Maritime Training News

One Year In: Industry SME (Captain) Pat Folan weighs in from the front lines.It has been an interesting year for towing industry. As the new Subchapter M towboat rule rolled out, it didn’t take long to discover that the regulation wasn’t perfect. As stakeholders look ahead to what comes next, it is also helpful to take a look back at what went right, what didn’t, and more importantly – why.The U.S. Coast GuardThe US Coast Guard does not have the manpower to add more than 5,000 vessels to its workload.

A regional workshop organized by International Maritime Organization (IMO) has provided senior maritime administration officials in Latin America with the latest information on current and future developments at the Organization.The workshop for the regional maritime authorities networks, ROCRAM and ROCRAM-CA was held at IMO Headquarters in London (26 November) in the margin of the 31st IMO Assembly.The 28 participants received detailed information about the activities within…

Work is underway to further develop Viet Nam’s national oil spill contingency plan at a workshop in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, this week (26-29 November).Forty participants from across 10 government departments and the oil and gas and shipping industry are taking part in the workshop, which is the latest in a series of International Maritime Organization (IMO)-assisted events on oil spill contingency in South-East Asia.Participants are being introduced to international good practices…

Well-trained seafarers are essential to safe ship navigation in Polar waters and International Maritime Organization (IMO)  has been playing its part with a training course for maritime instructors, underway in Valparaíso, Chile (18-22 November).The course is training participants from maritime training institutions in South America responsible for training seafarers – with a focus on IMO’s Polar Code. The code, when properly applied, is a powerful tool for safeguarding the environment…

We must assess our trainees. Yet we have all heard the complaints they raise about assessments: “I am a bad test-writer”, “this test was much more difficult than I expected”, “I know the material but I did not understand the questions”, “I was nervous, and my mind went blank”, etc.These are not the occasional concerns of weak or lazy trainees – they are the norm. And we must listen because our trainees are telling us that we cannot rely on our assessment results as an accurate reflection of what they know.

Naval Group launched an R&D center in Singapore for strategic naval defense research topics.This international collaborative platform of exchanges located in Singapore will respond to a triple objective: boost innovation in new strategic domains such as Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, create a supply of innovative technologies for the regional market as well as supporting the joint effort led by both Singapore and France regarding R&D investments.With this center, Naval…

Make a Profit with a Safety Management System (SMS).Organizations in the maritime industry act no differently than any other successful global business unit. Major decisions are made with a certain underlying commitment – a commitment to customers, stakeholders and employees. That commitment can be oversimplified by stating the obvious, to generate revenue, but more specifically generate profits. Without profits, the company will not only fail to thrive, but will fail to survive.

SQLearn and Prevention at Sea (PAS) have launched the new innovative e-learning course “IMO 2020 Sulfur Cap”The Greek e-learning solutions provider said: "This is the one-time stop to learn everything that IMO requires to achieve compliance with the IMO 2020 Sulfur Cap Legislation."The e-learning course covers all the aspects of the IMO 2020 Sulfur Cap Regulations and gives you the deepest knowledge on the upcoming maritime changes defined by IMO and strictly implemented on January 1st…

An effective maritime transport system is an important foundation for sustainable development. But it needs proper planning and a solid policy foundation.So, as part of its efforts to help deliver the global Sustainable Development Goals, International Maritime Organization (IMO) encourages and assists its Member States to devise national maritime transport policies.A seminar on maritime transport policy, delivered by IMO and the faculty of the World Maritime University is now…

Training for African women working in search and rescue (SAR) operations underwent at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Rabat, Morocco (13-15 November).Thirteen officials from developing countries and Small Island Developing States took part in the first regional training course of this kind. The participating states were Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Seychelles and South Africa.The course included a practical…

The offshore wind industry in the United States is growing exponentially, with multiple projects in the development stages off of the Atlantic coast. The total megawatt capacity of U.S. offshore wind farms is anticipated to reach 22,000 by 2030 and 43,000 by 2050. To support this growth, U.S. Department of Energy reports estimate over 40,000 new jobs will be created by 2030.The new jobs anticipated to support the offshore wind industry include a wide range of types, including engineers, trade workers, surveyors, scientists, technicians, managers, and seafarers.

Mediterranean countries underwent International Maritime Organization (IMO)  training on the impacts of anti-fouling systems and ships’ biofouling on the marine environment at a workshop in Valletta, Malta (12-14 November).The event raised awareness of IMO’s Anti-Fouling Systems (AFS) Convention and Biofouling Guidelines – what it means to implement them, and, in the case of the AFS Convention, the requirements and benefits of ratification and enforcement.Biofouling is the build-up of aquatic organisms on a ship’s underwater hull and structures.

“The decrease in state spending on higher education is what keeps me awake at night” is how RADM Michael Alfultis, President, SUNY Maritime College, neatly summarized the biggest challenge he faces as the leader of one of the U.S.’ leading maritime universities. “With a small student body (about 1700), the numbers simply don’t work,” noting that while state funding 15 years ago covered two-thirds of the college’s operating expenses, that percentage hovers at or below 30% today.The…

We must assess our trainees. Yet we have all heard the complaints they raise about assessments: “I am a bad test-writer”, “this test was much more difficult than I expected”, “I know the material but I did not understand the questions”, “I was nervous, and my mind went blank”, etc. These are not the occasional concerns of weak or lazy trainees – they are the norm. And we must listen because our trainees are telling us that we cannot rely on our assessment results as an accurate reflection of what they know.

3-Day Event Gathers Industry Leaders to Focus on Risks to the Marine Transportation SystemFrom November 13-15, the 10th annual Maritime Risk Symposium (MRS) will take place at SUNY Maritime College bringing together academics, government, and commercial entities to discuss threats, challenges, and risks associated with the Marine Transportation System (MTS).Key industry leaders participating in the event include First Coast Guard District Commander Rear Admiral Andrew Tiongson, MARAD Administrator Mark “Buz” Buzby, and New York State Supreme Court Judge John Ingram. “A resilient Marine Transportation System is imperative to our Nation’s economic prosperity and national security…

Nine commercial fishery companies have donated in total $471,587 to Danish training institute, the Greenland Maritime Center, for investment in a state-of-the-art K-Sim Fishery simulator from Kongsberg Digital.A first of its kind in the Kingdom of Denmark, the K-Sim Fishery simulator will enable students to gain vital competence in diverse fishery situations, including aft deck operations, and is scheduled for installation in 2020.Introduced by Kongsberg Digital in 2018, K-Sim Fishery is based on sophisticated K-Sim Navigation simulator technology…

Future maritime leaders from more than 70 countries graduated this week (3 November) from International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden.WMU was founded in 1983 by IMO as a center of excellence for maritime postgraduate education, research, and capacity building. It offers unique postgraduate educational programs, undertakes wide-ranging research in maritime and ocean-related studies and helps build maritime capacity in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s most important ship safety treaty – SOLAS – provides for safe merchant shipping, covering a wide variety of topics, from ship construction to fire protection, to life-saving appliances and cargo carriage.SOLAS generally applies only to ships above a certain size which make international voyages, but IMO’s efforts to improve ship safety go further – extending to so-called “non-SOLAS” vessels. These include fishing vessels, domestic ferries…

International Maritime Organization (IMO) ’s most important ship safety treaty – SOLAS – provides for safe merchant shipping, covering a wide variety of topics, from ship construction to fire protection, to life-saving appliances and cargo carriage.According to the UN body, SOLAS generally applies only to ships above a certain size which make international voyages, but IMO’s efforts to improve ship safety go further – extending to so-called “non-SOLAS” vessels. These include fishing vessels…

Placing maritime activity at the heart of national development plans in Africa will help deliver the Sustainable Development Goals, which is a key strategic direction for IMO. A recent International Maritime Organization (IMO) P training activity in Nairobi, Kenya is helping to do just that.With 38 of 54 African countries being coastal States – and more than 90% of Africa’s imports and exports being transported by sea, Africa’s future depends on healthy oceans and a sustainable Blue Economy.

Dynamic Positioning has been around for a while, it is evolving and it is here to stay. Here to sort it all out are two of industry’s more familiar stakeholders who also explain what might come next.When it comes to critical offshore operations and vessel handling, this is not your grandfather’s marine industry, and it hasn’t been for some time. That’s because the bridge layout and equipment commonly found on any recently delivered offshore service vessel would be unfamiliar to the typical deck officer of just 20 years ago.

UK's East coast port , Port of Blyth, said that it is installing a bespoke wind turbine training facility at its Bates terminal as part of a GBP1mln investment in training provision aimed at the offshore energy sector. This is a first for the UK wind industry.With the rapid growth of renewable energy providing the North East with major inward investment opportunities, the skills gap that currently exists in the sector is a key barrier to growth.This investment has enabled the Port of Blyth…

Japanese transport company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced the development of new content for its virtual reality (VR)-based marine safety education program, allowing trainees to virtually capture the sensations of "falling", "hand being caught between something", and experiencing "an incinerator explosion incident".The program uses VR goggles and VR technology created by Tsumiki Seisaku. With the VR tool, trainees can experience onboard operations, with computer graphic simulations of moving around on the ship…

Spain and International Maritime Organization (IMO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on technical cooperation activities to support capacity-building activities in English and Spanish-speaking countries.The UN body informed that these activities will support  implementation of its regulations, raise awareness of IMO's mandate and contribute to sustainable maritime transport and the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.The MoU covers a wide range of technical cooperation areas…

Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates the First-in-the-Nation Offshore Wind Training Facility Located at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. MMA steps out in front to train the professionals who will make the coming wave of domestic offshore wind.Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides, and Stephen Pike, CEO of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, joined officials from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy to launch the first-in-the-nation offshore wind crew transfer training facility.

Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, the UK's flagship technology innovation and research center for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy, has launched a new industry-backed national technology accelerator program.The program is designed to support innovative SMEs to commercialize new technologies that will enhance the UK’s offshore wind supply chain, enabling greater UK content, whilst supporting cost reduction.The Launch Academy initiative will focus on near-to-market solutions and is supported by eight industrial and business support specialists including Red Rock Power…

– The Simple Secret to Making Randomized Exams Fair  – In last month’s Training Tips for Ships, we made the important point that we must never give different people the same exam. If we use an exam over and over, our trainees will very quickly learn what questions are on the exam and share the answers with their friends. Suddenly exam scores begin going up, and time spent learning goes down – both for the wrong reasons. There are few better ways to destroy a training program.The remedy is to always provide different exams.

Shell Marine has published a new White Paper that offers ship owners and operators the critical guidance they need on cylinder oils and engine care to transition successfully through the IMO global cap on fuel sulphur content from January 1, 2020.‘IMO 2020 Ready’ from Shell Marine sets out the commercial, operational and technical challenges faced by customers before, during and after the regulatory deadline. The publication gives in-depth guidance on the cylinder oils best suited…

Developing a national maritime transport policy is key for a country’s sustainable development, especially those with a significant maritime sector.The latest International Maritime Organization (IMO)  national workshop to familiarize government ministries and agencies with the formulation process and contents of national maritime transport policies has been held in Santiago, Chile (14-16 October).The workshop aimed to raise awareness of the importance of a national maritime transport policy…

Lloyd’s Maritime Academy launched a new portfolio of courses focusing on Technology and Innovation. “Digitalization is becoming part of everyday life within shipping where techniques from other industries such as big data and cyber security are being adopted," said Paul Napper, Course Developer at Lloyd’s Maritime Academy. "It’s important that people working within maritime have a strong understanding of these techniques and the positive impact they can have. Maritime assets such as ships are expensive therefore…

An intensive training on port management and operational efficiency was delivered to high-level officials and decision-makers from maritime and port authorities around the world.The annual five-week course, delivered by the Institut Portuaire d’Enseignement et de Recherche (IPER), concluded on 11 October in le Havre, France.The 33rd Advanced Course on Port Operations and Management welcomed 19 participants from 19 countries. Seven of these participants were women. The participating countries were Algeria…

Ghanaian tugboat masters in Denmark to acquire new tools of the trade - A team of tugboat masters just finished a training program in Denmark as part of the strategic sector cooperation between Denmark and Ghana.The training has provided the tugboat masters with new tools on how to carry out tugboat missions in the Port of Tema – one of the biggest and busiest ports on the West African coastline.The tugboat masters have shared in kind their views and experiences from tug operations in their own territorial waters.Charlotte Ahrendt Steen…

A  variety of important measures must be applied to transport dangerous goods in packaged form and solid bulk by ship safely, says  International Maritime Organization (IMO).According to the UN body, these include correct identification, classification, packaging, labelling, handling, storage, loading, stowage, unloading and transport.These measures are covered by IMO’s International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) and the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargo Code (IMSBC) – the subject of an IMO training workshop underway in San José…

America’s largest military shipbuilding company Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) said that its Ingalls Shipbuilding division hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday for its new Shipbuilder Academy site in Gulfport.Shipbuilder Academy was established in 2016 at Ingalls’ Maritime Training Academy with a mission to provide enrolled students with a strong foundation in the maritime industry and fill the current industry skills gap.Through a partnership with the Gulfport School District…

Mariners looking for insurance have a new option that is touted as being fast and affordable, cared for immediately in an online format that is designed to be more expedient than ever.360 Coverage Pros launched a new Marine License Insurance Program for mariners that offers an entirely online buying experience combined with low monthly payment options and instant proof of coverage.Until now, the process of securing a marine license insurance policy involved requesting quotes,…

If autonomous vessels are the future of maritime shipping, then cyber threats may be its Achilles heel. Congested shipping, restricted visibility, limited maneuverability, and intensive docking activities all contribute to port hazards – 42 percent of EU reported marine accidents (injury/death/damage to ships) took place in port areas and 44 percent of workboat fatalities occurred on Tugs. Autonomous shipping should provide numerous benefits including increased safety by relieving crewmembers of unsafe and repetitious tasks.

Fire Ranger and Resolve Maritime Academy Announce Partnership Aligning Live-Action Training with State-of-the-Art Fire Safety Equipment and Services.September 2019, Fort Lauderdale FL, Fire Ranger, a leading supplier of fire safety equipment and services announce their alliance partnership with Resolve Maritime Academy to incorporate modern, state-of-the-art fire safety equipment and services as part of Resolve’s academy certification programs. The partnership is a “Win Win” for academy students who will earn United States Coast Guard (USCG)…

The technology group Wärtsilä will supply an LNG bunkering vessel simulator to Kasi Group (Malaysia), a leading provider of integrated marine solutions. The simulator will be used to provide hands-on training to those who will be operating LNG bunkering services. Wärtsilä is the first company capable of offering such a simulator. The order with Wärtsilä was placed in July.The demand for training services for LNG bunkering vessel simulators has been rising since 2017, when only one single LNG bunkering vessel was in service.

We’ve all heard the stories, and many of us have seen it first-hand: the completely ineffective assessment practice of giving the same multiple-choice exam to people over and over. The only time this is ever acceptable is when all of the people writing the exam are doing so at the same time and are supervised to ensure they are not sharing answers. However, giving the same exam to different people over a period of months or years ensures that exam grades are going to go up over time – sometimes quite markedly. Sadly, this is not because people are learning more.

What are the barriers to implementing the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations to cut emissions from ships and how can these be overcome?These were key questions explored during an IMO regional workshop on effective ratification and implementation of MARPOL Annex VI and the  initial IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships, held in Viña del Mar, Chile (30 September-2 October).Participants identified existing barriers preventing ratification of MARPOL Annex VI…

International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s World Maritime University (WMU) trains future maritime leaders, many of whom will be involved with formulating maritime policy in their home countries.To assist them, a three-day seminar on maritime transport policy is delivered to students following the MSc in Maritime Affairs (2-4 October), informed the UN body.Maritime transport policy formulation is being promoted by IMO as a good governance practice, to guide planning, decision making and legislation in the maritime sector…

Trinidad and Tobago is the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO)  Member State to receive maritime security training. A self-assessment and audit training workshop took place in in Port of Spain, Trinidad (23-27 September).Participants were trained in self-assessing how two key IMO maritime security instruments – SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code – are implemented at the port facility level. This is done using established…

Supporting countries to prepare for contingencies is an important part of International Maritime Organization (IMO) 's capacity building work.Thailand is the latest country to benefit from IMO assistance to update its oil spill contingency plan at a National Workshop on National Contingency in Bangkok (24-27 September).Thirty-five participants from 15 government entities and oil and gas  companies learned about the latest international best practices, and developments, in the…

APM Terminals, the international container terminal operating company headquartered in The Hague, claimed that one year since the implementation of its new global operator training program known as ConQuip, and the approach is paying off.The company’s goal is to implement standardized operator training across 38 Global Operations, said a press release.This approach allows APM Terminals to share and implement best practice across the organization, reduce costs, and enable smoother operational start-up for new Terminals.

International Maritime Organization (IMO), with support from Malaysia, has given fresh impetus to an important regional network helping to promote women in the maritime community in Latin America.At a meeting in Colombia, (18-20 September 2019), the network of Women of the Maritime Authorities of Latin America (MAMLa) was put on a firm foundation. Maritime Authorities include Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador…

Connecticut-based virtual reality (VR) simulation systems provider VRSim introduced SimSpray 3.0, the next generation of VR paint training tool, which uses HTC’s VIVE Pro HMD and VIVE Trackers."SimSpray’s redesign offers a more intuitive and true-to-life user experience by featuring enhanced visuals, trainee feedback, and the ability to simulate larger work environments," said a press release.The HTC VIVE Pro enhanced optics and visuals provides SimSpray with the most accurate…

Crowley Maritime Corp. awarded Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarships to four California State University Maritime Academy (CMA) cadets at the Containerization and Intermodal Institute’s Connie Awards last night in Long Beach, Calif.The recipients earned the scholarships based on their academic achievement, financial need and their interest in pursuing careers at sea.Spencer Hoffman, a third-year student from Loomis, Calif., is currently a junior studying marine transportation. He serves as a cadet ambassador for the academy.

Wärtsilä has supplied simulators aimed to provide realistic hands-on training at a new facility in Portugal. The training center is developed and run by the Port Authority for the ports of Douro, Leixōes and Vano do Castelo (APDL), and was inaugurated in the end of July at a ceremony headed by Portugal’s Minister of the Sea, Ana Paula Vitorino. The order was placed in October 2018.The center is the country’s largest and most advanced maritime training facility. It features a Wärtsilä Full Mission Bridge (FMB) simulator with 360 degree projection…

UK Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani has pledged £730,000 (about $910,000) in Government funding to increase diversity, well being and skills in the maritime sector, including £100,000 (about $125,000) for a new scheme in which girls aged 11 to 14 will be paired with inspiring women from the maritime sector to teach them about the range of careers available to them before they make their choice of subjects for their final school examinations with the aim of having more young women opt for STEM subjects and related career paths.The Minister also announced funding to better understand and address the skills gaps and improve careers promotion in the maritime sector…

The Center of Excellence for Offshore Renewable Energy at the State University of New York Maritime College and the Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler, are hosting the Ocean Wind Energy Conference on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Maritime Academic Center, SUNY Maritime College.Serving as the keynote speaker is Alana Duerr, Ph.D., Director, Offshore Wind North America, DNV GL - Renewables Advisory, who will offer insight to opportunities for maritime industry support of Ocean Wind Energy development and sustainment for many years to come.

Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) informed that candidates can now register for “Course for the industry" (Kurs for næringen) which will be held on 14 November in our offices in Stavanger. The registration deadline is 8 November.The course provides an introduction to the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s roles and tasks, and how our work affects your working day in the oil and gas industry.This is a popular course that has received good feedback from the participants in the three previous courses, it said.Torhild S.

The UK’s Department for Transport is to acquire a new ship for the General Lighthouse Authority Trinity House to replace THV Patricia, which has been in service since 1982, to ensure other vessels continue safe and smooth operations in UK waters and overseas. The General Lighthouse Authority is responsible for providing more than 600 aids a year to navigation around UK waters, including ships, lighthouses and buoys. The as yet unnamed vessel will deliver critical navigation aids to ships in some of the most dangerous waters in the world…

Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy’s President and CO-CEO, Capt. Ed Nanartowich, announced a reorganization of the upper management tier of the school.The move supports both deck and engine course development efforts, special project, and the schools curriculum expansion projects. Chief Engineer Doug Puritis, was appointed Vice President of Academics and spearheads all course development projects as well as servicing as an advanced course instructor and course developer.Chief Engineer Ray Blanchet serves as the Vice President of Operations and has expanded the curriculum base. He is reaching out to companies that need atypical maritime training (not mandated by the IMO or NMC)  to improve their shipboard or crew competencies…

BMT, a leading, multidisciplinary management consultancy, has reported phenomenal growth in sales of its maritime simulator and has just signed multiple key contracts with select cruise lines including Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn in North America and P&O Cruises Australia. The orders for both office and ship-based licences of BMT’s REMBRANDT maritime simulator will support cruise lines on more than 39 cruise ships.REMBRANDT is fully scalable – operating in full mission modes through to desktop and laptop configurable modes.

Global research recently conducted by Lloyd’s Maritime Academy has revealed that over 41% of people surveyed still receive no funding from within their business for training, with a mere 20% stating that they receive 75-100% funding. Following over 500 responses from professionals around the world and from different sectors of the maritime industry, the research also highlighted that there is still an alarmingly high percentage of companies experiencing a retention problem. Ted Bailey, Head of Digital Learning at Lloyd’s Maritime Academy states: “Given the funding figures it comes as no surprise that we had 40% of our respondents answer yes to the question: ‘Is retention a challenge for your business?’.

BMT has reported rapid growth in sales for its maritime simulator and has signed a number of contracts for its simulator system with cruise lines that include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in North America and P&O Cruises Australia.The orders for both office and ship-based licenses of the company’s REMBRANDT maritime simulator will support cruise lines on more than 39 ships.Dr. Phil Thompson, Simulation and Training Business Director at BMT, commented: “REMBRANDT delivers the highest standards of maneuvring simulation within an S-57 and S-63 ENC environment.

Videotel has announced that it is offering the maritime industry free access to its new training package called: “The 2020 Sulphur Regulations – Achieving Compliance”.As the first January 2020 is rapidly approaching, this free awareness video clearly sets out the new regulations, where and how they apply, how they are to be enforced and what crews and owners need to do to be compliant.In essence there are three main ways to achieve compliance:Burn compliant fuelsUse alternative…

Dynamically Positioned for the Future, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy takes its place among our 2019 MN100 best of industry winners. It's 'no accident' that today's early adoption of DP curriculum puts the school and its students front and center when it comes time to man tomorrow's futuristic offshore energy support tonnage.Late last year, the Offshore Service Vessel Dynamic Positioning Authority (OSVDPA) announced that the Texas A&M Maritime Academy at Texas A&M University at Galveston was now the first maritime academy in the nation accredited to provide OSVDPA courses to its cadets.

NYC Economic Development Corp. Signs on as Event Sponsor.The Center of Excellence for Offshore Renewable Energy at the State University of New York Maritime College and the Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler, proudly announce their partnership in hosting of the Ocean Wind Energy Conference on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 9 a.m. in the Maritime Academic Center, SUNY Maritime College. Featured presentations by industry leaders such as Keynote Speaker Dr. Alana Duerr, Director of DNV GL…

The Apprentice School at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division celebrated its 100-year anniversary just last month. That's worthy of inclusion in this year's MN100 list, for more than one reason. Certainly, this fine school deserves to be mentioned among our very best 100 organizations for this year. That 100-year anniversary is bigger news than you might otherwise think. Accordingly, the company held a ceremony to mark the day – July 1, 1919 – when the school was established.

Company’s CSMART Academy teamed up with UWF’s Innovation Institute to launch training course for environmental officers that started in August 2019. Combining UWF’s specialty in challenge-based learning with CSMART Academy’s award-winning faculty, professional development and advanced simulators, program is designed to foster culture of excellence in environmental compliance. Carnival Corporation announced it partnered with the University of West Florida (UWF) to enhance the company’s…

The results of a recent survey conducted by financial services company Bankrate, LLC show that naval architecture and marine engineering take the top spot as the most valuable college degrees in which to major.A total of 162 degrees were covered in the company’s research. Drama and theater arts, on the other hand, were shown to be the least valuable degrees in terms of earning power after graduation. The survey revealed that the overall median income for those trained to build, design and maintain maritime vessels was $90,000 and that less than 2 percent of degree holders were unemployed.

Japan Marine Science Inc. (JMS), an NYK Group company, welcomed about 20 students from the U.K., Canada, Hong Kong, and the U.S. taking part in the Japan Sea Cadet Corp international cultural exchange sponsored by the Japan Sea Cadet Federation.JMS offered a lecture about ships and used its ship-handling simulator to give the students the opportunity to try their hand at navigating a cruise ship from Osanbashi Pier in Yokohama through the narrow Kanmon Straits, a busy waterway known for its strong tidal flow.A cadet commented: “Unlike cars…

Proper implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s maritime security measures is essential for trade.The Seychelles is the latest country to benefit from training on the implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, said the UN body.Participants discussed ways to cooperate at the national level to acquire the necessary support they need in order to take ownership of implementation and compliance with IMO maritime security measures.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Announces New Members of U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Advisory Board.U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced the appointment of seven new members to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Advisory Board. The USMMA Advisory Board serves as an independent body whose primary purpose is to examine the course of instruction and management of the Academy to further the accomplishment of its mission, execute its strategic plan…

WCI/NGFA Urge NESP Infrastructure Project to Move Forward.The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI) today commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for releasing a significant new study that quantifies the cost-savings and competitive advantages that would accrue from investing in long-delayed improvements to inland waterways locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois River system.The study, entitled, Importance of Inland Waterways to U.S.

Somalia has more than 3,300 km of coastline, the longest and perhaps the most geographically significant in the Horn of Africa, four main commercial seaports and about five minor ports.But plagued by decades of civil war, a lot of effort is required to rebuild the sector, pointed out a press release form the International Maritime Organization (IMO).IMO and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) have organized a workshop in Mogadishu, Somalia (25-27 August 2019)…

Classes to be held in Colorado and New Hampshire.Viega, LLC has announced its Fall 2019 lineup of courses at its seminar centers in Broomfield, CO and Nashua, NH.The offerings include topics from radiant design and LoopCAD software to press technology. With two fully equipped state-of-the-art seminar centers, Viega is an industry leader in supporting the trades and helping contractors become more versatile, skilled and efficient. To date, more than 40,000 people, from self-employed contractors to employees of large firms…

Women make up only an estimated two percent of the global maritime industry. In the U.S., the statistics are a little better, with less than eight percent of ship and boat captain operator roles held by women.Still, for a female to have the opportunity to train up to ship captain is considered “unique.” However, as predictions are being made that there will be a shortage of more than 140,000 deck or ship officers worldwide by 2025 (BIMCO/ICS), we will see more accomplished women take the helm and lead the industry forward.

"The introduction of invasive aquatic organisms into new marine environments not only affects biodiversity and ecosystem health, but also has measurable impacts on a number of economic sectors" said Lilia Khodjet El Khil, head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)-led GloFouling Partnerships project.The GEF-UNDP-IMO GloFouling Partnerships project has concluded two workshops, one in Madagascar and one in Mauritius (19-21 August), two of 12 lead partnering countries whose aim is to protect marine biodiversity by addressing biofouling.During the first workshop…

Ambitious plans are being launched for a $184 million training and disaster relief ship with cutting-edge British technology.Britannia Maritime Aid (BMA), a registered charity, aims to build the futuristic vessel in Britain. It is officially launching its plans at the UK Chamber of Shipping on Monday September 9 during London International Shipping Week.Maritime professionals and training experts have joined forces for project with backing from former First Sea Lords, the Lord West of Spithead and Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh.Others supporters include members of the Houses of Lords and Commons…

300 students from Institute of Technical Education, junior colleges, polytechnics, and universities participated in the 6th edition of the Singapore Maritime Dialogue (SMD), which featured a lively panel discussion on the theme of ‘Maritime Singapore in the Age of Digitization’.The group exchanged views on the digital revolution taking place in the maritime industry with invited panelists comprising Guest-of-Honour, Dr Lam Pin Min, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Transport and Health…

Kongsberg Digital AS has cemented its long-standing position as the primary supplier of simulation software and hardware to the Australian Maritime College (AMC), with the recent confirmation of a new Long-Term System Support Program (LTSSP).Kongsberg Digital Area Sales Manager Paul Gilkison and AMC principal Michael van Balen signed the agreement – the third successive five-year contract between the two parties – on Thursday, August 8 at the AMC’s Newnham campus in Launceston.Kongsberg Digital simulators are the platform of choice at the AMC’s world-class Center for Maritime Simulations…

According to International Maritime Organization (IMO), one of the key elements in oil spill contingency planning is to define the communication channels to be used by cooperating parties when facing an incident.A workshop in Pulau Indah, Klang, Malaysia (19-21 August) has brought together officials from states in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to help bring into operation the Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan, which was adopted in 2018.Participants from nine countries got to grips with key elements of the plan and practiced communications between States…

New Jersey's Governor Phil Murphy has signed an executive order to establish a Council for the Wind Innovation and New Development (WIND) Institute.The institute will develop and implement a plan to create a regional hub for New Jersey’s offshore wind industry and will build upon the Murphy Administration’s commitment to making the state a national leader in offshore wind.“From job creation to workforce development to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, the WIND Institute and…

International Maritime Organization (IMO)  maritime security training is underway for Libyan port facility security officers, managers and designated authority officials (18-22 August).According to the UN body, the workshop, delivered in English and in Arabic, aims to assist the Libyan Government in enhanced security risk assessments and controls on maritime transport through its territory.According to a press release, fifteen officers in charge of port security from ports across the country are attending…

The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) began Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia 2019 marked by an opening ceremony at Lumut Naval Base, Aug. 14.MTA Malaysia 2019 is a continuation of 25 years of maritime engagements between the U.S. Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy serving to enhance mutual capabilities in ensuring maritime security and stability.The Pacific Area commander for the U.S. Coast Guard, Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, said that working alongside the U.S. Navy and international partners in this exercise is an important part of their mission in the Indo-Pacific.

At the beginning of August, 63 young colleagues began their apprenticeship program at Hapag-Lloyd.Thirty of them are learning the typical seafaring jobs like ship mechanic, nautical officer or technical officer, while the other 33 are training to become shipping merchants or to work in office management and in the areas of transport and logistics. In addition, 11 dual-track students are beginning their studies with Hapag-Lloyd. They will take classes in a variety of subjects such as maritime management…

The subsea operations and engineering company JFD has signed a strategic partnership with Netherlands-based Aquacentrum Den Helder to provide submarine escape training.Aquacentrum Den Helder combines submarine escape training, commercial diving training and recreational pools for public use within a single building. JFD is a part of James Fisher and Sons plc.The partnership between JFD and Aquacentrum Den Helder will allow both new and existing submarine operating nations to train their submariners in escape and abandonment in the most realistic environment possible.

Thordon Bearings has updated its TG100 seal installation requirements to facilitate cost-effective installation at all shipyards with the release of new instructional videos. Shipyard staff can quickly and easily install the state-of-the-art seal themselves, reducing the overall costs of TG100 procurement.In addition to instructions detailed in its TG100 Installation & Operation Manual, Thordon has produced a three-minute YouTube video outlining the steps shipyards need to take to achieve the perfect TG100 install. Additionally, a video has also been produced to guide shipyards through the ten-step process to prepare the TG100 seal for shaft withdrawal.To ensure that installation remains under warranty…

Proper implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s maritime security measures is essential for trade.Kenya is the latest country to benefit from training on the implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, informed the UN body.A national workshop in Mombasa, Kenya (5-9 August) brought together Port facility security officers (PFSOs) as well as representatives of all structures involved in maritime and port security…

International Maritime Organization (IMO) treaties need to be implemented into national law so that they can be applied on ships flying the flag of a particular country and so that those countries can implement effective port State control and comply with other obligations under the specified IMO instruments.According to the UN body, an IMO course provides lawyers and legislative drafters with the tools they need to understand IMO treaties, how they are developed and adopted…

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today announced progress in establishing Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE), which would recognize and support community colleges and training institutions that prepare Americans for careers in the maritime industry. The Maritime Administration is seeking public comment on the proposed policy.“These educational institutions benefit America’s national security and economy by growing and strengthening our maritime work force,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L.

On August 7, 20 NYK executive officers and a group of six vessel captains and chief engineers held a meeting at NYK headquarters in Tokyo to openly exchange opinions about the safe operation of vessels that the NYK Group is managing and operating.This meeting is part of NYK’s two-month Remember Naka-no-Se safety campaign,* and is chaired by NYK president Hitoshi Nagasawa, who oversees NYK’s Safety and Environmental Management Committee** so that top management can exchange opinions…

Helm Operations and the ACTion group of Channelview, TX have signed a new partnership agreement to help inland marine companies address the challenges of SubM and implement new software to reduce the costs of compliance. As part of the agreement, the ACTion group will begin offering safety management services via Helm CONNECT and provide consulting and training to companies moving to the industry standard platform.Based in Channelview, the ACTion group is one of the inland marine industry’s leading safety management and certification companies. Since its founding in 1999 by Capt. David A.

Supporting countries to prepare for contingencies is an important part of International Maritime Organization (IMO) 's capacity building work.According to the UN body, Cambodia is the latest country to benefit from IMO assistance to update its oil spill contingency plan, by identifying country-specific risks and existing gaps in order to be able to respond effectively to oil spill incidents.A national workshop in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (6-9 August) has brought together 60 participants…

Global application of the regulations in International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s treaty for safe and environmentally-sound ship recycling - the Hong Kong Convention -  will have significant benefits for the environment and for the safety of workers in the sector.China, a major ship recycling country, has been developing its ship recycling facilities to ensure their compliance with the environmental and occupational health and safety requirements of the Hong Kong Convention.China…

Huntington Ingalls Industries hosted a graduation ceremony on Saturday for the company’s apprenticeship program at Ingalls Shipbuilding. Nine different crafts were represented among the 159 graduates of the 2019 class.Mississippi Speaker of the House, Philip Gunn, delivered the keynote address. “The prosperity of Mississippi begins with people like you,” he said. “The careers for which you are now prepared are the backbone of America. Over 60 percent of the jobs in America are held by people like you who make up a skilled and educated workforce.

NYK welcomed 35 students and their professor from the Netherlands’ Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) on July 30 to examine the group’s initiatives for “Digitalization and Green,” the theme of the company’s medium-term management plan.Prof. Mirek Kaminski of TU Delft is a leading European researcher on sloshing* and has cooperated with risk assessments conducted by MTI, an NYK Group company, into sloshing on LNG carriers.The students received lectures from NYK about its digitalization and green initiatives…

National workshop discussed China's potential ratification and implementation of fisheries-related conventions, including IMO's 2012 Cape Town Agreement (CTA), aimed at improving safety standards on fishing vessels, and the 1995 Standards on Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F).Fisheries-related conventions are key tools used by flag, coastal and port States to effectively monitor and control fishing vessels and minimize the risk of illegal…

Fisheries-related conventions are key tools used by flag, coastal and port States to effectively monitor and control fishing vessels and minimise the risk of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, by enhancing transparency, traceability and governance.This was the focus of a national workshop in Shanghai, China (29-30 July),  organized by the Shanghai Ocean University and the Bureau of Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China…

The safety and security of life at sea, protection of the marine environment and over 90% of the world's trade depends on the professionalism and competence of seafarers.That is why International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), must be ratified and then implemented properly.IMO provides member states with training and capacity building, to support ratification and implementation of IMO treaties.

The National Maritime Center is still seeking participants for the three remaining merchant mariner examination working group meetings in 2019.Deck working group – September 10-12Engine working group – October 22-24Deck working group – December 3-5Examination reviews are currently scheduled to take place at the National Maritime Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia. However, dates and locations may change based on the number of attendees.Section 315 of the 2015 Coast Guard Authorization…

Lloyd’s Maritime Academy announced that people living and currently working in Hong Kong’s maritime sector can benefit from an 80% refund on nine of its courses as part of the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund (MATF) introduced by the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board.The aim of the MATF is to build up a vibrant, diversified and competitive pool of professionals and technical personnel to support Hong Kong’s future development in both the maritime and aviation sectors. May 2019…

Among a string of new eco-friendly initiatives, the Marseille Fos port authority is to spend $22 million over the next six years to extend shoreside electrical connections for berthed vessels to every ferry, cruiseship and repair quay within the Marseille eastern harbor.Already available on the Corsica ferry quays, the network will be expanded in two phases to cover North Africa ferry quays and the shiprepair hub by 2022 and the cruise terminal between 2022 and 2025. The zero…

Greece-based e-learning service provider SQLearn announced that Prime Marine Management has chosen the company’s innovative e-learning system in order to enhance e-learning on board and ashore.Prime Marine Management uses SQLearn’s suite of specialized services for the shipping industry in a fleet of 40 vessels.Fotis Kamperis, Training Manager of Prime Marine Management,  said “SQLearn’s e-learning system provides some unique advantages in updating, storing, monitoring and managing the seafarers’ e-training including own developed customized training.

According to a new study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on behalf of Transportation Institute (TI), the Jones Act continues to fuel a strong maritime industry throughout the Great Lakes region, where the PwC report shows 123,670 Jones Act-related jobs – or 20% of the national total – are based.Between 2011 and 2016, maritime employment in the region increased by 25,400 jobs. Overall, the industry generates $30 billion of economic activity and $8.45 billion in worker income in the eight Great Lakes states.“With our Great Lakes and rich maritime history…

International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the South Pacific Community, in collaboration with the Government of Vanuatu, are holding a Regional Maritime Security Workshop in Port Vila, Vanuatu (22-25 July). "Good maritime and port security is the enabler for maritime and economic development through maritime trade. It can be taken for granted when it works, but maintaining good security is essential," said the UN body.The workshop coincides with IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim's visit to Vanuatu…

AIWA's Executive Director Brad Pickel, reaches out to stakeholders in advance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association's annual meeting:Dear Supporters and Friends of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association,Greetings and I hope this email finds everyone well. I am writing today to announce the opening of online registration for the AIWA’s 20th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Savannah, GA on November 21-22, 2019. We will be meeting at The DeSoto Hotel and are thrilled to be celebrating 20 years as the Unified Voice for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW).

Bethel-Webcor Pacific JV,* Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded firm-fixed-price task order N6247319F4865 at $39,300,000 under a multiple award construction contract for a maritime skills training center at Naval Base San Diego. The task order also contains three unexercised options and one planned modification, which if exercised would increase cumulative task order value to $41,868,747. The work to be performed provides for converting a portion of Building 3304 to house computer simulator trainers to support the Surface Warfare Officers School’s mission to train sea-bound warriors to serve on surface combatants as officers. The planned modification, if issued, provides for furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Imagine conducting ship checks and training aboard a ship without ever leaving your office. At Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), this has become a reality thanks to virtual reality.NNSY's Radiological Control Special Projects and Refueling Division (Code 105.26) has collaborated with the Nuclear Fluid Systems and Mechanical Engineering Division (Code 2320), the Nuclear Refueling Engineering Division (Code 2370), and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) to create laser scans of vessels…

In 1941, geologist Orval Lester Brace stated “it may be tentatively assumed that the Gulf of Mexico is a potential source of salt-dome oil. Whether or not it will be economically feasible to explore these waters for the domes that must exist is a question for the future to answer.”  The future hypothesized by Mr. Brace was not nearly as far off as it seemed. Less than six years after his proclamation, Kerr-McGee Oil Industries, along with Phillips Petroleum, Stanolind Oil and Gas Co…

In order to improve the safety of fishers and fishing vessels, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has put in place, over the years, several initiatives, culminating with the adoption of the Cape Town Agreement of 2012.Accra, Ghana, was the host for a regional seminar (8-12 July), on "Ensuring Safety Of Ships and Fishing", to encourage discussion on promoting and ensuring safety in the fishing industry.The event also provided Member Governments with the assistance they may need in implementing the Agreement."Fishing is considered one of the most hazardous occupation in the world and…