Seapeak Visits MSA Portsmouth’s World-Class Facilities

Seapeak is a global leader in the international maritime transportation of gas liquids, and it aims to lead the way in the transfer of energy and keep the world in motion.

The Maritime Skills Academy Portsmouth recently hosted these distinguished industry leaders, as they were on the search to identify a provider who could not only deliver world-class training but also utilise and incorporate Seapeak’s own policies and procedures and navigation handbook whilst simultaneously maintaining its purpose, values, and standards.

After this recent evaluation, Seapeak’s Training and Recruitment Manager John Reid expressed his satisfaction with the training centre by writing the following glowing testimonial.

“The Maritime Skills Academy Portsmouth delivers all we requested and much more. From the moment you arrive at the Lakeside North Harbour building, you get the immediate feeling that this is a very professional set-up. From the outset, the message is that you are here to learn in a learning environment. The style of teaching ties in with the ambience and attitude of “let’s learn, and learn at your own pace” by building confidence first, and then moving on to enhancing skills and knowledge.

As well as several state-of-the-art bridge simulators, MSA Portsmouth has Engine Room Simulators (ERM), switchboards, High Voltage Simulator Training, ECDIS Training suites, classrooms, briefing rooms, and incredible recreation space for student breaks. All of which can be integrated for running multi-vessel or multi-departmental exercises or drills.

Another real plus (particularly for Seapeak) was for us to discover that the MSA also have the ability to run Basic and Advanced Polar Code courses.

All in all, the Maritime Skills Academy and their professional staff are running an elite training centre providing world-class training to the maritime industry. Seapeak are delighted to be working with them to ensure that our Officers are receiving a high level of training consistent with our Seapeak Values and Standards.”

On behalf of the entire MSA Team, it was a pleasure to host John and his colleagues, and we are grateful for his kind words and complimentary testimonial.

If you’d like to arrange a visit to our facilities to see how the Maritime Skills Academy can support your maritime training needs, please get in touch below to schedule a visit.

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Mental Health First Aid Training for Staff at the Maritime Skills Academy

Viking Maritime Group Marketing and Communications Manager, Jade Jaenicke recently completed a two-day Mental Health First Aider training course as part of the company’s commitment to the well-being of all staff.

Here is an insight into the training from Jade’s perspective and her thoughts after having completed the course.

Becoming a Mental Health First Aider

In a world where conversations about mental health are becoming increasingly normalised, I recently took a step to contribute to this important dialogue by completing Mental Health First Aider training. Along with several of my colleagues at Viking Maritime Group, I spent two days equipping myself with the tools to recognise when others may need support and guidance if they are struggling with their mental health.

Why Choose Mental Health First Aid Training?

Mental health challenges are something many of us face, either personally or through those we care about. Yet, the stigma around discussing these struggles often silences people. I wanted to be part of breaking that cycle. While I often find myself a shoulder to lean on, I realised that having formal training could make my support more effective and informed.

What the Training Entailed

The training was structured to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills.

We began by debunking myths and deepening our understanding of common mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. It was eye-opening to see how these issues manifest differently for everyone.

We learned to identify early signs of mental health challenges, ranging from subtle behavioural changes to more overt expressions of distress. Recognising these signs early can make a huge difference.

Much like physical first aid, mental health first aid focuses on immediate assistance. We practised listening non-judgmentally, offering reassurance, and providing information about professional help when needed.

A critical part of the training involved handling situations like panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, or acute anxiety episodes. Role-playing these scenarios was intense but crucial in building confidence for if a situation arises that we would need to deal with.

Image of Viking Maritime Group Managers stood together facing the camera | Mental Health First Aid Training — *Jade pictured third from right*

Personal Takeaways

The training reminded me that everyone’s story is unique. Rather than trying to “fix” someone, my role as a Mental Health First Aider is to create a safe space where the person feels heard and supported. I now have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to listen, support, and direct someone to where they can best source the relevant help.

Supporting others can be emotionally taxing, so we were taught the importance of maintaining our own mental well-being. This includes setting boundaries and seeking to help ourselves when needed, as well as ensuring we are practising self-care regularly, whether that be taking a long bath or going to the gym.

A kind word, an open ear, or simply showing up for someone can have a profound impact.

Since completing the training, I’ve started noticing how small changes in language and behaviour can make a big difference. Whether it’s at work, with friends, or even strangers, I feel more equipped to navigate conversations about mental health with confidence and compassion.

Becoming a Mental Health First Aider doesn’t mean I have all the answers. But it does mean I’m better prepared to guide someone to the help they need.

I encourage anyone considering Mental Health First Aider Training to sign up. Not only does it enhance your ability to help others, but it also strengthens your own understanding of mental health. Together, we can make a difference.

If you or someone you know if struggling, you can find helpful resources below:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support

https://mhfaengland.org/crisis-support

Or if you’d like to find out more and book a course to become accredited yourself, please click here: https://mhfaengland.org/

Bespoke Operational Firefighting Training at the Maritime Skills Academy

Fire onboard a ship is one of the most dangerous emergencies crew can face. It threatens lives, disrupts operations, and can cause catastrophic damage to the vessel and the environment. This is why comprehensive and realistic firefighting training is crucial for all seafarers. The Maritime Skills Academy (MSA) has world-renowned training centres that equip maritime professionals with the skills and confidence to tackle fire-related emergencies effectively. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of Operational Firefighting training and how the MSA prepares its delegates for this critical aspect of maritime safety.

Understanding the Risk of Firefighting at Sea

The enclosed environment of a ship, the presence of combustible materials, and the potential for rapid fire spread make firefighting at sea uniquely challenging. Unlike on land, seafarers cannot rely on immediate external help; they must be self-reliant and capable of containing and extinguishing fires. This necessitates rigorous training to ensure every crew member can respond swiftly and effectively to a fire emergency.

Operational FireFighting at MSA Gibraltar | Bespoke

The Importance of Teamwork and Communication

Effective firefighting at sea is not just about individual skill; it’s about teamwork and communication. The confined and hazardous environment of a ship requires all crew members to work in harmony, follow procedures, and maintain clear communication. MSA’s training emphasises these aspects, ensuring that delegates are proficient in firefighting and capable of working as part of a cohesive team.

The Maritime Skills Academy’s Approach to Operational FireFighting

The MSA offers an Operational Fire Fighting training programme completely tailored to incorporate a vessel’s safety management system and emergency response procedures. A full consultation is carried out before training to ensure a beyond-compliance training programme is delivered specific to the client’s needs.

The training is hands-on, with fire teams being exposed to highly realistic fire scenarios, helping them develop the skills to make fact-based decisions on the front line, while enhancing their communication abilities.

Senior Officers are invited to participate, focusing on command and control and delivering clear and effective briefings and debriefings to the teams. This is the ideal environment to learn from mistakes, with expert instructors providing guidance at every stage.

Crew will gain greater confidence with both their equipment and procedures, leading to faster response times in real-life situations on board.

The training is immersive, simulating real-life conditions, including various scenarios, such as engine room fires, accommodation fires, and galley fires. These setups provide a realistic setting for delegates to practice using firefighting equipment, handling smoke and heat, and navigating confined spaces.

Operational Firefighting training at the Maritime Skills Academy is critical to maritime safety. It prepares seafarers to tackle one of the most formidable challenges they may face at sea.

With its experienced instructors and realistic training scenarios, the MSA ensures that its delegates have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to protect themselves, their crewmates, and their vessels from the devastating impact of onboard fires. Investing in Operational FireFighting training in addition to mandatory STCW training is vital to ensure safety at sea.

Offering bespoke Operational Firefighting training from multiple locations, including Dover, Gibraltar, and the Philippines, makes the MSA accessible to many.

For more information on Operational Firefighting training, click here

Additional Fire Safety Courses Available at the Maritime Skills Academy:

• STCW Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting Training Course (FPFF)

• STCW Updated Proficiency in Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting Training Course (UFPFF)

• STCW Advanced Fire Fighting Training Course (AFF)

• STCW Updated Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting Training Course (UAFF)