Combined Designated Person Ashore (DPA) & Company Security Officer (CSO) Training Course

The Combined Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and Company Security Officer (CSO) training course is a brand new offering available at the Maritime Skills Academy.

This four-day combined training course is specifically aimed at individuals taking up a senior ship management position within a shipping company whose duties and responsibilities can often consist of both the ‘Designated Person(s) Ashore and Company Security Officer’.

This course has been designed to meet the requirements of IMO MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6 Guidance on the qualifications, training, and experience necessary for undertaking the role of the Designated Person(s) Ashore under provisions of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, Part-A4.

To include IMO MSC/Circ.1154 Guidelines for training and certification of Company Security Officer(s) under mandatory requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code, Part-A11/1., and associated International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Regulations.

Health, safety, environmental and security management are the cornerstones of modern industry and key markers for maritime operations at every level. Therefore, the role of the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) & Company Security Officer (CSO) can be a challenging and complex one given the nature of worldwide shipping operations, accompanied by what is often seen as an era of increasing regulations and compliance requirements.

Which skills are required for a Combined Designated Person Ashore (DPA) & Company Security Officer (CSO) Training Course?

The role, responsibilities, and ongoing vigilance of the DPA & CSO is now more important than ever. Having the necessary skills to navigate and interpret the myriad of maritime regulations ensuring their vessels are not only operating safely and in compliance with these regulations. Also, continually assessing the constantly evolving security threat(s) and risk(s) to the maritime sector, ensuring appropriate measures are implemented.

Some of these skills include:

The ability to communicate effectively with maritime authorities, flag states, classification societies, port state control, and other relevant entities.
Playing a key role in promoting an effective ‘safety and security’ culture within the organisation.
Ensuring company safety, environmental and security management processes are effectively implemented, reviewed, audited, and continually improved.
Overseeing incident/accident investigations to determine root cause and implementation of appropriate corrective action(s) to prevent re-occurrence, whilst being independent, precise, and thorough.
Managing change(s) and staying abreast of regulatory compliance requirements or professional trends affecting the maritime sector and implementing accordingly.
Being prepared to deal with challenging and emergency situations, remaining calm in a crisis.
Being sensitive to different cultures, with an ability to assess, judge and motivate.
Maintaining integrity and loyalty to both individuals and the organisation.
Recognising individuals’ limitations and ability, ensuring any training for crew and/or shore-based personnel is implemented accordingly.
Having the skills necessary to conduct and manage security assessments, development, implementation, and maintenance of Ship Security Plan(s).

Why is the role of a Designated Person Ashore and Company Security Officer important to a ship?

The ‘Designated Person(s) Ashore and Company Security Officer’ is a pivotal role within any shipping company, ensuring safety, environmental and security standards are not only maintained but continually improved. Making sure fulfilment of regulatory compliance requirements are met to prevent functional safety and security management requirements being compromised.

Combined Designated Person Ashore and Company Security Officer Remote Training

If you are required to undertake training for this role, the Maritime Skills Academy offers the Combined Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and Company Security Officer (CSO) training course on a regular basis, taught online by our expert instructors. To learn more about the course, click here.

Written by Mike Symons, Director at M4S Maritime Limited.

NAPA Ship Stability Course: Everything You Need to Know

Maritime Skills Academy is proud to be the only training centre in the UK to partner with NAPA in an approved NAPA Ship Stability Course.

Designed for industry insiders to learn the ins and outs of ship stability, from cargo planning to ship calculations, we’re the only company delivering such a hands-on approach to training.

Join us as we delve into the course details, covering who NAPA is, what they do, and why our partnership with them is so important for the success of the course.

Who is NAPA?

Established in Finland, NAPA has become a renowned maritime software, services, and data analysis leader. The company’s journey began with a strong focus on naval architecture and has since expanded to encompass a broad spectrum of solutions to enhance the maritime industry’s safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

With its roots deeply embedded in Finnish maritime expertise, NAPA has become synonymous with innovation and technological advancement in the marine world. In fact, NAPA maintains a presence in Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, the USA, Germany, Greece, Romania, and India. Over 90% of new vessels built by NAPA customers rely on their ship design software, becoming the de facto standard in shipbuilding.

NAPA’s reputation is built upon its commitment to research and development, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in maritime technology. This dedication has positioned the company at the forefront of the industry, known for its pioneering spirit and ability to adapt and evolve with the changing tides of maritime needs and regulations.

NAPA’s expertise is not just limited to software development; it encompasses a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of ship design, operation, and performance in the real world.

What does NAPA do?

NAPA specialises in advanced software solutions for ship design and operational efficiency. These tools are crucial in helping the maritime industry meet the challenges of modern shipbuilding and operation, including performance monitoring, fuel efficiency, and emission reduction.

The company is also deeply involved in enhancing maritime safety, offering risk assessment and emergency response planning tools.

Furthermore, NAPA actively develops solutions to align with evolving environmental regulations in the maritime sector, assisting the industry in meeting stringent sustainability standards. Through its comprehensive range of services, NAPA plays a vital role in advancing the maritime industry towards a safer, more efficient, and environmentally conscious future.

New partnership between NAPA and MSA

NAPA has partnered with the Maritime Skills Academy (MSA) to enhance Ship Stability Management Training. This collaboration focuses on making this vital safety training more comprehensive and easily accessible to maritime professionals.

The training, incorporating NAPA’s state-of-the-art Stability Management Computer, is designed to be both interactive and practical, and is available in-person and online. It emphasises real-life maritime scenarios and compliance with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) guidelines.

“Theoretical knowledge is never enough. With this course, we aim to provide hands-on experience with the industry-leading latest NAPA Passenger Ship Stability Management tool,” said Mark Jaenicke, Operations Director at the Maritime Skills Academy.

This initiative by NAPA and MSA represents a significant advancement in maritime safety training, marrying technical expertise with practical instruction.

What is the NAPA Ship Stability Course?

The NAPA Ship Stability course offered by the Maritime Skills Academy is a comprehensive three-day program (including one day of e-learning) designed to deepen theoretical knowledge in various aspects of ship stability. Priced at £1,020.00 incl. VAT, the course covers topics like intact stability, damage stability, stress, dynamic stability, and the use of onboard NAPA facilities.

Key elements include:

Understanding the GZ-curve
Intact stability
Damage stability
Stress and dynamic stability
Usage of onboard NAPA facilities
Stability criteria
Free surface effects
Probabilistic damage stability calculations according to SOLAS II-1 regulations

Closing Thoughts

Partnering with NAPA is a landmark step forward for us here at the Maritime Skills Academy. It means we can provide a leading Ship Stability course that harnesses the power of the most modern type-specific NAPA Stability Management Computer.

With experienced instructors taking the helm, we’re confident that attendees will master the intricacies of everything from casualty investigations to operations in port. Interested in attending?

Register your interest now to apply for the next three-day course – we’ll contact you with further details.

What is the Importance of the Designated Person Ashore Role in a Shipping Company?

If you’re looking to better understand the importance of the Designated Person Ashore role in a shipping company, then read on!

The Designated Person Ashore (DPA) plays a crucial role in the Safety Management System (SMS) of a shipping company. The DPA is a key position mandated by the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, which is part of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) regulations.

Here are some important aspects of the DPA role in a shipping company:

Safety Management System (SMS) Oversight:

The DPA is responsible for ensuring that the company’s Safety Management System is effectively implemented and maintained. They play a pivotal role in promoting a safety culture within the organisation.

Continuous Improvement:

The DPA is involved in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the SMS, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing necessary changes. Regular reviews of safety procedures and practices are conducted to enhance the overall safety performance of the shipping company.

Communication with Maritime Authorities:

The DPA acts as the primary point of contact between the company and maritime authorities, ensuring compliance with international regulations and standards. They may communicate with flag state authorities, port state control, and other relevant entities.

Incident Investigation:

In the event of accidents, incidents, or near misses, the DPA is responsible for initiating and overseeing investigations to determine the root causes and prevent recurrence. They collaborate with relevant personnel to implement corrective and preventive actions.

Training and Awareness:

The DPA is involved in promoting safety awareness and providing training to the crew and shore-based personnel. Training programs are designed to ensure that all employees understand and adhere to safety procedures.

Emergency Response:

The DPA is responsible for developing and maintaining emergency response plans to address potential maritime incidents or crises. They ensure that the company is well-prepared to respond promptly and effectively to emergencies.

Documentation and Record Keeping:

The DPA maintains documentation related to the SMS, including records of drills, training, and incident investigations. Proper documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance with regulations during audits.

Regulatory Compliance:

The DPA monitors changes in relevant maritime regulations and ensures the company’s compliance with these regulations. They may be involved in preparing the company for external audits by flag states or classification societies.

In summary, the Designated Person Ashore is a critical role in a shipping company, ensuring that safety standards are maintained, continuous improvement is pursued, and regulatory requirements are met. The DPA helps foster a safety culture throughout the organisation, contributing to the overall well-being of the crew, the vessel, and the marine environment.

If you require to undertake training for this role, The Maritime Skills Academy offers this course on a regular basis and can be taught online by remote learning.

The training will cover areas such as

Context and interpretation of the ISM code
Issues and common problems for the Designated Person(s)
Understanding Human Factors and ISM Effective Performance Management and KPIs
Appreciating Legal Issues and Self-Preservation
Effective Audit Requirements and Techniques
Effective ISM Reporting, Analysis and Corrective Actions
Effective Risk Management
Effective Management of Change

We have also combined the DPA training with Company Security Officer, as these roles can be held by the same individual within a shipping organisation.

If you find this blog useful and would like to learn more about the maritime industry as well as staying up to date with information on the courses we offer, please visit our News and Events page by clicking here.