Safebridge News

Safebridge, a worldwide leading provider of web-based E-Learning products for the maritime industry, providing online, onboard and classroom training for nautical officers and captains, has launched a joint initiative with Seagull Maritime AS. Drawing on the strengths of each organisation, the partners will make E-learning expertise from Safebridge and the wide-ranging onboard training platform from Seagull available through a combined offer, benefiting seafarers worldwide. Today, a wide variety of ECDIS solutions can be found onboard ships. Already, over 30 ECDIS models are in use in the commercial shipping, with a unique selling point claimed for each by way of competetive offering.

Safebridge, a provider of web-based e-learning products for the maritime industry, providing online, onboard and classroom training for nautical officers and captains, hosted the Port State Control of Germany in January 2016 offering a customized Basic ECDIS Training for the inspection officers of the BG Verkehr, the Authority responsible for conducting Port State inspections on vessels hailing German ports. The training covered the legal, technical and operational requirements for the carriage of ECDIS as primary means of navigation.

Videotel, a provider of e-Learning maritime training solutions and a company of KVH Industries, has joined forces with online maritime training business Safebridge GmbH, which specializes in ECDIS training, to provide shipping companies with the unique ability to certify their seafarers on ECDIS type-specific training while serving onboard. More than 30 ECDIS type-specific training courses will be available, which is the most comprehensive offering in the industry. Companies using the Videotel On Demand (VOD) system will have access to this leading-edge certification route. The agreement will enable a trainee onboard to select and log onto the VOD system and access the relevant Safebridge courses.

Online simulation training specialist Safebridge will launch a new training course for Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). Kelvin Hughes Marine Systems, a supplier of ships’ bridge systems, has appointed Safebridge and its sister company MSG MarineServe GmbH as authorized training providers for Kelvin Hughes ECDIS products. The new course is available online through the Safebridge cloud-based Internet infrastructure, on-board or as classroom-based training through the ECDIS Training Consortium (ETC) Network. The Safebridge online ECDIS training course includes guided lessons, open freeplay and a competency test.

U.K.-based ECDIS manufacturer Martek Marine Ltd. has partnered with German ECDIS training supplier Safebridge GmbH and the ECDIS Training Consortium to deliver ‘Type Specific’ ECDIS training for crew members on-board vessels without internet access. The VTK (vessel training kit) for on-board computer based training without the need for internet connection will allow crew members to carry out their Type Specific Training without the pressure, cost or unreliability of internet connections whilst at sea. Steve Coulson, Business Development Director at Martek Marine commented, “Training is one of the most important elements of successful and due diligent ECDIS implementation.

Geomares Publishing has introduced a new training book ECDIS Basics, written by Professor Ralph Becker-Heins, which aims to give practical hands-on knowledge to all those who will be trained in the operational use of Electronic Chart Display and Information systems (ECDIS). The publishers explain that ECDIS is one of the most complex and sophisticated navigational tools on board a ship today. High quality training and instructions are therefore essential requirements and this is where this book can play an important role. For less experienced users, the book will help to gain an overview of the principles of ECDIS navigation and the related challenges. However, it is likely that advanced ECDIS operators will also be able to find new answers and helpful suggestions in this book.

Full Range of SAM ECDIS’ now feature online training. Hamburg-based ECDIS training specialist Safebridge extends its portfolio by a new type-specific familiarization course for the Chartpilot 1100/93x0 series made by SAM Electronics. The manufacturer approved course is available online and completes the coverage of online training for SAM Electronics’ ECDIS products. The courses for Chartpilot 1100/93x0 series as well as the ECDISPILOT series courses can be booked for single officers on demand or be assigned from a fleet training package. They also cover the Multipilot version of the respective ECDIS. “We are happy that we are now able to satisfy our customers’ demands asking for online training for both Generations of the SAM Electronics ECDIS”…

With ECDIS training continuing to be high on the shipping agenda, Videotel, in conjunction with Safebridge, now offers participants an entry into three times as many type-specific ECDIS modules as its nearest competitor. “With constant demands for greater flexibility from crew and STCW requirements calling for proficiency in working with the specific type of ECDIS system found on board, bridge personnel have to ensure they have the right training to work on the equipment they are given,” explained Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel Marine International.

Having served as the editor of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News for more than 20 years, it is my running joke that Jim Rhodes, president, Rhodes Communications, Inc., is the first person I see at every trade show I attend, anywhere I attend, around the world. This, I think, is testament not to dumb luck, rather to Rhodes, who this month celebrates the 30th Anniversary of his self-named PR firm, as an astute and always-present PR machine. Rhodes Communications, Inc., an international public relations and marketing services company based in Norfolk, Va., celebrates its 30th year of business this month. Founded in 1983 by Jim Rhodes, the company originally focused primarily on the commercial and recreational segments of the marine industry.

Safebridge, the Hamburg-based pioneer in interactive, Internet-based, navigation training, has released its eighth online type-specific training course for the Imtech SeaGuide ECDIS. “We are drawing closer to our goal of providing a comprehensive range of flexible, cost-effective, online courses for all major ECDIS suppliers in anticipation of increasing demand for type-specific training,” said Safebridge managing director, Ulf Steden. “This was the last of the releases completed in the first half of 2013.

Under the contract, Nor Lines has ordered 10 ECDIS 24 systems for installations on board of five ships, with MV Cometa being the first vessel to be refitted. All five shipsets will be supplied and commissioned by Raytheon Anschütz’ Norwegian distributor Syberg AS. The ECDIS 24 retrofit package consists of a 24” TFT Panel- PC, an interface box providing all necessary interfaces as required by the ECDIS performance standard IEC61174, trackball, DVD drive and cabling. The exchange of data, routes and charts between the two ECDIS onboard will be easily realized via LAN network cable.

Raytheon Anschütz was awarded a contract for the supply of ECDIS 24 to a significant retrofit program of Norwegian shipowner Nor Lines. ECDIS 24 is a particular designed retrofit version of the well-known Raytheon Anschütz ECDIS. Under the contract, Nor Lines has ordered ten ECDIS 24 systems for installations on board of five ships, with MV Cometa being the first vessel to be refitted. All five shipsets will be supplied and commissioned by Raytheon Anschütz’ Norwegian distributor Syberg AS.

ETC announce that it has now partnered with SAM Electronics to provide ECDIS training for the CHARTPILOT and ECDISPILOT, complementing SAM’s successful cooperation with Safebridge for online training, and thereby expanding SAM’s ECDIS training capabilities. ETC, the ECDIS Training Consortium, is a joint venture of training partners working under the patronage and control of MSG MarineServe GmbH, a  sister company of  Safebridge, to deliver courses that implement the identical ECDIS training program, adhere to consistent quality standards and are audited externally on a regular basis. ETC will use its established worldwide network to provide conventional, face-to-face, ECDIS training to meet local needs and improve the service to its global customer base.

Safebridge, the Internet-based simulation training specialist, has brought its latest E-learning courseware online for training and certification on the JRC ECDIS models JAN-701, JAN-701B, JAN-901, JAN-901M, JAN-901B & JAN-2000. “Safebridge is pleased to be in a position to offer training for the JRC ECDIS to supplement JRC’s own training program and provide its customers with the added benefits of flexibility on timing, location and duration, as the course allows a three-week window for both the training and the online test for certification,” said Safebridge Managing Director Ulf Steden.

Safebridge, the Internet-based simulation training specialist, released its E-learning courseware for training and certification on the new ECDISPILOT Basic and Platinum models. Courseware development for Chartpilot and Multipilot models is also well advanced. “The introduction of training for a further ECDIS manufacturer means that we are now able to offer the industry an even more flexible service,” said Safebridge Managing Director Ulf Steden. He added, “Because the price of a course is the same for all ECDIS models…

MSG MarineServe GmbH, a  maritime training company, will act as the official ECDIS training agent for the Navico Simrad ECDIS systems. The ECDIS training will be provided by MSG and its ‘ECDIS Training Consortium’ (ETC) or by sister company Safebridge GmbH using its innovative, online simulation, E-learning courses. The courses will provide trainees with comprehensive instruction, leading to full certification upon completion, and also allow third party authorities and customers, such as Port State Control, to reference trainee database services.

Following the release of the third online course, Hamburg-based online training specialist, Safebridge, has now released its ECDIS familiarization training package for the Transas Navi-Sailor 4000. Using the Navi-Sailor software running in real time, the content follows the requirements set by the various Flag States and provides 16-18 hours of study followed by an online test. A manufacturer-approved certificate is delivered immediately and automatically upon successful test completion. A completed IMO 1.27 generic training is a pre-requisite to the Safebridge online ECDIS familiarization training. At 185 Euros for a single log-in, the Safebridge training represents a cost-effective and highly flexible alternative to classroom training…

Safebridge will show a full working version of its ECDIS familiarisation course at SMM Hamburg. The full working version of the ECDIS familiarisation course will be linked via the web to the Safebridge online server and the original manufacturer’s own software. Having released the first course covering type-specific training on the Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine VisionMaster FT5 in May, Safebridge is now finalising courseware for its other manufacturing partners, which include Raytheon Anschuetz, Transas Marine, JRC, Imtech, ChartWorld, Sam Electronics and 7Cs. The Safebridge courses are true simulation conducted remotely and not using CDs or DVDs, which allow the student to study from anywhere with a good Internet connection.

The German-based navigation specialist Raytheon Anschütz is now offering an integrated weather chart overlay for the Synapsis ECDIS. Taking the special needs of navigation into consideration, the layer was developed in close cooperation with meteorological experts of the German sea weather provider WetterWelt. With the new feature Raytheon Anschütz combines sea chart and weather chart in one display. All weather parameter, which are important for navigation, are presented as values or symbols on a separate layer and can be switched on and off any time.

Hamburg – Safebridge announced that it has teamed up with Japan Radio Co. Ltd (JRC), provider of navigation systems, to develop type-specific ECDIS training for the JRC ECDIS. JRC joins a number of other ECDIS manufacturers in believing that online training is the key to meeting the huge numerical challenge set by STCW 2010. With the implementation of ECDIS as the primary means of navigation, and the now mandatory training requirements, Safebridge and JRC will provide seafarers around the globe with an effective and easy solution to train online and prepare themselves for their next assignment. Safebridge will develop the courseware for use in its learning platform…

Videotel, Safebridge and MSG join forces to offer a co-ordinated learning approach to ECDIS.   Maritime training software supplier Videotel joins hands with distance learning specialists Safebridge and MSG to offer the maritime community their ECDIS training courses, now updated to follow the latest IMO STCW amendments.   Deck officers who gain an interim certification of successful foundation training from Videotel, can progress to type-specific training and final certification by attending one of the training centres located strategically around the world that form part of the MSG controlled ECDIS Training Consortium (ETC).

MSG MarineServe, Safebridge and ChartWorld ECDIS training alliance. ChartWorld International has selected MSG MarineServe GmbH, its sister company Safebridge GmbH and the ECDIS Training Consortium (ETC) as its official training partner for the new ChartWorld eSeries, a “ECDIS as a Service” concept. MSG Marine and Safebridge will provide a complete eSeries training package, which encompasses both generic and type-specific training using a combination of traditional class based training and advanced web-based E-Learning programs.

ETC appointed by Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine to cover their ECDIS training requirements worldwide. ETC, the MSG MarineServe GmbH ECDIS Training Consortium, is pleased to announce that it has been appointed as official training agent by Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine to manage the provision of ECDIS training services worldwide through its partners. The agreement complements existing arrangements with MSG itself and its sister company, Safebridge GmbH, to ensure that Northrop…