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

The Polar Code – What makes a good course?

Commitment to excellence means going beyond the base STCW requirements.

As global interest in polar exploration and commercial activities grows, so too does the need for robust regulations to ensure the safety and environmental protection of ships navigating these remote and icy areas.

Image of a ship in Polar water, with white snowy mountains in the background | Polar Code

The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) stands as a landmark framework established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address the unique challenges and risks associated with maritime operations in polar regions. The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) sets forth critical guidelines to mitigate risks associated with polar navigation. However, compliance with the Polar Code requires not only adherence to regulatory standards but also specialised training for maritime personnel.

Compliance with the Polar Code necessitates a thorough understanding of ice navigation techniques, cold weather operations, and environmental stewardship. STCW training programs play a pivotal role in equipping maritime professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate polar waters safely and responsibly. Seafarers undergo comprehensive training in ice navigation, including principles of ice reconnaissance, interpretation of ice charts, and manoeuvring strategies in ice-infested waters.

Any training programme should include a wide range of different objectives, covering the range of knowledge that is needed to operate in Arctic conditions, including:

Ice navigation techniques;
Cold weather survival and first aid;
Environmental awareness and pollution prevention;
Search and rescue procedures.

But what is it that really sets excellent Polar training apart from the rest? The answer, in essence, lies in a commitment to exceeding expectations. As so often, STCW is only a starting point. Excellent operators have a simple yet profound principle: they don’t just meet the requirements; they surpass them. Top quality specialised training goes beyond mere compliance with regulations (which are specifications of the minimum standard of competence).

It is about imparting invaluable wisdom gleaned from the icy frontiers and ensuring that every seafarer emerges prepared for the challenges ahead. Experienced, active Ice Pilots make the ideal instructors. Their wealth of knowledge, traditional tricks, and first-hand insights into the latest regulations set them apart.

When this unique expertise is backed by state-of-the-art full mission simulators equipped with ice pack modules, it is possible to create a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. A good simulator programme will allow participants to navigate through different ice concentrations, understand the effects of ice on ship manoeuvring, sail in convoys, and conduct RIB operations – all in a safe and controlled environment.

Image of a boat in icy waters | Polar Code Training MSA Portsmouth

Instructors must be more than just lecturers – they should be coaches and mentors leading participants through every step of the course. The underlying philosophy is not merely to impart knowledge but to cultivate understanding. I strongly believe that true mastery of Polar navigation comes from mentorship, guidance, and practical application. The instructors serve not only as educators but as guides, whose influence extends far beyond the confines of the training room.

Going the extra mile, not because we have to, but because we understand the significance of preparing seafarers for the challenges that lie ahead should be the essence of all training, but especially
in preparing seafarers for the extreme conditions and sensitive environment of the Arctic. The combination of experienced instructors who can impart real-life learning and cutting edge simulators that go beyond the basics provide the ideal platform for seafarers to learn, grow, and excel – and we all want our crew to excel.

At the Maritime Skills Academy we offer MCA Approved Polar Code Training courses at our state-of-the-art facilities, in Portsmouth. Book online now by visiting the website here.

This article was written by Maritime Skills Academy Director of Training and Simulation (MSA Portsmouth), Capt. Josip Kulas, for Seaways.

University of Gibraltar Working to Meet the Needs of the Industry

Flexibility and agility are not only the watchwords of the flag and port in Gibraltar, but they are also strong guiding principles for the university which has complemented its maritime academic programmes with high quality technical courses for the industry.

The School of Maritime runs a BSc (Hons) Maritime Science with Cadetship programme (Nautical or Engineering), which combines academic qualifications with practical training through MCA approved, guaranteed placements. The University of Gibraltar recently became an MCA approved centre for this academic programme and is also responsible for placement management and technical training, seen as much needed services for the local maritime industry to ensure it is future-proofing its development and sustainability in the sector.

Picture left to right, Head of School (Maritime Science) Capt. Sukhjit Singh, Maritime Academy Manager Aaron Lopez, MSA Operations Director Mark Jaenicke, and VMG Managing Director Matthew Jaenicke. | University of Gibraltar x Maritime Skills Academy Gibraltar — *Picture left to right, Head of School (Maritime Science) Capt. Sukhjit Singh, Maritime Academy Manager Aaron Lopez, MSA Operations Director Mark Jaenicke, and VMG Managing Director Matthew Jaenicke.*

The university has developed strategic partnerships with the Government of Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Port Authority, and the Gibraltar Maritime Administration. In addition, the university works in partnership with Viking Maritime Group (VMG) to provide a well-established portfolio of world-class maritime education and training, further supporting Gibraltar’s status as a Maritime Centre of Excellence.

“VMG are industry leaders in Crew Management, Maritime Training, and Cadet Management, and together we have successfully synchronised our approach to the development and delivery of high quality, industry-relevant, maritime technical training”, the university said.

*MSA Gibraltar opens a new fire training facility with the University of Gibraltar.*

The University of Gibraltar is also working with all bunker suppliers and several ferry operators in the region and their respective ship management and crew management representatives, together with numerous local agents, Gibdock and diving services companies.

And what about demands for the courses? Well, according to Aaron Lopez, Head of the Maritime Academy, the BSc (Hons) Maritime Science with Cadetship programme (Nautical or Engineering), is now into its third year and has gained significant traction. “We have doubled our intake every year as word spreads about our innovative approach to the programme structure (three year degree that includes OOW and guaranteed placements with quality operators). Cadets are being recruited from around the world such as the US, UK, Morocco, and elsewhere.

“Operators themselves are showing increasing interest in offering placements and subsequent employment due to the calibre of our cadets. In terms of technical courses, we provide MCA approved Maritime STCW training, tailored beyond compliance training, and bespoke training for the fast-evolving maritime industry, as well as the 10,000 ship calls together with 20,000 crew changes per year in Gibraltar. The 2024 course calendar is well underway, having over 40 operational beyond compliance fire fighting courses booked by major cruise companies calling in Gibraltar, and STCW training courses running every month of the year”, he said.

MSA Gib Cadets in their fire wear for firefighting training | University of Gibraltar — *MSA Gibraltar Cadets in their fire wear for firefighting training.*

“Demand is primarily coming from the cruise sector, as they come alongside Gib Port and the close location of the University Maritime Academy allows for easy pick up of crew for training and return back on board, before the vessel departs.

Having our courses consistently up and running allows vessel operators and managers to maximise productive time during their call in Gibraltar”, he stressed.

At the Maritime Skills Academy, our brand-new fire training ground, in partnership with the University of Gibraltar, offers clients a further advanced, and modern training centre within Southern Europe. To find out more about the Maritime Skills Academy Gibraltar, visit our website here.

This article was written and published by Ship Management International in their latest edition, which you can view here.

Date of Issue: 20th March 2024
Last Edited: 28th August 2024