When it comes to maritime training there is much to consider, not least the choice of training courses that are available.
The Maritime Skills Academy provides over 500 expert courses globally to over 5,000 delegates every year, at world-class training centres in Portsmouth, Dover and Gibraltar.
As an approved centre for the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, the Global Wind Organisation (GWO), Nautical Institute and UK Chamber of Shipping, this training ensures the highest standards are maintained for commercial operators as well as for both maintaining and building professional development.
This blog gives some guidance on the different types of maritime training programmes available to help you chart a course in your existing future career, or learn new skills that meet the needs of today’s maritime industry.
Setting new standards at sea
There’s nothing quite like experiencing first-hand, real-life situations that you may face whether as a tug operator, out on deck in the merchant navy, as part of a yacht crew or working in hospitality on a cruise line.
Our deck and engine training programmes, for example, provide extensive simulator training in bridge resource management (BRM), tug operations, ship handling, engine room resource room management (ERM) and for handling high voltage situations.
Marine fire and safety training, meanwhile, includes programmes in STCW Safety, commercial fire response, medical first aid and accredited sea survival courses.
Accredited industry led training
STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, one of a number of industry backed qualifications offering an extensive range of courses available at basic, advanced and refresher level.
STCW courses include everything from basic safety training to updated proficiency in Medical Care and specialised knowledge for service on ships using fuels covered within the IGF code.
Crisis management and human behaviour, crowd management and personal safety and social responsibilities provide a taste of other courses run under the STCW banner.
GWO stands for the Global Wind Organisation, an independent non-profit organisation that provides a set of standards for the safe operation of wind turbines around the world.
Sea survival training is just one element of a globally recognised certification that provides offshore workers with the skills and knowledge they will need, should incidents occur.
The full GWO Basic Safety Training certification also includes training in fire awareness, manual handling, first aid training and working at height.
Courses offered through the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) include a range of training options that build health and safety expertise for seafarers, including engine maintenance courses, ideal for operators of small inshore and pleasure vessels.
MCA Approved Polar Code Training for those on-board ships operating in polar waters are among our most popular courses.
Courses bespoke to you or your business
When it comes to the types of maritime training programmes available, there are hundreds to choose from and we can help you to choose the courses that are right for you.
While some training programmes are fixed in the time it will take to complete, others can be shaped to the specific needs of your crew, employees or your wider organisation.
Courses range in time from half day or full day refreshers to five days for more in depth skills training such as Operational Fire Fighting Training (OPFF), for example.
Whatever your training requirements, and wherever you are in the world, The Maritime Skills Academy provides complete training management whether you are private yacht crew, working offshore or working in the cruise industry.
If you would like to discuss yours or your organisation’s training needs, get in touch with Head of Training, Sam Kelly, at samk@vikingmsa.com.
To explore our full portfolio of maritime training courses, please click here.