Wallem and Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) have enhanced their remote crew training through agreements with leading teaching system providers
Shipmanagers are investing in remote training in response to global travel restrictions continuing in 2021 to stem the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, increasing demand for computer-based teaching tools.
In the latest investments, Wallem has agreed to implement Ocean Technologies Group’s new learning platform. Ocean learning platform, unveiled in January 2021, will deliver blended teaching, assessment and competency management solutions. It will enable Wallem’s 7,000 seafarers to access training content on board ships and ashore. They will be able to track their progress and follow designated learning paths to improve their career prospects.
Implementing this platform is part of Wallem’s strategy to deliver safe operations and support the next generation of seafarers by broadening access to training content.
“We want to make sure training and development of our seafarers does not take a back seat in this time of increased demand and change,” said Wallem interim chief executive John-Kaare Aune. “We need tools to accelerate the time-to-competence for our seafarers,” he said.
Wallem head of training and ship management Yvette de Klerk said there are multiple benefits from using the Ocean learning platform. “This enables us to proactively close training gaps and increase training effectiveness, which in return will strengthen our safety culture,” she said. “Simultaneously, the trainers at Wallem will benefit from the automated processes, training data analysis and ability to track crew achievements online.”
This agreement strengthens the partnership between Wallem and Ocean Technologies, which has integrated training content from Seagull, Videotel, MTS and Marlins.
Ocean Technologies chief executive Manish Singh is looking forward to delivering new learning experiences to Wallem’s 7,000 seafarers. “Wallem is among the first customers to sign up to our new best-of-breed learning platform,” he said. “As a progressive ship management company with a diverse fleet and global training initiatives across ship and shore, Wallem is ideally placed to take advantage of the comprehensive new features and services we now offer,” said Mr Singh.
Ocean Technologies has invested in software and content and re-engineered its user experience design during 2020.
CSM has partnered with Wärtsilä Voyage to introduce cloud-based simulator training for its maritime training centres in Croatia, Georgia, Latvia, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea and Ukraine. This follows an agreement with Wärtsilä’s distributor in Manila (Philippines), AWA Marine, to implement cloud-based simulators for navigation, engineering and liquid cargo handling training.
CSM group director of training Captain Faouzi Fradi said this training would be available to crew on the 380 vessels CSM manages worldwide. “Officers and crew have been kept away from classrooms and simulators for several months because of the pandemic,” he said. “CSM has worked hard creating innovative solutions to ensure seafarers can continue their professional development as well as their readiness to operate safely and effectively on board.”
Capt Fradi expects Wärtsilä Voyage’s cloud-based solutions “will satisfy the training needs of our officers and meet the requirements of our clients”.
CSM will implement the required cloud-based simulator technology and install simulator hardware in the Philippines training centre. “We will install similar hardware simulators in our training centre when the restrictions are lifted,” said Capt Fradi.
Meanwhile, Stream Marine Training has gained ISO 9001 quality management system certification after a detailed audit conducted by accredited certification body DNV GL.
Earlier in January 2021, Thome Group announced its investment in a new full-mission navigation bridge simulator in the Philippines.
Kongsberg Digital supplied its latest K-Sim navigation simulator with 320° of visualisation, enabling seafarers to practice their navigation and ship handling skills in a safe environment.
Seafarer training and vessel crewing will be discussed during Riviera’s series of virtual conferences and webinars during 2021 - use this link to access more details and register for these events
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