ClassNK Issues Approval for ECDIS Training
ClassNK Issues First Type Specific Training Course Approval for ECDIS Certification to FURUNO INS Training Center Singapore.
ClassNK issued its first Type Specific Training Course approval for an ECDIS(Electronic Chart Display and Information System) Training Course offered by FURUNO INS Training Center Singapore. The approval, which coincides with the grand opening of the new training center, certifies that the course offered by the center complies with the leading classification society’s new Standard for Maritime Education & Training
New requirements for the installation of ECDIS systems will be phased in from 1 July 2012, after which vessels will be required to navigate using ECDIS as their primary chart system. As part of this process, masters and deck officers will be required to undergo adequate training and prove their understanding and proficiency in using the new systems.
In addition to the generic ECDIS training required by the STCW Convention and Code, the governments of the UK and Ireland, as well as the Paris MOU, require masters and all deck officers on flag vessels which make use of ECDIS systems as their primary means of navigation undergo Type Specific ECDIS training for the ECDIS systems used onboard their vessels. In recognition of the growing demand for not only rigorous generic ECDIS training courses, but also high quality training programs for individual ECDIS Systems, ClassNK developed new certification standards for Type Specific ECDIS training programs, that it hopes will become a de-facto standard for the industry.
ClassNK Executive Vice President Koichi Fujiwara, who has directly overseen ClassNK’s expansion into maritime training certification, said: “With the increasing level of technology used for navigation and ship operation, as well as growing regulation of seafarers, there is an incredible demand throughout the industry for higher quality seafarer training programs. By developing new standards for maritime training, and working with training centers to meet these new standards, we hope to positively address these needs, and contribute to a safer future for our entire industry.”