The Nautical Institute announces today that it is to expand its accreditation services. Members input, which has fed into the Institute’s current five year strategic plan, highlights that focus on competency and professionalism across the entire maritime industry is greater than ever.
Under previous strategic plans, the Institute has developed model courses for leadership and management training, raised awareness within the industry of the need for this training, and accredited training providers for these important courses. The Institute continues to build upon their international standard for training and certification of dynamic positioning operators, established in 1983, as well as accrediting the extensive network of international DP training centres. These subjects are now included as a mandatory requirement in the STCW Code, following the 2010 Manila Amendments.
The issue of competency in the modern era is consistently raised by members in terms of the effectiveness of training, reduction of sea time and experience, assessment and use of simulation. There is a strong perception that competency is reducing across the board at sea and ashore, not merely due to the rapid promotion of officers but due to the shortage of suitably qualified personnel.
In response to this, and following the success of Institute accreditation schemes already in place, Miss Regina Bindao MBA, has been appointed to spearhead this expansion as Accreditation Services Manager.
“I look forward to developing new areas of accreditation where there is industry demand, and will be putting together an accreditation support team consisting of auditors and technical specialists drawn from the Institute’s membership and staff.” Says Regina.
Regina also assumes responsibility for all aspects of the Institute's current accreditation services covering specialised training in Dynamic Positioning (DP), Oil Spill Response, Water Ballast Management, Leadership, ECDIS and Ship Visitor.
The current consultation structure for DP standards (DP-TEG and RTPs) continues to be fully supported and serviced by the Institute, as does the programme of accreditation audits.