Milena De Cicco, Author at The Maritime Skills Academy

STCW Basic Safety Training – A Week in the Life of MMO’s Paul Watts

A recent delegate at MSA Dover, Marine Officer Paul Watts from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) (an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) completed his STCW Basic Safety Training at our state-of-the-art training centre and kindly detailed his week of training for us to share.

The MMO licenses and regulates marine activities in the seas around England and Wales to ensure their sustainable conduct, which meant that Paul would need to complete his four-part basic safety training to work at sea.

Delegates on the fire training ground smiling on a balcony | MSA Dover STCW Basic Safety Training Week — *Paul pictured third from left with other MSA delegates as part of their STCW Basic Safety Week*

This account is Paul’s first impression of the Maritime Skills Academy, our expert instructors, and our course structure.

Below, he reflects on each of the five days of the course.

Day One – STCW Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (theory)

After a nice and easy drive to Dover and arriving at the Maritime Skills Academy we were greeted with a coffee and a big smile from Senior Maritime Safety Instructor, Steve Morgan. As a Royal Navy Veteran with 37 years of firefighting experience, Steve was well placed to lead today’s topic of Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (STCW Reg VI/1 para 1 & sec A-VI/1 para 2.1.2). It was a day dominated by theory; however, the content and presentation style made it very easy to understand, and Steve’s natural humour, peppered with a mixture of stories made for a very enjoyable day!

Day Two – STCW Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (Practical)

Now this is what I’m talking about — Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (STCW Reg VI/1 para 1 & sec A-VI/1 para 2.1.2) practical skills! Today, supporting Steve, we were joined by Maritime Safety Instructors Dave Pryer and Joe Bowyer – who between them, are equipped with a wealth of seagoing and firefighting experience.

After being kitted out with our PPE, overalls, fire kit, flash hood, boots, gloves, helmet, and breathing apparatus, it was onto the fire ground for various firefighting practicals with a fire blanket, fire extinguisher, hose and nozzle/branch which was so much fun.

Delegates in fire fighting PPE with their backs to the camera, facing the instructor on the fire training ground | MSA Dover STCW Basic Safety Training Week — *Instructor Steve Morgan preparing Paul (pictured second from left) and other delegates on STCW Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting*

The facilities at the Maritime Skills Academy were excellent. On the fire ground, several ISO containers are cojoined to replicate the space experienced on a vessel. It was here that we entered a smoke-filled environment to conduct search and casualty evacuation drills, and later search and firefighting drills.

I’ve never worn fire kit PPE before, and although initially a little cumbersome, I soon got used to it, and after carrying out the live drills, I wanted to go back for more. Overall, an exhausting and hot day, but hugely enjoyable and oddly satisfying at the same time.

Day 3 – STCW Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities and STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness

Today, it was back in the classroom for Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (STCW Reg VI/1 para 1 & sec A-VI/1 para 2.1.4) and Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW Reg VI/1 para 1 & sec A-VI/6 para 4), led by Joe, who spent 26 years at sea as an Engine Room Petty Officer. Whilst it was a full day of theory, it provided a good grounding for understanding the various pieces of maritime legislation, working practices, and general life on board.

Day 4 – STCW Personal Survival Techniques

Another day that I was nervous but super excited about; Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Reg VI/1 para 1 & sec A-VI/1 para 2.1) …aka pool day! Dave led the session in the pool, ably assisted by Joe on the poolside. We practised donning and doffing our lifejackets and then became accustomed to wearing them whilst swimming on our backs. Afterwards, we carried out the recovery tow of a conscious person in the water followed by an unconscious person; this was surprisingly easy!

Paul Watts preparing to jump from a 1m height on the side of the pool with a life jacket on | MSA Dover STCW Basic Safety Training Week — *Paul preparing to jump from the side of the pool during the STCW Personal Survival Techniques Session*

Next up was the jump into the pool from a metre’s height and the optional four-metre jump – replicating the abandon ship command. Finally, we completed drills with the life raft, safely entering and exiting the inflatable and then righting the upturned life raft in the event of it deploying the wrong way up.

The day concluded with an emergency “abandon ship” scenario, combining all the elements we had learnt and practised alongside simulated noise and weather, making the whole thing very realistic!

Delegates creating a ring by linking their arms and floating in the pool, helping each other to enter the life raft | MSA Dover STCW Basic Safety Training Week — Paul and other delegates demonstrate their Personal Survival Techniques entering a life raft

Day 5 – STCW Elementary First Aid

Our final STCW Basic Safety Training session included Elementary First Aid (STCW Reg VI/1 para 1 & sec A-VI/1 para 2.1.3), and our instructor was Maritime Safety Instructor James Dean, a hilarious chap with many stories to tell! Overall, it was a very enjoyable day, during which we learnt the principles of casualty care and demonstrated life-saving techniques such as CPR, using an AED, the Recovery Position, controlling bleeding, managing a choking patient, and dealing with medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes.

As the week concluded, I had mixed emotions; I was exhausted but also elated at the new skills I had gained and demonstrated. Despite the exhaustion, I would’ve happily repeated the Fire Prevention, Fire Fighting, and Personal Survival Techniques elements again and again!

Maritime Safety Instructor Joe Bowyer commented on Paul’s time at our training facility, saying, “It was an absolute pleasure to instruct Paul during his STCW Basic Safety Training week, and he was very engaging in each of the sessions. We would welcome him back anytime.”

If you’ve completed one of our training courses, at either our Dover or Portsmouth facility and would like to leave some feedback or write about your experience, contact our team today at Marketing@vikingmaritime.co.uk

Seapeak Visits MSA Portsmouth’s World-Class Facilities

Seapeak is a global leader in the international maritime transportation of gas liquids, and it aims to lead the way in the transfer of energy and keep the world in motion.

The Maritime Skills Academy Portsmouth recently hosted these distinguished industry leaders, as they were on the search to identify a provider who could not only deliver world-class training but also utilise and incorporate Seapeak’s own policies and procedures and navigation handbook whilst simultaneously maintaining its purpose, values, and standards.

After this recent evaluation, Seapeak’s Training and Recruitment Manager John Reid expressed his satisfaction with the training centre by writing the following glowing testimonial.

“The Maritime Skills Academy Portsmouth delivers all we requested and much more. From the moment you arrive at the Lakeside North Harbour building, you get the immediate feeling that this is a very professional set-up. From the outset, the message is that you are here to learn in a learning environment. The style of teaching ties in with the ambience and attitude of “let’s learn, and learn at your own pace” by building confidence first, and then moving on to enhancing skills and knowledge.

As well as several state-of-the-art bridge simulators, MSA Portsmouth has Engine Room Simulators (ERM), switchboards, High Voltage Simulator Training, ECDIS Training suites, classrooms, briefing rooms, and incredible recreation space for student breaks. All of which can be integrated for running multi-vessel or multi-departmental exercises or drills.

Another real plus (particularly for Seapeak) was for us to discover that the MSA also have the ability to run Basic and Advanced Polar Code courses.

All in all, the Maritime Skills Academy and their professional staff are running an elite training centre providing world-class training to the maritime industry. Seapeak are delighted to be working with them to ensure that our Officers are receiving a high level of training consistent with our Seapeak Values and Standards.”

On behalf of the entire MSA Team, it was a pleasure to host John and his colleagues, and we are grateful for his kind words and complimentary testimonial.

If you’d like to arrange a visit to our facilities to see how the Maritime Skills Academy can support your maritime training needs, please get in touch below to schedule a visit.

GET IN TOUCH

Schedule a visit

Mental Health First Aid Training for Staff at the Maritime Skills Academy

Viking Maritime Group Marketing and Communications Manager, Jade Jaenicke recently completed a two-day Mental Health First Aider training course as part of the company’s commitment to the well-being of all staff.

Here is an insight into the training from Jade’s perspective and her thoughts after having completed the course.

Becoming a Mental Health First Aider

In a world where conversations about mental health are becoming increasingly normalised, I recently took a step to contribute to this important dialogue by completing Mental Health First Aider training. Along with several of my colleagues at Viking Maritime Group, I spent two days equipping myself with the tools to recognise when others may need support and guidance if they are struggling with their mental health.

Why Choose Mental Health First Aid Training?

Mental health challenges are something many of us face, either personally or through those we care about. Yet, the stigma around discussing these struggles often silences people. I wanted to be part of breaking that cycle. While I often find myself a shoulder to lean on, I realised that having formal training could make my support more effective and informed.

What the Training Entailed

The training was structured to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills.

We began by debunking myths and deepening our understanding of common mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. It was eye-opening to see how these issues manifest differently for everyone.

We learned to identify early signs of mental health challenges, ranging from subtle behavioural changes to more overt expressions of distress. Recognising these signs early can make a huge difference.

Much like physical first aid, mental health first aid focuses on immediate assistance. We practised listening non-judgmentally, offering reassurance, and providing information about professional help when needed.

A critical part of the training involved handling situations like panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, or acute anxiety episodes. Role-playing these scenarios was intense but crucial in building confidence for if a situation arises that we would need to deal with.

Image of Viking Maritime Group Managers stood together facing the camera | Mental Health First Aid Training — *Jade pictured third from right*

Personal Takeaways

The training reminded me that everyone’s story is unique. Rather than trying to “fix” someone, my role as a Mental Health First Aider is to create a safe space where the person feels heard and supported. I now have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to listen, support, and direct someone to where they can best source the relevant help.

Supporting others can be emotionally taxing, so we were taught the importance of maintaining our own mental well-being. This includes setting boundaries and seeking to help ourselves when needed, as well as ensuring we are practising self-care regularly, whether that be taking a long bath or going to the gym.

A kind word, an open ear, or simply showing up for someone can have a profound impact.

Since completing the training, I’ve started noticing how small changes in language and behaviour can make a big difference. Whether it’s at work, with friends, or even strangers, I feel more equipped to navigate conversations about mental health with confidence and compassion.

Becoming a Mental Health First Aider doesn’t mean I have all the answers. But it does mean I’m better prepared to guide someone to the help they need.

I encourage anyone considering Mental Health First Aider Training to sign up. Not only does it enhance your ability to help others, but it also strengthens your own understanding of mental health. Together, we can make a difference.

If you or someone you know if struggling, you can find helpful resources below:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support

https://mhfaengland.org/crisis-support

Or if you’d like to find out more and book a course to become accredited yourself, please click here: https://mhfaengland.org/