Beating the rush for mandatory training
According to a UK maritime training provider, the requirements enforced by the UK’s new Workboat Code could lead to a last minute rush for personnel to obtain qualifications.
The ‘new’ Workboat Code was published on 1st June 2014 and was launched at Seawork in 2014. It is currently anticipated that the Code will enter into force at the end of 2015.
Training requirements that are currently ‘recommended’ or ‘strongly recommended’ in the Code include: Towing Endorsements, Radar Training and Electronic Chart Plotter Training.
Many vessel owners and operators are finding that clients already ask for this training and it is likely to be a mandatory requirement by the end of 2017.
Masters of vessels required to carry a Stability Information Book should, according to the Code, complete Stability Training.
Damian Crowley, Chair of the National Workboat Association’s Training Group and Managing Director of Maritas Ltd commented that “…. in the past, changes in statutory training requirements have led to a rush of candidates as deadlines approach. This can result in disappointment or delays for customers. My own Company, Maritas, appreciates the need for flexibility in the Workboat sector and is, I believe, uniquely set up to deliver training at times and venues to suit customers. We saw the rush when the last major STCW changes came into force in 2002 and have geared up now with the purchase of our new, mobile ship simulator ready to meet demands for flexible delivery of the forthcoming ECDIS, Radar, ECS and other training needs”.
By Jake Frith
