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/

GWO Sea Survival Training in Partnership with Guardian Training

The wind energy sector faces an increasing demand for GWO Sea Survival-certified technicians, driven by the global shift toward a cleaner, greener future. It is estimated that a staggering 574,000 wind technicians will be required worldwide by 2027.

However, this course isn’t just aimed at those in the offshore industry.

GWO Sea Survival training also benefits those who spend significant time working at sea, such as seafarers, fishermen, oil rig workers, etc., as this course will prepare you to work safely offshore and what to do in the event of an emergency.

Like those in the offshore sector, maritime professionals face constant challenges from the unpredictable sea conditions. This is why GWO Sea Survival Training provides essential emergency response skills, equipping seafarers to deal with man-overboard situations, capsizing, and vessel evacuations. It is an indispensable part of a safety-first approach.

The full GWO certification (called GWO Basic Safety Training) includes five elements:

Sea Survival Training

Fire Awareness Training

Manual Handling Training

First Aid Training

Working at Height Training

Wind Turbines in a field alongside other wind turbines which are in the sea | GWO Sea Survival Training course

What does GWO Sea Survival Training Include?

By completing the Sea Survival module, participants will gain hands-on experience in safe transfers between vessels and offshore structures, rescue procedures, and the effective use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and life-saving appliances (LSAs), allowing them to apply their knowledge in realistic scenarios.

Course topics include:

Understanding offshore risks
Familiarity with sea survival equipment
Overview of safety regulations
Man overboard techniques
Cold water survival skills

Benefits of GWO Sea Survival Training

Enhanced Safety Awareness

The training emphasises proactive measures to reduce the likelihood of accidents, instilling a safety-first mindset among delegates. This is critical in environments where a single error can have catastrophic consequences.

Practical Skill Development

Delegates will develop essential life-saving skills through interactive theoretical learning and practical hands-on exercises.

Global Recognition

GWO certification is recognised by employers globally. Therefore, it is an invaluable asset for professionals seeking to enhance their employability in the wind energy and maritime sectors.

GWO Sea Survival Training Course | Maritime Skills Academy Dover

Supporting Renewable Energy Goals

As offshore wind farms play an increasing role in renewable energy production, GWO training supports the industry’s growth by ensuring a qualified and safety-conscious workforce.

How often do I have to update my GWO Training?

GWO Survival qualifications must be refreshed and updated every two years, unlike STCW certifications, which are reviewed every five years.

Once completed, your certification will be added to a GWO database, ‘WINDA’, which allows employers to verify your certification.

This course is mandatory for those working offshore in the wind and renewables industry, including engineers, technicians, project managers, etc.

Why Employers Value GWO Training

Employers in the offshore and maritime industries prioritise GWO-certified professionals for their competence in handling high-risk situations. By hiring Trained personnel, companies reduce downtime caused by accidents, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with international safety standards.

GWO Sea Survival Training in Kent

The Maritime Skills Academy offers GWO Sea Survival Training (in partnership with Guardian Training) as an intensive one-day course from our training centre in Dover, Kent. We simulate realistic environments for sea survival exercises with our state-of-the-art Marine Survival Pool and a wind-farm turbine ladder.

In this controlled environment, you will learn the following:

Cold water swimming and how to avoid hyperthermia
Dealing with the behaviour of the sea (waves, currents, and tides)
Man overboard techniques
National and international legislation
Sea survival equipment (life jackets, lifeboats, flares etc.)
Transferring people and equipment to and from offshore structures safely
Risks faced by offshore workers

To find out more and to make an enquiry, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0) 1795 580 333

Why Damage Control Training is Essential for Maritime Professionals

Working at sea comes with unique challenges and dangers that demand rigorous preparation. One of the most critical components of maritime training is damage control. This vital skill set enables crew members to act effectively in emergencies, potentially saving lives and protecting the ship and its cargo.

Let’s take a look at why damage control training is indispensable for maritime professionals by discussing how your crew can benefit from the course.

Safety of the Crew

At sea, the crew’s safety is paramount. Prompt action can mean the difference between life and death, whether it’s a fire outbreak, collision, or flooding due to a hull breach. Proper damage control training prepares crew members to react quickly, ensuring that they can stabilise dangerous situations and prevent hazards from escalating.

Preservation of the Vessel and Cargo with Damage Control Training

Ships are often loaded with valuable cargo, equipment, and machinery, all representing significant investments. Damage control training equips the crew with skills to contain and minimise damage, safeguarding the vessel and cargo. This is essential for preventing financial losses and maintaining the ship’s integrity for future voyages.

Damage Control Compliance with International Safety Standards

Most maritime organisations are governed by international standards, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, which mandate damage control measures. Comprehensive training ensures that crews meet these standards, helping companies avoid penalties and maintain certifications.

Enhanced Confidence and Morale

Knowing how to handle emergencies boosts morale and confidence among your crew. A well-trained crew is more cohesive and resilient under pressure, leading to better decision-making during critical moments. Damage control training fosters a sense of readiness that empowers each team member, making them more effective in all aspects of their work.

Reducing Environmental Impact

When accidents occur at sea, the environment often bears the brunt of it. Spills and fires can lead to extensive ecological damage, affecting marine life and ecosystems. Trained crew are better equipped to contain such incidents quickly, minimising their environmental footprint and contributing to responsible maritime operations.

Mitigating Financial and Legal Risks with Damage Control Training

Emergencies at sea can lead to costly repairs, cargo loss, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. Damage control training prepares crews to manage and mitigate these risks, reducing the likelihood of prolonged incidents that may result in extensive financial loss and legal repercussions.

Boosting Teamwork and Communication

Damage control training requires impeccable coordination and communication between crew. Training fosters teamwork by helping members understand each other’s roles in emergencies, improving their ability to work together effectively. This unity is critical in high-pressure situations requiring quick and coordinated action.

Preparing for the Unpredictable

The open sea is an unpredictable environment where weather, mechanical failures, or unforeseen accidents can present sudden dangers. Damage control training ensures that crew members are prepared for any scenario, from fires to hull breaches. This reduces the element of surprise and allows the team to focus on response rather than panic.

Damage control training is not just about handling emergencies—it’s about creating a culture of preparedness and resilience among crew members. By investing in comprehensive training, maritime organisations demonstrate their commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence. For those who work at sea, this training is a lifeline that enables them to carry out their duties confidently and effectively, knowing they’re prepared for whatever challenges may arise.

Maritime Damage Control Training at the Maritime Skills Academy

To help your crew remain prepared for uncertain emergencies, the Maritime Skills Academy delivers Damage Control Training specifically designed to provide officers and crew with real-life experiences.

In addition to offering full-immersion training at our training centre in Dover, our experts can train crew in drydock with our portable equipment.

Ready to find out more and develop your crew’s skills? Read the full course details and enquire about training by clicking here.