinepr.co.uk/imageline/press-centre-images--.php?id=16
NOTES TO EDITORS:
MOL is one of the world's largest multi-modal transport companies, operating more than 800 vessels and employing a workforce in excess of 8,600 worldwide. MOL operates one of the largest and most diverse networks of liner and logistics services around the globe, including weekly Transpacific, Transatlantic, Americas and Asia-Europe services. Please visit the company's website at www.MOLpower.com
What does the DPA need to know?
When the ISM Code was first being drafted, in the early 1990’s, there was little by way of helpful guidance as to who this new character – the Designated Person should be, what qualifications or experience he or she should have, what their job role would be or what training they would require. Indeed the final draft of the Code which was made mandatory through a new Chapter IX of the SOLAS Convention and which took effect on 1st July 1998 for Phase One vessels provided little help in resolving these questions.
Within ship operating companies there is a wide spectrum of individuals who are performing the role of the DPA. There are certainly some who are enthusiastic ex Masters or Chief Engineers who have come out of the company fleet and who have received relevant training – these are probably quite close to the ideal. However, there are some ex Masters and Chief Engineers who appear to have been given the DPA position as a retirement job or because they were not suitable to continue with a seagoing career. Often this category of DPA has received very little by way of training into their new role – it seems to have been assumed that an ex-Master or ex-Chief will automatically know how to run a safety management system – this is a serious mistake. Frequently this category of DPA has little understanding of what a safety management system is or how it should work and, not surprisingly, there is often a seriously distorted understanding of what is required throughout the Company.
Without an effective DPA the Company will be achieving few positive benefits from their SMS. The result is often a system which generates large volumes of paper and the SMS is reduced to not much more than ensuring that all the boxes are ticked on all the forms and filed away neatly to keep the auditor happy.
The bottom line is that many Safety Management Systems have stagnated because the DPA has not received relevant training in management systems and safety management in particular. Often the DPA is not aware that he or she is lacking the knowledge – unfortunately the first time these deficiencies come to light is following a major incident when an external consultant of lawyer puts the Company SMS under the microscope.
So what qualifications, training and experience does a DPA require which will allow him / her to do their job properly? These official guidelines are set out in IMO MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6 which was issued on 19th October 2007.
By following these Guidelines a Company stands to improve the way in which it manages safety with the positive benefits that will bring. Companies who may be tempted to ignore the Guidelines or feel that their own DPA does not need any training should take note of Section 5 which reads:
5 Company Requirements and Records
5.1 The Company should provide training courses covering qualification, training and experience and the appropriate procedures connected to compliance with the ISM Code including practical training and continuous updating. The Company should also provide documentary evidence that the Designated Person has the relevant qualification, training and experience to undertake the duties under the provisions of the ISM Code.
One significance of this is that when the External Auditor from the Flag State Administration or Recognised Organisation comes along for the verification audit for the DOC he / she is very likely to ask to see objective evidence that the DPA is properly qualified and that the Company has provided the DPA with the proper training – which will be on a ongoing basis. A Company who cannot produce such evidence is very likely to have a number of Non-Conformities raised against it.
Similarly if the Company experiences a major incident with one of its ships then the investigators and lawyers are very likely to require sight of the evidence to show that the DPA was properly qualified and experienced and had been receiving proper and appropriate training. This could very easily be in respect of establishing whether a ship operator had exercised the necessary degree of ‘due diligence’ for if that due diligence has not been achieved the ship operator may lose its defences under Hague Visby Rules, for example, or under their Hull and Machinery Contract – with very expensive and unwanted consequences. ……………………………………………………………………………………
This article is based upon a detailed review the DPA training requirements by Dr Phil Anderson, M.D. of ISM specialist consultancy ConsultISM Ltd and the full text of his article can be found in Issue 10 of ReportISM which can be accessed through the ConsultISM website www.consultism.co.uk
The aptly named quarterly newsletter – ‘ReportISM’ runs to 9 pages packed with useful and interesting articles about the ISM Code and the management of safety on board ships. It can be accessed through the ConsultISM website at www.ConsultISM.co.uk . On the website there is also a facility for free subscription to ReportISM.
PRESS RELEASE Anglo-Eastern launches on-line testing
21.01.08
Anglo-Eastern has launched a Web-based On-line Test for it??s pre-recruitment screening process for deck and engine cadets.
Anglo-Eastern recruits around four hundred deck and engine cadets worldwide for the 200 plus ships managed by the company.
??Over 1500 applications are received by us each year. The aim of introducing on-line testing is to standardize our recruitment procedures worldwide and to allow applicants to take the test from any part of the world, sitting at home or even in a cyber-caf??!?? said Capt. Pradeep Chawla, Director for Quality Assurance and Training.
??The tests cover Maths, Science and English. Reasoning Ability and General Knowledge and are similar to the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Tests) taken by students entering university.
Besides giving instantaneous results, the system compares the scores achieved by applicants in different countries, against the national and international averages.
Peter Cremers, CEO of Anglo-Eastern Group commented ??With the worldwide shortage of officers continuing to grow, we have to compete with other industries globally to attract the best talent for the modern ships. This testing creates an opportunity for us to explore new crew sources worldwide??.
The web based Competency Management & Examination testing platform is developed & provided by Core Competency Marine Training Pvt Ltd, a New Delhi based Software Company, which has produced computer and web based training material and also has facilitated E learning software development for Anglo-Eastern in the past.
IMEC chooses Training Manager
02.01.08
THE International Maritime Employers Committee (IMEC) has appointed a training manager in Manila to administer its growing international recruitment and training efforts.
Capt Cedric D’Souza, aged 45 and with recent command experience with Anglo-Eastern and training experience in the Philippines, has been appointed from 1 January to administer IMEC training initiatives in the Philippines and elsewhere. He will be based in Manila and will be responsible for administering the dedicated IMEC cadet training classes that will commence initially at the University of Cebu in June, together with an extensive programme of training in other areas, including rating to officer training courses that have been approved by the IMEC Executive Board.
Speaking today in London, IMEC Secretary General, David Dearsley, said: “2007 has been an exceptional year for IMEC by any standards. Membership has again expanded considerably and the IBF central and local negotiations have been concluded. IMEC has also committed itself to new and extensive recruitment and training activities on behalf of its members and has put in place the staffing and funding requirements to accommodate these commitments.”
IMEC also confirmed that the necessary funding to cover these initiatives had been agreed through the International Maritime Training Trust (IMTT). In addition, IMEC had obtained funds from IMTT to provide English language training in several East and Central European countries and in 2008 IMEC delegations would visit countries which might provide potential new labour sources to investigate whether IMEC recruitment and training initiatives might be welcomed and viable.
Mr Dearsley added: “While negotiations with ITF and its affiliates over pay and employment conditions will probably remain as the cornerstone of the work of IMEC for the foreseeable future, recruitment and training activities, particularly the quality of the training that is provided, are likely to assume a far greater prominence than they have done in the past. The appointment of Captain D’Souza is a key ingredient in these new initiatives. IMEC members are among the standard-setters in the industry with their commitment and dedication to long-term investment in training. But the acute officer shortage that has been affecting the industry for the past few years, and seems to be getting worse, requires action by organisations such as IMEC to supplement and support the efforts of individual companies.”
New system “cuts crew healthcare costs”
02.01.08
US-based firm Health Systems International (HSI) has trialled an online appointment system with Norwegian Cruise Lines to help “streamline and expedite the care of crew members” once the ship reaches the next major port.
The firm says: “Once the ship medical officer determines a need for additional care to be delivered on shore, an appointment is entered via the Internet from the vessel. HSI is automatically notified and appointment scheduling begins. As appointments are scheduled, data is submitted to the vessel via the same Internet interface notifying them of the time, date and location of appointment. Immediate notifications of changes are submitted in real time after updates are made and HSI takes the appropriate action to ensure appointments are modified or rescheduled as requested.
“Completing this pilot with Norwegian Cruise Lines for online appointments, was the first step in redirecting focus to lowering the cost of care,” said Althea Rollins of HSI, “because we can ensure the patients are being scheduled with quality providers, pre-contracted with HSI to accept discounts. We match the patient’s needs with an appropriate physician in the area where the ship will port next. The crew members receive quality care through an organized process and the ship owner pays much less for the visit.” Dan Farkas, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., commented, “We are pleased with the results of the online appointment process and technology. This allows our cost control partner, HSI, to not only garner the best price for medical care but also ensures are members are taken care of in quality settings that meet their specific health needs. We look forward to rolling out the process on a larger scale.”