The Maritime Skills Academy Celebrates the Nautical Institute’s Recognition for Polar Training Courses

The Maritime Skills Academy (MSA) is proud to announce that our Polar Code Basic Course (POLAB) and Advanced Training Course (POLA) has received recognition from the Nautical Institute (NI).

Our courses are part of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) that seafarers must undertake to gain the Ice Navigator Level 1 and Level 2 Certificate. This recognition makes the Maritime Skills Academy one of only two training centres in the world to hold this accreditation.

What is the Ice Navigator Training Accreditation and Certification Scheme?

The NI Ice Navigator Training Accreditation and Certification Scheme is required under the Polar Code, with a global standard in training and certification of Ice Navigators.

The NI Standard complies with relevant IMO resolutions and identifies the skills, competencies, and experience that are expected of an Ice Navigator. Officers that obtain NI Ice Navigator Level 1 or Level 2 Certification will possess an internationally recognised level of experience and competence in the operation of ships in ice.

Mark Jaenicke, Operations Director at the MSA said,

“We are thrilled to have received recognition from the Nautical Institute and to be able to offer these high-quality courses to seafarers.

“Our team of experienced Ice Captains and Ice Pilots has developed the courses to provide a comprehensive education and training program that meets the requirements of the STCW.

“With this recognition, we are confident that our courses will help seafarers improve their skills and advance their careers in polar navigation.”

What is the Polar Training Course?

The Polar Training Course is a comprehensive training program designed to equip seafarers with the necessary skills and knowledge required for navigating ships in polar waters. The scheme was set up as part of the Nautical Institute’s Ice Navigator Training Accreditation and Certification Scheme, which is required under the Polar Code.

The NI has developed this global standard in training and certification of Ice Navigators in compliance with relevant IMO resolutions; it identifies the skills, competencies, and experience expected of an ice navigator.

The NI Standard has two levels: Ice Navigator Level 1 and Ice Navigator Level 2. These are internationally recognised certificates that signify a high level of experience and competence in the operation of ships in ice.

Officers who obtain the NI Ice Navigator Level 1 or Level 2 Certification will possess the necessary skills and experience to navigate polar waters safely and effectively.

What Do the Courses Involve?

The Maritime Skills Academy offers two MCA Approved Polar Code Training courses:

The Polar Code Training (Basic) (POLAB) aims to provide seafarers on board polar-operating ships with education and training that meet the STCW requirements. The course covers the following topics:

Polar Code overview and regulations
Cold climate and its impact on the ship and crew
Ice and its various forms
Navigation in ice and low visibility
Emergency procedures in ice-covered waters

The Polar Code Training (Advanced) (POLA) is intended for Masters and Officers in charge of the navigational watch involved in navigating ice conditions. The course covers the following topics:

Plan and conduct a voyage in polar water
Manage the safe operation of vessels operating in polar waters
Maintain safety of the ship’s crew and passengers and the operational condition of life-saving, fire-fighting and other systems

Both courses have been developed by experienced Ice Captains and Ice Pilots, who are recognised leaders in the industry. Our instructors have extensive experience in navigating ships in polar waters, and help deliver these courses.

Upon successful completion of the course, seafarers will have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate ships safely and efficiently in polar waters.

Final Thoughts

We are proud to have received recognition from the Nautical Institute for its Polar Code Basic Course (POLAB) and Advanced Training Course (POLA).

By completing these courses, seafarers can gain the Ice Navigator Level 1 and Level 2 Certificate, which will provide internationally recognised experience and competence in the operation of ships in ice.

This opens up polar waters to more seafarers and provides an opportunity to further your career in polar seafaring.

If you’re interested in the Polar Code Basic Course (POLAB) or Advanced Training Course (POLA), please click here.

Everything You Need to Know About the MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC 1)

As a maritime professional, it is important to be up-to-date with the latest safety regulations. The MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC 1) provides the necessary training and certification needed to safely operate a vessel.

The AEC 1 course covers a variety of topics, including:

basic engine maintenance
fuel management
safety procedures
boat handling
emergency procedures

In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the AEC 1 course and what it covers. We’ll also touch on how this certification can benefit your career as a maritime professional.

What Is the MCA Approved Engine Course 1?

So, what exactly is the MCA Approved Engine Course 1?

The AEC 1 is a professional course overseen by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified engine mechanics.

The AEC 1 is module 6 in the of 7-module Approved Engine Certificate program, which
includes:

Personal Survival Techniques
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
Elementary First Aid
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
Proficiency in Security Awareness
Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC 1)
Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC 2)

Completing all modules is required if you’d like to begin the Second Engineer (SV) Certificate.

What Does the MCA Approved Engine Course 1 Cover?

In simple terms, AEC 1 covers the basics of engine mechanics and will teach you how to
service and maintain engines. In pursuit of that, courses cover topics including:

compression ignition engines
two- and four-stroke operation cycles
fuel systems
cooling systems
electrical systems
lubrication technologies
power transmission units
hull fittings
safety procedures
fixed firefighting installations

As you can see, the course is quite comprehensive. It is important to note that the AEC 1 course is both practical and theoretical. Students will spend time in both the classroom and workshop in order to gain a well-rounded understanding of engine mechanics.

Note: You can read the MCA’s full-length course description here.

AEC 1 MCA Approved Engineer Course Maritime Skills Academy

How Is the MCA Approved Engine Course 1 Delivered?

The AEC 1 course is only delivered in person due to the importance of the practical elements. To take the course, you’ll need to locate an MCA approved testing centre in your area and book a spot.

The length of the course varies depending on the provider, but most courses last 5 days.

The AEC 1 course is usually graded by a short assessment at the end of training.

What are the requirements for the MCA Approved Engine Course 1?

The MCA doesn’t have any strict prerequisites in place for the AEC 1 course, aside from a minimum age requirement of 18 years.

That said, many testing centres recommend taking the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Diesel Engine Course if you don’t have any prior experience with engines. The RYA course will give you a good foundation of knowledge that will help you to succeed in the AEC 1 course.

Additionally, it’s worth pointing out that successfully completing the AEC 1 course is a condition for taking the AEC 2 course.

What are the benefits of getting AEC 1 Certified?

There are a few key benefits that come with getting your MCA Approved Engine Course 1 certification, including:

Advanced Certification: The certification is required if you want to attain the Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency from the MCA. This is an important credential for anyone looking to pursue a career as a maritime professional.
Greater Competency: The skills and knowledge you gain from taking the AEC 1 course will be valuable in your day-to-day work as a maritime professional. The course covers essential topics like engine maintenance, fuel management, and safety procedures—all of which are critical in ensuring the safe operation of a vessel.
Differentiation: Having your AEC 1 certification can help you to stand out from other maritime professionals who don’t have the same level of training and experience. Of course, there are many other benefits to taking the AEC 1 course—these are just a few of the most notable.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re interested in taking the MCA Approved Engine Course 1, the first step is to locate a testing centre near you. Once you’ve found a provider that offers the course, you can book your place and get started on your path to becoming a certified engine mechanic!

If you’re looking for an MCA approved testing centre in the Dover area, be sure to book your AEC 1 course here. We offer a variety of MCA approved courses, including the AEC 1, AEC 2, and more.

What Is GWO Sea Survival Training?

Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Sea Survival Training is one element of a globally recognised certification that provides offshore workers in the wind and renewables’ industry with the skills and knowledge to survive in the event of an offshore accident.

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

In this article, we will be covering everything you need to know about Sea Survival Training—what it covers, whether you or your employees need it, and where to get it.

What Is the Global Wind Organisation (GWO)?

The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) is an independent, non-profit organisation that provides a set of standards for the safe operation of wind turbines around the world.

These standards are internationally recognised and followed by leading wind energy companies, making GWO certification essential for anyone wanting to work in the offshore wind industry.

GWO was founded in 2009 in response to a growing need for better safety standards in the wind industry. Its membership includes some of the biggest names in the business, such as Ørsted, Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, and EDF Renewables.

What Does GWO Sea Survival Training Cover?

GWO Sea Survival Training is a one-day course that covers both theoretical topics and practical elements.

Theoretical topics are covered through classroom-based teaching, while the practical elements are completed in a controlled environment (e.g., a pool or marked practice area at sea).

Course topics include:

An introduction to the risks faced by offshore workers
An overview of the equipment used in sea survival (e.g., life jackets, lifeboats, flares, etc.)
An overview of national and international legislation
How to execute various man overboard techniques
How to swim in cold water and avoid hypothermia
How to deal with waves, currents, and tides
How to safely transfer people and equipment to and from offshore structures

Students who complete the course should be able to demonstrate that they have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in the event of an offshore accident, as well as the skills needed to carry them out effectively.

How Are GWO Sea Survival Courses Offered?

There isn’t a set structure when it comes to the GWO Sea Survival course — each is organised differently depending on the provider.

Typically, courses are 1-3 days long and use a mix of classroom-based theory teaching and practical training to meet their curriculum requirements.

Our GWO Sea Survival Training course (in partnership with Guardian Training) is a 1-day intensive course that covers all the topics listed above.

The course is delivered by instructors with years of experience in both the maritime industry and emergency response, and includes a mix of classroom-based learning and practical training in a controlled environment.

What Are the Prerequisites for GWO Sea Survival Training?

Anyone who wishes to participate in a GWO Sea Survival Training course must be over the age of 18. There are no other formal prerequisites for GWO Sea Survival Training, although it’s recommended that students have a basic level of fitness and swimming ability.

Who Is GWO Sea Survival Training For?

GWO Sea Survival Training is a mandatory requirement for anyone who works offshore in the wind and renewables industry — this includes technicians, engineers, project managers, etc.

When you complete the course, your certification is added to WINDA — a GWO database that allows employers to verify your certification.

Unlike an STCW certification, which is reviewed five years, employers must ensure that an employees GWO Sea Survival qualification is renewed and updated every two years.

However, it’s not just offshore renewables workers who can benefit from a GWO Sea Survival course. The skills and knowledge covered in the course are relevant to anyone who spends time working at sea (e.g., fishermen, sailors, oil rig workers, etc.).

In short, anyone who works or plans to work in an environment where they could be at risk of falling overboard or being exposed to cold water should consider taking a GWO Sea Survival Training course.

In addition, employers in these industries should consider sponsoring employees for the certification to help ensure their safety and the safety of others.

Where Can I Get GWO Sea Survival Training?

If you’re looking for a GWO Sea Survival course provider, the Maritime Skills Academy offers a 1-day intensive course from our Dover headquarters.

The course is accredited, affordable, and delivered weekly, so you’ll have plenty of dates to choose from.

Bookings can be made through our contact form or via:

TEL: +44 (0) 1795 580 333
WEB: https://www.h-a-r-t.co.uk/training-courses/gwo/

We’re committed to making offshore work safer for workers, and are more than happy to answer any question you have about the course — so don’t hesitate to reach out!