Class focus on materials technology training for marine engineers

The course,known as ‘Basic Principles of Materials, Welding and NDE for Existing Ships’, has been designed for superintendents, ship managers and the technical staff who are responsible for keeping their ships safe and operating efficiently.

The one-day course, which will be held in various locations, will examine the properties of marine materials such as rolled steel, alloys, castings, forgings and newer composite materials. It also will cover some basic and advanced welding processes used in shipping such as shielded-metal, gas-metal, gas-tungsten, flux-cored and submerged arc welding. Participants will learn how to ensure they are using the correct material and how to test that any welding has been carried out correctly.

The course provides practical background to the understanding of:

• The basic metallurgical properties of materials commonly used in the marine industries;
• The uses of different materials;
• Lloyd’s Register requirements for steel strength;
• How to evaluate the use of ‘joint technologies’ – especially welding as used in the shipbuilding and repair processes; and
• The commonly used testing and examination techniques and technologies used.

“Most materials and welding courses do not cover the specific problems encountered by marine superintendents and engineers. This course has been developed and tested with marine clients who have faced real difficulties and is ideal for developing the knowledge of superintendents and engineers,” said Steve Robson, Lloyd’s Register’s senior technical training specialist. “It demystifies an area of engineering that is so often overcomplicated. Participants will enhance their knowledge and be able to get to grips with what is required to ensure correct materials are used, that the correct procedures and techniques are selected for joining the materials and ensure that repairs are tested and examined properly.”

Ship safety and operability relies on the use of the correct materials and techniques to build and maintain ships, says Robson, so it is important that those who are responsible for ship safety and maintenance have the adequate knowledge of materials, welding and examination techniques and technology. “This course will help participants to make informed decisions on any project that involves welding repairs,” he said.

The new course follows Lloyd’s Register’s three-day ‘Essential Drydocking’ course, which provided the essential information needed to successfully prepare, plan and execute dry-docking.