Training the Trainers in Maritime Education: The Importance of a IMO Model Courses

In the dynamic world of maritime education and training, ensuring the competency of instructors is crucial not only for the success of individual seafarers but also for the safety and efficiency of the entire maritime industry. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), recognising this necessity, has developed the Model Course on Training of Trainers to equip maritime professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel as educators. This blog delves into why the IMO Model Course is indispensable for maritime professionals in teaching roles at training centres or onboard ships.

Ensuring Compliance and Standardisation

One of the primary reasons the IMO Model Course is so significant is its role in establishing global standards and ensuring compliance with international regulations. Maritime training institutes and onboard training programs must adhere to these standards to guarantee that seafarers receive consistent, high-quality instruction regardless of their location or the institution where they receive their training. By implementing the IMO Model Course, trainers gain a comprehensive understanding of the methodologies, content, and evaluation criteria essential to effective maritime education.

Teacher teaching a class of students | Training the trainers in maritime education

Enhancing Teaching Skills

Teaching in the maritime sector demands a unique set of skills due to the complex nature of maritime operations and the diverse backgrounds of seafarers. The IMO Model Course empowers trainers with specialised training techniques tailored to the maritime environment. This includes effective communication strategies, practical demonstration skills, and the proficiency to create engaging and relevant training materials. Such skills not only improve the learning experience for seafarers but also contribute to the overall effectiveness of maritime education programs, instilling a sense of confidence and capability in the trainers.

Promoting Safety and Operational Efficiency

Safety is paramount in the maritime industry, and well-trained seafarers are essential to maintaining high safety standards onboard vessels. Trainers who have undergone the IMO Model Course are better equipped to impart critical safety protocols and operational procedures to their students. They can also effectively simulate real-world scenarios, preparing seafarers to handle emergencies and unforeseen situations confidently and competently. This proficiency not only contributes to vessels’ smooth operation but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and community in enhancing the maritime industry’s overall safety culture.

Supporting Career Development

The IMO Model Course is not just a training program; it’s a personal and professional growth pathway for maritime professionals transitioning into teaching roles. It equips them with the necessary teaching skills and subject matter expertise to excel in their new career endeavours. Moreover, the IMO Model Course certification enhances their credibility within the industry. It opens doors to further maritime education and training opportunities, inspiring them to strive for career excellence.

Fostering Continuous Improvement

The maritime industry constantly evolves, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and new operational challenges. Trainers who undergo the IMO Model Course are encouraged to engage in continuous professional development. They stay abreast of industry trends, update their teaching methodologies, and incorporate the latest best practices into their training programs. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that maritime education remains relevant, effective, and responsive to the evolving needs of the industry.

In conclusion, the IMO Model Course on training the trainers plays a pivotal role in shaping the competence and professionalism of maritime instructors worldwide. By equipping trainers with standardised methodologies, specialised skills, and a commitment to safety and excellence, the IMO Model Course not only enhances the learning experience for seafarers but also contributes to the overall safety and efficiency of maritime operations. As the maritime industry evolves, well-trained and knowledgeable instructors are essential, making the IMO Model Course an indispensable asset for maritime professionals in teaching roles both ashore and at sea.

To find out more about the Train The Trainer course and available dates at the Maritime Skills Academy, click here.

Operational Fire Fighting Training at The Maritime Skills Academy with Head of Training at MSA Dover, Sam Kelly

We spoke to Sam Kelly, Head of Training at MSA Dover, to find out more about the bespoke Operational Fire Fighting Training the MSA delivers to crew.

“In 2022, in the midst of existing Covid restrictions, the shipping world transformed from minimum safe manning and laid up, to full operation almost overnight. This meant new crew were dispatched to new companies to facilitate the company’s operational requirements.

Cruise companies acknowledged the risk with respect to company procedures, especially in relation to the fire safety teams onboard.

I have been working closely with the senior management teams both onboard and ashore for a multitude of clients, creating bespoke, effective, and measurable training standards we have come to know as Operational Fire Fighting.

Their aim is for the crew to embrace and practice specific Emergency Response Plans (ERP) in a variety of scenarios with the end goal being to improve confidence for the crew.

Virgin Voyages led the way with this training with a simple request to the MSA – “Can you train our Filipino crew locally?”.

After a few calls to our partners at United Philippine Line, we quickly found a few suitable training centres. We finalised plans with a training centre in Tagaytay, called COMPASS, that ticked all the boxes to be able to deliver industry-leading courses under the direct supervision of our Maritime Coastguard Agency-approved instructors.

We adapted our current Advanced Fire Fighting course and picked out the most relevant areas that would benefit the crew, relating all the material directly to Virgin Voyages Safety Management System and Emergency Response Procedures.

The feedback from the courses delivered over the last six months has been positive and this enthusiasm has been noted when onboard during port state and weekly drills.

This has also relieved pressure on the Senior Officers, as the training has been carried out across all the Virgin Voyages crew at our multiple MSA facilities.

Virgin Voyages hosts over 60 different nationalities in crew onboard, and in the wake of the war in Ukraine, we have managed to facilitate training for crew members at our new centre located in Gibraltar, navigating Schengen visas and logistics with the help from our partners at the University of Gibraltar.

MSA Gibraltar has also been delivering a one-day Operational Fire Fighting course for cruise calls; collecting fire teams from the cruise terminal, delivering training at the Airport Fire Training centre, and then delivering back to the vessel.

The popularity of this training has been exponential in growth due to the ease for the ship operator and enabling company best practice in a truly real hot and smoky environment.

Considering the popularity of this course, a new partnership has been formed with Gib Dock and the Government of Gibraltar, in building our own fire training module at the University location in Europa Point.”

What is the importance of this beyond compliance training for you?

“The ability to get hands-on with your actual fire teams, in truly realistic fire situations.

Enabling the fire teams to make factual-based decisions on the front line and deploying effective communication skills.

We welcome Senior Officers to attend this training to enable the command-and-control aspect to take place, review effective and concise briefings, and debriefings to the teams. This is the place to make mistakes. Our instructors will be by your side throughout offering expert advice at all levels.

The crew will have more confidence in their equipment and procedures, enabling quicker reactions to situations on board.”

About Sam Kelly

Sam Kelly is Head of Training at MSA Dover.

After graduating with a degree in the Science of Maritime Operations, Sam spent 11 years working as a Navigation Officer in the ferry and cruise industries, visiting ports in the Mediterranean, Baltic, Norway and the Caribbean.

Sam then joined Saga cruises as a Maritime Operations Manager, before progressing to a Marine Superintendent. He played a leading role in bringing the newest Spirit class vessels into service and managed the turnaround operations in the UK as well as all port operations Worldwide.

Sam brings a wealth of knowledge gained throughout his career to his role at MSA Dover.

Explore our full range of maritime training courses here.

STCW Basic Training for Service on Ships using Fuels

The MCA approved STCW Basic Training for Service on Ships using Fuels provides training for seafarers responsible for designated safety duties associated with the care, use, or in emergency response to the fuels on board ships subject to the IGF code (International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels).

In our latest article, we look at the many reasons why this course is so important.

Safety:

The International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) sets out safety standards for ships that use alternative fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other low-flashpoint fuels.

This code aims to ensure the safe design, construction, and operation of ships using these fuels.

The STCW Basic Training covers the essential knowledge and skills required to handle and respond to emergencies related to these fuels, ensuring the safety of the crew, passengers, and the environment.

Competence:

The training ensures that seafarers working on ships using alternative fuels are competent in handling the specific challenges and hazards associated with such fuels.

It covers topics like fuel characteristics, safe fuel handling procedures, firefighting techniques, and emergency response protocols.

By completing the training, seafarers acquire the necessary skills to effectively operate and respond to incidents involving alternative fuel systems.

Compliance:

The STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) is an international maritime treaty that establishes minimum training, certification, and watchkeeping standards for seafarers.

The training on ships using fuels covered within the IGF Code is mandated by the convention, ensuring compliance with international regulations.

Ship operators and seafarers must adhere to these regulations to meet the required standards and maintain a valid certificate of competency.

Prevention of accidents and pollution:

Ships using alternative fuels pose unique safety challenges due to the characteristics of these fuels. They have different ignition properties and may require specific handling procedures.

The STCW Basic Training equips seafarers with the knowledge to identify potential hazards, prevent accidents, and respond effectively to emergencies.

By ensuring that crew members are well-trained, the training helps minimize the risk of accidents, mitigate their consequences, and prevent pollution incidents.

Industry standards and best practices:

The STCW Basic Training reflects industry standards and best practices related to the use of fuels covered within the IGF Code.

These standards are developed through extensive research, analysis of incidents, and collaboration among maritime experts and organisations.

By incorporating these standards into the training, seafarers gain access to the latest knowledge and practices in the field, enhancing the overall safety culture within the shipping industry.

In summary, the STCW Basic Training for Service on Ships using Fuels covered within the IGF Code is important because it ensures the safety, competence, compliance, and pollution prevention of seafarers working on ships using alternative fuels.

It helps them acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to handle emergencies, follow industry standards, and maintain high safety standards in their operations.

To find out more about this course and to register your interest, please click here.