Liberian Registry has launched a new online platform for examination of seafarer’s competence as more shipping companies adopt remote training for crew
The portal enables eligible seafarers, working through approved training centres, to take examinations worldwide on professional development courses and training programmes.
Liberian Registry said its platform is for licence assessments and upgrade examinations and is part of the flag state’s effort to provide practical and cost-effective electronic resources that help to minimise the disruption caused by pandemic-related slowdowns and shutdowns.
Seafarers who are pre-approved and vetted by approved training centres can take online examinations from anywhere in the world so long as they are connected to the internet. Participants will receive credentials and certificates -- upon successful completion of the assessments and examinations -- through the portal. Liberian Registry said the platform was secure for both data and integrity of the exams.
“The newly developed platform will be a great tool for training centres and seafarers to get the necessary credentials they need to go to sea at anytime, anywhere,” Liberian Ship and International Corporate Registry (LISCR) chief operating officer Alfonso Castillero said.
“With the demand for qualified seafarers rising, and the disruptions globally for seafarer training in certification, this will be a hugely positive, and affordable, step for seafarers to be able to get to the ships and continue to keep the vital lifeline of the marine industry going,” he said.
The portal was unveiled as the shipping industry is facing potential seafarer shortages, in part due to complications stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Alllianz’s Safety and Shipping Review 2021 warned of long-term consequences for the maritime sector from Covid-19 restrictions and the resulting crew change crisis, including a shortage of skilled seafarers and greater adoption by shipping companies of electronic-learning resources
Allianz Global senior marine risk consultant Captain Andrew Kinsey was concerned for the hundreds of thousands of crew members still stuck on vessels or working extended contracts and their inability to undertake training.
“The situation with Covid-19 means that we are not training and developing seafarers,” said Capt Kinsey, “while the sector may struggle to attract new blood due to current working conditions.”
E-learning maritime training provider OneLearn Global’s senior advisor Nigel Cleave said sourcing skilled seafarers “is difficult right now and it could get harder as new generations entering the profession are struggling to get on-the-job experience because they cannot board ships.”
He thinks shipmanagers and operators need to outsource digital maritime training to bridge the skills gaps.
“Companies dealing with myriad issues, such as coronavirus, crew change, decarbonisation and digitalisation, can still provide their crew members with top-class training and development,” said Mr Cleave.
“The attraction of digital e-learning courses is they can be performed from anywhere, at any time, in the world, both online and offline,” he said.
“Training programmes give mariners the complete freedom to choose how and when they spend time developing their knowledge or attributes.”
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