MCA approves Northrop Grumman UK marine navigation training centre

Northrop Grumman Corporation?s Sperry Marine business unit has obtained certification from UK?s MCA for its navigation training centre in New Malden, UK. The certification signifies that Sperry Marine?s programme meets international requirements for electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) training under the 1995 amendments to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW-95) code.

The training centre in New Malden includes the latest electronic teaching aids and a complete functional virtual integrated bridge system with visual simulator. The facility also features a separate classroom with multiple individual workstations for practical chart work and live ECDIS applications, as well as a ?Smartboard? for interactive simulated scenarios. The syllabus follows the IMO?s model course 1.27 for the operational use of ECDIS, and all courses are taught by certified instructors. Students who demonstrate competence by successfully completing practice exercises and a written exam receive an STCW-95 Certificate of Training.