Approved Test Centre News

Marlins, V.Group’s training business, has approved two new test centres in Panama and Ethiopia. The test centre in Panama is the first Marlins approved test centre in Central America. The centres – E4Seafarers in Panama and Andromeda Marine Surveying and Consultancy PLC in Ethiopia will offer both Marlins UK Maritime and Coast Guard Agency (MCA) approved STCW testing and certification as well as English language testing. Bisrat Hailu, general manager, Andromeda Marine Survey and Consultancy plc adds: “Our aim is to support Ethiopia’s efforts to become a force in the shipping industry by providing high-end training and consultancy services to existing as well as prospective seafarers in the country.

The U.K. MCA have granted approval to Marlins for their new STCW eLearning courses, resulting in further expansion of Marlins’ international Approved Test Centre network. The 2010 Manila amendments to the STCW Convention came into effect in 2012 and included a new requirement, Section A-VI/6. This requires all crew, whether deck, engine/technical, hotel, superyacht or concession, to undergo security awareness training. Crew members with specific security duties must also study and gain certification for additional topics. Marlins STCW security courses allow students to learn remotely online, at their own pace. Study material is graphical and interactive, including mini assessments throughout, to check understanding.