Global STCW Maritime Training Qualification Available in Northland
Training 4 Safety has become the first maritime training school in Northland able to deliver STCW, a globally recognised safety qualification.
We have, in recent weeks, piloted the five module course with seven students and are now taking bookings for 2022. The first course is scheduled for February.
Company Director Mike Lindsay says the first-up STCW course was well received and he is quietly excited and proud of what his team has achieved.
“We are stoked to be the first Maritime Training school in Northland that can now deliver STCW training courses, as we realised sometime back that although this is a maritime qualification, that we were already delivering a number of the training components in our daily work,” says Mr Lindsay.
STCW provides trainees with personal survival techniques to equip them with the knowledge that will help them survive at sea in case of ship abandonment. It is part of an international convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978 which comes under the International Maritime Organisation and is approved by Maritime NZ.
“This course is considered a minimum entry requirement for anyone who wishes to work on super yachts or in the commercial sector of the maritime industry,” says Mr Lindsay.
“It is really pleasing to get this across the line as we have been working on this for two years now,” says Mr Lindsay.
“I think it is great that Northlanders now have access to this qualification in the knowledge that it will allow them to work anywhere in the world in virtually any area of the Maritime sector. However, the course is open to anyone working in the maritime sector so if foreign vessels are in New Zealand, Australia or the Pacific Islands people can come to us for refreshers.”
Urban Sea founders Kate Frazerhurst and Karma Butler, who are involved in the New Zealand Superyacht sector, say the STCW training will be an excellent addition to the existing marine services in Whangarei.
“When we have Superyachts in New Zealand and crew need their safety certifications updated, they can come to the sunny North and do just that, while enjoying our popular tourist attractions. With the new Superyacht berths and marinas being built in Whangarei, we are going to have many more vessels choosing to use our facilities here. It is a huge bonus for crew to be able to do their training just down the road.”
“We are excited to be collaborating with Mike and his team to make the process easy. With our extensive range of services and expertise in the area, Urban Sea can assist with the seamless transition from vessel to training, including organising accommodation needs when required.”
The pair who provide shore-side support to vessels, have a combined twenty years’ experience working abroad in the Superyacht industry and believe demand for the training will be high from people working in the marine sector.
The five modules of the STCW Basic course cover:
- Personal Survival Techniques – This course provides trainees with personal survival techniques, equipping them with the knowledge that will help them survive at sea in case of ship abandonment
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting – This course provides trainees with the skills to assess fire risks prevent on-board fires extinguishing fires on a vessel
- Elementary First Aid – This course provides trainees with the skills and techniques required to apply basic first aid and first aid in life threatening situations
- Security Awareness Training – This course is intended to give personnel on board general security knowledge to enhance ship security.
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities – This course helps trainees learn how to limit pollution and other health and safety risks when working on board a vessel, while also building communication skills
