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.

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.

Glowing Feedback for Train the Trainer Course in Tuvalu

We always love to receive feedback following our training courses at the Maritime Skills Academy and we felt this one deserved a special mention as it comes from over 9,000 miles away in Tuvalu!

Recently Paul Russell, an MSA Consultant Instructor conducted our Train the Trainer Course, which is accredited by the UK Chamber of shipping via virtual classroom to 3 delegates on the Island of Tuvalu.

Here is what they had to say,

“On behalf of my Team here in Tuvalu, I would like to thank you for your good time in delivering this Train The Trainer course and also in taking into account the time differences we had. The course was excellent and well delivered. The training course is useful especially for our team where we can look into areas that are lacking and identify the gaps needed to be addressed accordingly.

I would also like to thank Polly for her kind assistance and support in the arrangement of this course and especially in making things easier in responding well to our email when we really need help. I believe without Polly kind assistance and support we couldn’t reach this final point in completing this course.

Thank you Polly. Once again, Thank you all for your great support.”

If you are interested in booking onto the Train the Trainer Course please register your interest via our website

Tuvalu is an island country in the Polynesian subregion of Oceania in the Pacific Ocean. It’s islands are situated about midway between Hawaii and Australia. The Tuvalu Maritime Training Institute (TMTI) is on Amatuku motu, on Funafuti atoll in Tuvalu. TMTI provides training to approximately 120 marine cadets each year, to provide them with the basic skills necessary for employment as seafarers on merchant shipping.