New Shipboard Technology and Training Provision for Seafarers

Description

The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust Research Unit (The LRETRU), Seafarers International Research Centre (SIRC), Cardiff, UK, 2011, 68 p. — ISBN: 1-900174-41-3.This report is based upon a study funded by The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust (The LRET). The study was conducted at the Seafarers International Research Centre (SIRC) and its focus was upon new shipboard technology and training. The study was questionnairebased and data from 1,007 completed questionnaires is presented herein.When seafarers join a vessel, part of their understanding of new equipment and technology may develop as a result of a handover period during which they may consult with the individual who they are due to replace. They may also be provided with detailed notes relating to the work and equipment they will be dealing with. In this research, the last handover experienced by respondents did not incorporate explanations of how new equipment worked in almost one in ten cases. One in ten junior officers, and seven percent of senior officers, described an inadequate handover. There were significant differences in the experiences of respondents which were identified in relation to ship type, na tionality, and department. Furthermore, seven percent of respondents did not feel that the time made available for their last handover was adequate.Methods The Sample Contextualising the need for training Handover Technical information/updates Problem solving with regard to unfamiliar equipment Confidence and competence relating to specific items of equipment Circumstances of training provision in current/most recent company The identification of training needs Meeting the costs of training The adequacy of training provided in relation to new technology/equipment Computer usage and training Use of computers Training experiences relating to individual items of equipment Automatic Identification System (AIS) Global Positioning System (GPS) ARPA/RADAR Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) Main Engine Manoeuvring and Control System (MEMCS) Oily Water Separators (OWS) High Voltage Equipment (HVE) Conclusion References