Author: MSAteam

April sees a significant milestone reached by the Maritime Skills Academy (MSA) after gaining GUEST accreditation for its Superyacht Stewardess Introduction Course.

The 1-week course, which MSA runs in partnership with the Exclusive Butler School (EBS) is the only internationally accredited maritime hospitality and service training program available to crew working in the luxury superyacht sector.

The audit process for GUEST is rigorous and represents the high level of quality training standards required to be an approved provider.

Mark Jaenicke, Training & Performance Director says: We are thrilled to have been awarded GUEST approval for our Stewardess introduction course. The process was extremely thorough and proved the competence of our procedures and Trainers. This gives us full confidence in the quality we are delivering, as well showing the industry we have a reputable course on offer.

Whether you are currently a maritime hospitality professional looking to take the steps necessary to unlock your professional potential or you’re new to the maritime industry and looking to explore distinguished careers in hospitality, this one-week course will give you the practical experience and expert knowledge to set you apart and give you a head start in the industry.

During the 1 week course, delegates will cover areas such as, Welcome to the Industry, Basic Housekeeping Standards, Wardrobe Management and Valeting, Packing and Unpacking, Basic Table Service Skills, Wine Service and Knowledge, Mixology Masters and Bartending, Flower Arranging and Table Decoration, Organising & Hosting an Event.

To book this course and further details click here 

Email: info@vikingmsa.com

Tel: +44 (0)300 303 8393

Maritime Skills Academy in brief:

The Maritime Skills Academy is helping the industry set new standards by delivering a new level of marine, fire safety and simulator training.

Today, with a focus on personal service, we offer over 500 expert courses to over 5,000 delegates annually. As a Maritime & Coastguard Agency , Global Wind Organisation and GUEST accredited course provider and MNTB recognised centre, we are as proud to be meeting the high standards of commercial operators as we are in supporting individuals to maintain or build their professional development.

With training centres in Dover and Portsmouth, we offer STCW Safety, commercial Fire, GWO, Hospitality and now Deck and Engine Simulator training

Exclusive Butler School in brief:

The Exclusive Butler School Trainers have over 100 years’ combined TOP British Private Household Butler experience, and all have experience working for the British Royal Family at venues such as Buckingham Palace and other Royal Households around the globe.

Whether you choose our Two-Week Intensive Butler Training Course; our Superyacht and Chalet Steward/ess Interior Course; or our Bespoke Tailored Butler/Hospitality Training, our team of highly qualified personnel will provide you with the essential knowledge that you will need incorporating core traditional skills along with the latest requirements of the modern-day Butler.

We are one of the only Butler Schools able to assist you in finding your next role within a private household.

The MCA have provided an update on the STCW training extension during these COVID times.

It’s an increasingly discussed topic surrounding the issue where a seafarer is unable to complete the updating/refresher training requirements but needs to join a vessel. This is either in conjunction with their CoC or for other crew and that their safety training is expiring.

A “COVID-19: Contingency Plan and Guidelines for Seafarer” has been created and outlines the process that needs to be followed and how an STCW training extension can be given to those with the issue.

In short, the MCA will then issue the seafarer with a letter form the MCA extending the validity of the training that needs updating/refreshing.

The document on the link below fully outlines everything that a seafarer will need to do to get their training extension.

For information please click here.

An update on the steps The Viking Maritime Group are taking to help minimise the spread of COVID-19.

We are continuing to follow and monitor official guidance from the UK Government, Public Health England and The World Health Organisation (WHO) carefully.

It is of vital importance for us to ensure that any and all procedures are in place to support the health and well-being of visitors, course delegates and our staff members.

To help combat the spread of COVID-19, we have been putting precautionary safety measures in place as part of business and at our different locations, including:

• International business travel including attending events is cancelled until further notice

• Emphasizing frequent and proper hand washing and providing hand sanitizer throughout offices and training centres

• Cleaning high contact points more regularly

In line with government guidance, we are continuing to operate as usual.

We will continue to keep in touch with relevant persons and follow official guidance from the UK Government and Public Health England carefully.