Milena De Cicco, Author at The Maritime Skills Academy

Operational Fire Fighting Training at The Maritime Skills Academy with Head of Training at MSA Dover, Sam Kelly

We spoke to Sam Kelly, Head of Training at MSA Dover, to find out more about the bespoke Operational Fire Fighting Training the MSA delivers to crew.

“In 2022, in the midst of existing Covid restrictions, the shipping world transformed from minimum safe manning and laid up, to full operation almost overnight. This meant new crew were dispatched to new companies to facilitate the company’s operational requirements.

Cruise companies acknowledged the risk with respect to company procedures, especially in relation to the fire safety teams onboard.

I have been working closely with the senior management teams both onboard and ashore for a multitude of clients, creating bespoke, effective, and measurable training standards we have come to know as Operational Fire Fighting.

Their aim is for the crew to embrace and practice specific Emergency Response Plans (ERP) in a variety of scenarios with the end goal being to improve confidence for the crew.

Virgin Voyages led the way with this training with a simple request to the MSA – “Can you train our Filipino crew locally?”.

After a few calls to our partners at United Philippine Line, we quickly found a few suitable training centres. We finalised plans with a training centre in Tagaytay, called COMPASS, that ticked all the boxes to be able to deliver industry-leading courses under the direct supervision of our Maritime Coastguard Agency-approved instructors.

We adapted our current Advanced Fire Fighting course and picked out the most relevant areas that would benefit the crew, relating all the material directly to Virgin Voyages Safety Management System and Emergency Response Procedures.

The feedback from the courses delivered over the last six months has been positive and this enthusiasm has been noted when onboard during port state and weekly drills.

This has also relieved pressure on the Senior Officers, as the training has been carried out across all the Virgin Voyages crew at our multiple MSA facilities.

Virgin Voyages hosts over 60 different nationalities in crew onboard, and in the wake of the war in Ukraine, we have managed to facilitate training for crew members at our new centre located in Gibraltar, navigating Schengen visas and logistics with the help from our partners at the University of Gibraltar.

MSA Gibraltar has also been delivering a one-day Operational Fire Fighting course for cruise calls; collecting fire teams from the cruise terminal, delivering training at the Airport Fire Training centre, and then delivering back to the vessel.

The popularity of this training has been exponential in growth due to the ease for the ship operator and enabling company best practice in a truly real hot and smoky environment.

Considering the popularity of this course, a new partnership has been formed with Gib Dock and the Government of Gibraltar, in building our own fire training module at the University location in Europa Point.”

What is the importance of this beyond compliance training for you?

“The ability to get hands-on with your actual fire teams, in truly realistic fire situations.

Enabling the fire teams to make factual-based decisions on the front line and deploying effective communication skills.

We welcome Senior Officers to attend this training to enable the command-and-control aspect to take place, review effective and concise briefings, and debriefings to the teams. This is the place to make mistakes. Our instructors will be by your side throughout offering expert advice at all levels.

The crew will have more confidence in their equipment and procedures, enabling quicker reactions to situations on board.”

About Sam Kelly

Sam Kelly is Head of Training at MSA Dover.

After graduating with a degree in the Science of Maritime Operations, Sam spent 11 years working as a Navigation Officer in the ferry and cruise industries, visiting ports in the Mediterranean, Baltic, Norway and the Caribbean.

Sam then joined Saga cruises as a Maritime Operations Manager, before progressing to a Marine Superintendent. He played a leading role in bringing the newest Spirit class vessels into service and managed the turnaround operations in the UK as well as all port operations Worldwide.

Sam brings a wealth of knowledge gained throughout his career to his role at MSA Dover.

Explore our full range of maritime training courses here.

New Bridge Resource Management Training Partnership with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

The Maritime Skills Academy is pleased to announce a new 2-year partnership with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, offering their Crew an enhanced level of training to improve their performance onboard. The training will include Bridge Resource Management and Azipod Ship Handling.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines will be joining the prestigious portfolio of clients already using the state-of-the-art facilities in Portsmouth, including Red Funnel, Carnival UK, Windstar Cruises, P&O Ferries, and Virgin Voyages.

This Bridge Resource Management training partnership, is a further extension to the services that the Viking Maritime Group already provide Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, as we currently have 12 Cadets onboard their vessels for which Chiltern Maritime (part of the Viking Maritime Group) provides full Cadet management, support, and administration.

Josip Kulas, Director of Training and Simulation, said: “This collaboration signifies a strategic approach towards enhancing the proficiency and safety of seafarers, as well as ensuring the overall operational excellence of cruise vessels.”

It not only ensures regulatory compliance but also fosters skill development, enhances operational efficiency, and upholds safety standards in the cruise industry, ultimately contributing to the overall success and reputation of the organisation.

This new Bridge Resource Management partnership ensures that all delegates have access to the latest industry best practices and technological advancements. It solidifies both organisations’ commitment to safety, excellence, and career development. It fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, ultimately benefiting the organisation, its employees, and the maritime community as a whole.”

Paul Clifton, Head of Crewing at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are thrilled to have agreed on a new partnership with the Maritime Skills Academy which demonstrates our commitment to continually investing in our crew.”

“This training will provide our deck and technical officer teams with the opportunity to further strengthen their skills and knowledge.”

Image of a bridge simulator | Bridge Resource Management Training

Fred. Olsen originated in Hvitsten, a small town on the shores of Oslofjord, Norway, in 1848 when three Olsen brothers – Fredrik Christian, Petter and Andreas – bought their first ships and began an international shipping company. Over 150 years later, and now into the fifth generation of the family, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines operate cruises from the UK and inspirational fly-cruises aboard four smaller, intimately-sized ocean-going ships and sail to some of the world’s greatest and most authentic destinations to provide guests with simply unforgettable holiday experiences.

Alongside Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the Fred. Olsen Group also operate a variety of other companies, including Fred. Olsen Travel and Fred. Olsen Express ferries in the Canary Islands, and has interests in the luxury hotel, aviation, estate management, electronics, and offshore energy industries. Fred. Olsen offices are spread throughout the globe, although the group’s main headquarters remain firmly in the family’s hands in Oslo and Tenerife. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is based in Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk, England.

Date of Issue: 21st September 2023
Last Edited: 28th August 2024

What are the different types of maritime training courses available?

When it comes to maritime training there is much to consider, not least the choice of training courses that are available.

The Maritime Skills Academy provides over 500 expert courses globally to over 5,000 delegates every year, at world-class training centres in Portsmouth, Dover and Gibraltar.

As an approved centre for the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, the Global Wind Organisation (GWO), Nautical Institute and UK Chamber of Shipping, this training ensures the highest standards are maintained for commercial operators as well as for both maintaining and building professional development.

This blog gives some guidance on the different types of maritime training programmes available to help you chart a course in your existing future career, or learn new skills that meet the needs of today’s maritime industry.

Setting new standards at sea

There’s nothing quite like experiencing first-hand, real-life situations that you may face whether as a tug operator, out on deck in the merchant navy, as part of a yacht crew or working in hospitality on a cruise line.

Our deck and engine training programmes, for example, provide extensive simulator training in bridge resource management (BRM), tug operations, ship handling, engine room resource room management (ERM) and for handling high voltage situations.

Marine fire and safety training, meanwhile, includes programmes in STCW Safety, commercial fire response, medical first aid and accredited sea survival courses.

Accredited industry led training

STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, one of a number of industry backed qualifications offering an extensive range of courses available at basic, advanced and refresher level.

STCW courses include everything from basic safety training to updated proficiency in Medical Care and specialised knowledge for service on ships using fuels covered within the IGF code.

Crisis management and human behaviour, crowd management and personal safety and social responsibilities provide a taste of other courses run under the STCW banner.

GWO stands for the Global Wind Organisation, an independent non-profit organisation that provides a set of standards for the safe operation of wind turbines around the world.

Sea survival training is just one element of a globally recognised certification that provides offshore workers with the skills and knowledge they will need, should incidents occur.

The full GWO Basic Safety Training certification also includes training in fire awareness, manual handling, first aid training and working at height.

Courses offered through the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) include a range of training options that build health and safety expertise for seafarers, including engine maintenance courses, ideal for operators of small inshore and pleasure vessels.

MCA Approved Polar Code Training for those on-board ships operating in polar waters are among our most popular courses.

Courses bespoke to you or your business

When it comes to the types of maritime training programmes available, there are hundreds to choose from and we can help you to choose the courses that are right for you.

While some training programmes are fixed in the time it will take to complete, others can be shaped to the specific needs of your crew, employees or your wider organisation.

Courses range in time from half day or full day refreshers to five days for more in depth skills training such as Operational Fire Fighting Training (OPFF), for example.

Whatever your training requirements, and wherever you are in the world, The Maritime Skills Academy provides complete training management whether you are private yacht crew, working offshore or working in the cruise industry.

If you would like to discuss yours or your organisation’s training needs, get in touch with Head of Training, Sam Kelly, at samk@vikingmsa.com.

To explore our full portfolio of maritime training courses, please click here.