University of Gibraltar Working to Meet the Needs of the Industry
Flexibility and agility are not only the watchwords of the flag and port in Gibraltar, but they are also strong guiding principles for the university which has complemented its maritime academic programmes with high quality technical courses for the industry.
The School of Maritime runs a BSc (Hons) Maritime Science with Cadetship programme (Nautical or Engineering), which combines academic qualifications with practical training through MCA approved, guaranteed placements. The University of Gibraltar recently became an MCA approved centre for this academic programme and is also responsible for placement management and technical training, seen as much needed services for the local maritime industry to ensure it is future-proofing its development and sustainability in the sector.
The university has developed strategic partnerships with the Government of Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Port Authority, and the Gibraltar Maritime Administration. In addition, the university works in partnership with Viking Maritime Group (VMG) to provide a well-established portfolio of world-class maritime education and training, further supporting Gibraltar’s status as a Maritime Centre of Excellence.
“VMG are industry leaders in Crew Management, Maritime Training, and Cadet Management, and together we have successfully synchronised our approach to the development and delivery of high quality, industry-relevant, maritime technical training”, the university said.
The University of Gibraltar is also working with all bunker suppliers and several ferry operators in the region and their respective ship management and crew management representatives, together with numerous local agents, Gibdock and diving services companies.
And what about demands for the courses? Well, according to Aaron Lopez, Head of the Maritime Academy, the BSc (Hons) Maritime Science with Cadetship programme (Nautical or Engineering), is now into its third year and has gained significant traction. “We have doubled our intake every year as word spreads about our innovative approach to the programme structure (three year degree that includes OOW and guaranteed placements with quality operators). Cadets are being recruited from around the world such as the US, UK, Morocco, and elsewhere.
“Operators themselves are showing increasing interest in offering placements and subsequent employment due to the calibre of our cadets. In terms of technical courses, we provide MCA approved Maritime STCW training, tailored beyond compliance training, and bespoke training for the fast-evolving maritime industry, as well as the 10,000 ship calls together with 20,000 crew changes per year in Gibraltar. The 2024 course calendar is well underway, having over 40 operational beyond compliance fire fighting courses booked by major cruise companies calling in Gibraltar, and STCW training courses running every month of the year”, he said.
“Demand is primarily coming from the cruise sector, as they come alongside Gib Port and the close location of the University Maritime Academy allows for easy pick up of crew for training and return back on board, before the vessel departs.
Having our courses consistently up and running allows vessel operators and managers to maximise productive time during their call in Gibraltar”, he stressed.
At the Maritime Skills Academy, our brand-new fire training ground, in partnership with the University of Gibraltar, offers clients a further advanced, and modern training centre within Southern Europe. To find out more about the Maritime Skills Academy Gibraltar, visit our website here.
This article was written and published by Ship Management International in their latest edition, which you can view here.
Date of Issue: 20th March 2024
Last Edited: 28th August 2024