Maritime Skills Academy Secures Bahamas Approval for Onboard Polar Code Training

The Maritime Skills Academy (MSA), a leading institution well known for its dedication to excellence in maritime training, proudly announces its official approval by the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) for Onboard Polar Code Training.

The BMA’s approval further solidifies the MSA’s position as a trusted provider of comprehensive maritime training programs.

“We are pleased to receive approval from the BMA for Onboard Polar Code Training. This is a testament to our commitment to delivering top-tier maritime training and ensuring the highest levels of safety and proficiency among seafarers worldwide.”
Mark Jaenicke, Operations Director at MSA

The BMA assesses institutions based on curriculum quality, facilities, faculty expertise, and adherence to international regulations. The MSA’s successful approval reflects its dedication to meeting and exceeding these demanding standards, providing delegates with a world-class education that prepares them for successful careers in the maritime industry.

“This approval opens new doors for the MSA, allowing us to expand our reach within the global maritime community”
added Mark.

The Bahamas-approved and Nautical Institute-recognised Polar Code Basic course follows the STCW guidelines on safely operating a vessel in the Arctic and Antarctic Waters. It has been developed by experienced Ice Captains and Ice Pilots, who are recognised leaders in the industry.

Find out more by downloading the course PDF here.

Navigating the Future: Maritime Skills Academy’s Bridge Simulators Revolutionise Shipping Port Studies

Among the many advancements in the maritime industry, bridge simulators stand out as a game-changer, offering an immersive learning experience that transcends traditional methods.

With the ability to create simulated scenarios for shipping port studies, this is just one of the ways the cutting-edge technology is revolutionising the industry.

One institution at the forefront of leveraging this technology, is the Maritime Skills Academy (MSA), where bridge simulators aren’t just tools for training future seafarers, but also for conducting in-depth shipping port studies.

The MSA recently hosted delegates from MSC Cruises, assisting them with their Shipping Port Studies Training.

Director of Training at MSA Portsmouth, Plamen Marinov, who oversaw the training said, “The MSA Team had the privilege to collaborate with MSC Cruises’ Containers Division and the Port of Genoa on a port study and mooring arrangement, berthing plan analysis project.”

MSC Cruises' Containers Division undertaking training at the Maritime Skills Academy in Portsmouth | Shipping Port Studies — *MSC Cruises’ Containers Division undertaking training at the Maritime Skills Academy in Portsmouth*.

With the help of the simulators and under the guidance of our instructors, the MSA is able to successfully carry out Shipping Port Studies Training for delegates.

Ports are vital in the global supply chain, paving the way for the movement of goods. Understanding their operations, navigational challenges, and safety protocols is paramount for maritime students, port authorities, and shipping companies alike.

Keep reading to find out how these studies could benefit your crew in their daily operations.

Port Manoeuvring Simulations

Conduct simulations to replicate the process of manoeuvring vessels in and out of the port. This helps assess the feasibility and efficiency of different approaches, considering vessel size, draft, tidal currents, wind conditions, and navigational hazards.

Berth Operations Optimisation

Simulate docking and undocking procedures at different berths within the port. Evaluate the impact of berth layout, availability of tug assistance, mooring arrangements, and other factors on the time and resources required to complete these operations.

Bridge Simulators at the Maritime Skills Academy in Portsmouth | Shipping Port Studies — *Various screens showing the Bridge Simulator being used to replicate a port, for shipping port studies training*

Cargo Handling Simulations

Simulate cargo loading and unloading operations to assess the efficiency of terminal facilities and equipment. Analyse the impact of different cargo types, handling techniques, and equipment configurations on turnaround times and operational costs.

Emergency Response Training

Use simulations to train personnel in emergency response procedures, such as collision avoidance, grounding scenarios, fire drills, and pollution control measures. This helps enhance safety awareness and preparedness for handling critical situations in the port environment.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Simulate vessel movements and operations to evaluate their potential environmental impact, such as emissions, noise pollution, and wake effects. This information can be used to identify mitigation measures and optimise operational practices to minimise environmental footprint.

Port Expansion Planning

Use simulations to model the impact of port expansion projects or infrastructure upgrades on vessel operations and port efficiency. Assess the feasibility of proposed changes, identify potential bottlenecks, and optimise layout designs to maximise throughput capacity.

Route Optimisation Studies

Integrate ship simulation with route optimisation algorithms to identify the most efficient routes and scheduling strategies for vessels navigating to and from the port. Consider fuel consumption, voyage duration, weather routing, and port congestion to optimise fleet deployment and voyage planning.

Risk Assessment and Contingency Planning

Simulate various risk scenarios, such as equipment failures, adverse weather conditions, or port congestion, to assess their potential impact on vessel operations and develop contingency plans accordingly. This helps mitigate operational disruptions and minimise financial losses.

How can the Maritime Skills Academy support you?

If you work in the maritime industry and are looking for Shipping Port Studies, get in touch with Director of Training and Simulation, Plamen Marinov, to see how our industry experts can help to support your crew. Or to view our full range of courses, click here.

Matt Horton Joins Viking Maritime Group as Operations Director (Scotland)

Operations Director (Scotland) Matt Horton | Viking Maritime Group — Matt Horton, Operations Director (Scotland)

Viking Maritime Group proudly announces the appointment of Matt Horton as the Operations Director (Scotland). With this strategic move, Viking Maritime Group reinforces its commitment to excellence in maritime services and strengthens its leadership team.

In Matt’s new role, he will be supporting the businesses in the Viking Maritime Group; Viking Crew and The Maritime Skills Academy bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience.

He is a skilled maritime professional, known for his ability to thrive in fast-paced and evolving environments while adapting quickly to client needs.

“We are delighted to welcome Matt Horton to the Viking Maritime Group family,” remarked Matthew Jaenicke, Viking Maritime Group, Managing Director. “His proven track record of excellence, coupled with his innate ability to anticipate and meet client needs, makes him an invaluable addition to our leadership team. We are confident that under Matt’s stewardship, our operations in Scotland will reach new heights of success.”

Matt’s career in the Merchant Navy began with BP Shipping Ltd, where he underwent pre-sea training at the Prince of Wales Sea Training School in Dover. He sailed on BP Tankers in deep-sea operations before transitioning to BP Exploration, where he worked on semi-submersibles and production platforms in the North Sea.

In 1992, Matt joined Sea Containers, serving as Chief Officer and Safety Officer on routes in the Irish Sea and English Channel. He later became part of Sea Containers’ operations team, overseeing Dry Docks, Charters, and Type Rating Training for all Officers & Crew.

Transitioning ashore in 2006, Matt joined Clyde Marine Training as a Training Officer and eventually rose to the position of General Manager. In this role, he managed the daily operations of Clyde Marine Short courses, Clyde Uniforms, and Clyde Safety. Matt also provided training in various locations worldwide, including Italy, Greece, the Falkland Islands, Germany, and the UK, benefiting crew from companies like Disney Cruise Line, Northlink Ferries, and Stena Line.

Furthermore, Matt Horton has served as the President of the Scottish Shipping Benevolent Association and as the Treasurer and Secretary of the Glasgow Humane Society. He also recently became a member of The Merchants House of Glasgow.

On behalf of everyone at Viking Maritime Group, we’re thrilled to have Matt joining us, and can’t wait to see how he contributes and strengthens the team.

Date of Issue: 1st May 2024
Last Edited: 27th August 2024