By
Rebecca Gibson |
New courses from computer-based training (CBT) specialist Seagull help seafarers practise environmental protection onboard.
The Marine Environmental Awareness CBT unit is designed for seafarers in management, operational and support level roles. The new training unit was developed by Seagull in cooperation with the Netherlands-based non-profit organisation, Prosea Foundation, which is the author of the IMO model course in Marine Environmental Awareness in accordance with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) 2010 Manila amendments.
“This is an important addition to our range of courses as it addresses one of the specific requirements of the Manila 2010 amendments to the STCW Code,” said Seagull director of training content, Captain Bjarke Jakobsen. “These amendments enter into force in January 2012, and so shipowners will shortly have to comply with them.”
The programme, which provides the basic knowledge required to prevent pollution in the marine environment, aims to stimulate a greater sense of involvement and responsibility in seafarers, thus helping to prevent pollution. Subjects covered include the complexity and diversity of the marine environment, the impact of shipping on the environment, the effects of operational or accidental pollution and basic environmental protection procedures.
Prosea vice president, Erik Bogaard, said: “Working with Seagull I believe we have developed a very good introductory course that makes seafarers think more about what their personal actions can mean for the marine environment. If seafarers understand why what they do is important, and have the right information about the impact of their actions they are more likely to take responsibility for them.”
In addition to the marine pollution module, Seagull has launched another new CBT module providing an introduction to the US Environmental Protection Agency 2008 Vessel General Permit (VGP). Targeted at senior officers, it explains the structure of the VGP and the requirements it places on shipping companies.