ONBOARD TRAINING IN AN EVOLVING SHIPPING INDUSTRY
A modern and diverse fleet of vessels requires highly trained and competent seafarers.
On behalf of ship owner clients, Northern Marine’s sizable multinational workforce operates vessels propelled by traditional and alternative fuels such as methanol, biofuel and LNG.
As well as sustaining respective sector or national certification through mandated training, seafarers at Northern Marine also undergo a range of ‘value-added’ onboard training that ensures the employees reach their full potential and can match the overall Company Training ethos: “Competency beyond compliance.”
Complementing computer-based training programmes, a bespoke online Competency Management System based on individual ship types and individual ranks is currently being rolled out to assist seafarers to continuously develop their skills in their existing ranks and prepare for potential promotion.
Northern Marine also delivers a fully supported crossover training programme for seafarers in the Fleet looking to transition to different vessel types, such as LNG or methanol-fuelled vessels.
As well as attaining the respective industry certification to operate such vessels, Northern Marine’s programme also includes the opportunity for the seafarer to shadow experienced colleagues onboard the specific vessel type they hope to work on.
John Abate, Head of Training, Northern Marine Group said: “Our training agenda is continuously responding to evolving industry demands.
“Across shipping there are numerous newer fuel options and related systems either being utilised or explored, such as LNG, ammonia, methanol, nuclear, hydrogen, biofuels, battery, and wind. As there is yet to be a dominant method of propulsion amongst the emergent new fuels, the maritime industry is moving from a stable skill set, in other words nearly all powered by diesel, to multi option fleets requiring diverging skill sets.
“Indeed, as more complex ships join our management, our targeted training modules cover IGF, dual fuel propulsion, and automation.
“Our range of onboard training complements our various onshore training programmes and seminars, all aiming to ensure we raise our training standard above industry expectation to achieve competency beyond compliance.”
When onboard, cadets training with Northern Marine Group subsidiary Clyde Marine Training utilise a digital training support platform to access learning resources, receive support and guidance for the completion of their training record book, as well on or offline tutor-led micro-learning modules.
And while much has changed in maritime training in recent years, Safety has and always will remain a priority. In tandem with onshore management, Northern Marine seafarers participate in onboard real-time emergency drills involving role-play exercises.
Seafarers also participate in onboard team-based Maritime Partners in Safety training where learning engagement tools are available on the vessel to allow teams made up of around 5 crew members discuss safety risks how to prevent incidents occurring. Safety and operational training are also delivered in person by highly experienced visiting Northern Marine Fleet Safety Specialists who can identify and help crews address required improvements onboard.
