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THE IMPORTANCE OF MARINE TRAINING ONLY TRAINING LEEDS TO OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE In recent years the need for consistent and specific training of maritime professionals has greatly increased due to a variety of factors. l Increasingly stringent regulations - STCW, ISM, Collision regulations etc. - Several checks and measures now exist that call for employees to demonstrate competency on a routine basis. For example, PSC inspectors have the authority to assess competency levels of shipboard professionals. l The extent of liabilities arising from accidents has increased. l Prevention of pollution has become an important concern for shipping companies l The workload on shipboard staff has increased while the number of staff has not. An officer on board a vessel constantly needs to understand and follow new laws and procedures. l The ongoing emergence of newer technologies that employees need to understand and use efficiently. l With mounting market pressures and stiffer competition, companies have to continuously increase operational efficiency to protect the bottom-line. l The key success factors for operational excellence are efficient cargo operations, management excellence, a strong focus on safety, and following principles of safe navigation. All these key success factors are best honed by effective training. REQUIREMENT OF THE SHIP OWNER TEAMWORK LEEDS TO SUCCESS Ship owners and managers heavily depend on the ship’s crew to take a ship from point A to B with minimal risk, maximum commercial benefit and complete compliance with international and local regulations. While reaching this objective depends on several factors, one of the most critical is that the crew operates as one cohesive group, with each person clearly aware of individual responsibilities and having the knowledge and skill needed to discharge his duties efficiently. CHANGING TRENDS IN TRAINING INCREASED CUSTOMIZATION While several changes can be observed in the way training is imparted to marine professionals, one important trend relevant in this context is observed here. Traditionally, training largely dealt with general principles and theoretical topics. The value gained through such training largely depended on the degree to which the student was able to translate this generic knowledge to practical, real-life scenarios encountered on-the-job.
This approach has rapidly changed over the past decade. Newer methodologies focused on training that was more practical and hands-on in nature. The emergence of simulation as a training tool is part of this trend, enabling students to learn in an immersive environment. Though the use of simulation and other computer based training aids is more practical in nature, yet this too is used in generic frameworks. The next step in this trend is customization of the training scenario. Using ship-specific and procedure-specific methodologies, one can truly leverage the power of simulation by preparing a professional for precise situations in specific operating conditions that he will encounter in real life, at no risk to human life or the environment, and at minimal cost. This aspect of customization is integral to ARI’s Integrated Simulator Training solution |
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