Skills shortages in the industry have resulted in many engineers having to turn their hand to electrical maintenance onboard. But with much of the training gained on the job, engineers could be missing out on specialist knowledge to make their work more efficient and effective.

Paul Garner from Deeside is a prime example of an engineer benefitting from the course. Paul, who works for Swire Pacific Offshore, is a second engineer becoming increasingly responsible for onboard electrical maintenance. Currently on an AHTS offshore vessel in the Chinguetti Field, Mauritania, West Africa, Paul wanted to broaden his knowledge and gain some formal training in electrical maintenance to help with his day to day workload.

He said, 'Overall the course has been excellent and has given me tremendous confidence to work with electricity. Because you get real and relevant exercises to complete, it gives you invaluable practical experience that cannot be beaten.

'I’ve learnt fault finding skills which will directly benefit my employer and save them a considerable amount of money. Now I have more experience at diagnosing and fixing faults, I will be able to repair equipment rather than it having to be replaced. And because I am multi-skilled, I can take on a wider range of responsibilities.'

Head of the marine engineering (responsive provision) department at South Tyneside College, Gordon Boyd added, 'We are seeing an increased number of shipping companies sending engineers on this course. This year alone, 17 global shipping companies have approached us to train their engineers.

'It is clear that courses like this are becoming increasingly important to address current skills shortages and ensure marine companies and their personnel are equipped to meet the challenges of today’s marine market.'