A new one-stop-shop for training ship crews

In April 2004, Wärtsilä signed a co-operation agreement with a maritime training academy in Turku, Finland, AB Utbildning Sydväst (Sydväst Maritime). Through this agreement Wärtsilä Land and Sea Academy (WLSA) provides accredited training courses and IMO/STCW-95 certificates will be awarded to successful graduates. This ‘one-stop-shop’ provides certified maritime training for all aspects of ship handling and engineering.

It is now possible for WLSA to offer around 70 different maritime training courses, plus having the added value capability of being able to modify the training courses so they are based on the customer’s specific needs. WLSA now also has the competence to deliver simulator training courses as part of a planned programme.

This co-operation with Sydväst Maritime has provided WLSA with access to ‘state-of-the-art’ bridge simulator technology. Recently WLSA acquired the latest in engine simulators which means that WLSA now has the capability and capacity to deliver both ship handling and engine room training courses.

With today’s ships becoming ever more complex and technically sophisticated, a well trained ship’s crew not only ensures safety on board but also provides for the effective management of all the ship’s operations. The training of ship personnel, at all levels, to a high standard of professionalism is becoming a vital necessity for maritime companies around the world.

Mr Jari Ullakonoja, Director, WLSA comments “The need for training officers and crews has increased rapidly. In the past, the conventional way has been to buy these courses from several suppliers, which can be both time consuming and expensive. We are seeing that customers are now recognizing the advantages of buying all training from one supplier as this can save time and money.”

WLSA will now offer a complete ‘one-stop-shop’ centre for maritime training solutions to Scandinavian, European and Russian maritime companies. This total training solution means that all deck, navigational, engineering, galley, safety and security training are located in one establishment. This centre can be visited by WLSA’s customers so they can view the training facilities and evaluate the courses for themselves.