Training companies join forces

The joint approach is said to combine unique skills to provide, via a blended learning approach, flexible generic and product specific ECDIS training for all seafarers. According to Videotel, implementation of ECDIS as the primary means of navigation will place enormous pressure on the maritime industry, due to complex training and ISM compliance issues. With no real common ECDIS standard, and significant differences between manufacturers models, and variances in versions from the same manufacturer, but all complying with IMO Performance Standards, the difficulties of effective and relevant training are obvious.

Videotel, Safebridge and MSG’s joint effort will offer a pathway through what Videotel describes as a training minefield. With the support of the IMO, Videotel is updating its original ECDIS course to follow the new STCW Manila amendments and the proposed new IMO model course 1.27, latest edition. This training, in the form of distance learning using a generic ECDIS model, will provide a sound understanding of the principles of ECDIS and how it should be used.

Once deck officers have interim certification of successful foundation training from Videotel, they can progress to type-specific training and final certification by attending one of the worldwide training centres that form part of the MSG controlled ECDIS Training Consortium (ETC), thus gaining the hands-on familiarisation training required. Booking of the onward training can be arranged through Videotel, facilitating the procedure.

When further type-specific training is needed, such as when transferring to other ships, MSG will provide classroom based training in Hamburg or at one of its 11 locations, or onboard a vessel itself if requested. Alternatively, Safebridge will offer online type-specific training with real time simulation on the original ECDIS manufacturer’s software in a guided learning environment with inherent testing and certification.

ECDIS type-specific brands covered to date include Chartworld, Imtech, JRC, Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine, Raytheon Anschutz, SAM Electronics and Transas.

Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel said: “Whilst the IMO model course 1.27 content has still to be ratified by the IMO, with Flag State Authorities also yet to agree on what specific ECDIS training they will require, over the past year very careful thought has gone into providing what we hope will prove to be a very satisfactory, practical and cost effective ECDIS training solution for our clients.” Cleave added :“In addition to the valuable input received from the IMO, ICS, MCA, OCIMF, Dr Andy Norris and participating ship owners and ship managers, we would also to like to thank Furuno for their invaluable input throughout.”

Björn Röhlich, managing director of MSG MarineServe said: “Our research shows that, conservatively, there are 250,000 officers worldwide requiring type-specific training and three times over a 5 year period to deal with different equipment/software, which gives some 750,000 type-specific training events in addition to the 250,000 generic sessions in comparison with a reported worldwide annual training capacity of 20,000 to 25,000 courses. I am therefore delighted that Videotel, MSG and Safebridge are cooperating to offer a streamlined service to ship owners, ship managers and crewing companies.”