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.

STCW Basic Training for Service on Ships using Fuels

The MCA approved STCW Basic Training for Service on Ships using Fuels provides training for seafarers responsible for designated safety duties associated with the care, use, or in emergency response to the fuels on board ships subject to the IGF code (International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels).

In our latest article, we look at the many reasons why this course is so important.

Safety:

The International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) sets out safety standards for ships that use alternative fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other low-flashpoint fuels.

This code aims to ensure the safe design, construction, and operation of ships using these fuels.

The STCW Basic Training covers the essential knowledge and skills required to handle and respond to emergencies related to these fuels, ensuring the safety of the crew, passengers, and the environment.

Competence:

The training ensures that seafarers working on ships using alternative fuels are competent in handling the specific challenges and hazards associated with such fuels.

It covers topics like fuel characteristics, safe fuel handling procedures, firefighting techniques, and emergency response protocols.

By completing the training, seafarers acquire the necessary skills to effectively operate and respond to incidents involving alternative fuel systems.

Compliance:

The STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) is an international maritime treaty that establishes minimum training, certification, and watchkeeping standards for seafarers.

The training on ships using fuels covered within the IGF Code is mandated by the convention, ensuring compliance with international regulations.

Ship operators and seafarers must adhere to these regulations to meet the required standards and maintain a valid certificate of competency.

Prevention of accidents and pollution:

Ships using alternative fuels pose unique safety challenges due to the characteristics of these fuels. They have different ignition properties and may require specific handling procedures.

The STCW Basic Training equips seafarers with the knowledge to identify potential hazards, prevent accidents, and respond effectively to emergencies.

By ensuring that crew members are well-trained, the training helps minimize the risk of accidents, mitigate their consequences, and prevent pollution incidents.

Industry standards and best practices:

The STCW Basic Training reflects industry standards and best practices related to the use of fuels covered within the IGF Code.

These standards are developed through extensive research, analysis of incidents, and collaboration among maritime experts and organisations.

By incorporating these standards into the training, seafarers gain access to the latest knowledge and practices in the field, enhancing the overall safety culture within the shipping industry.

In summary, the STCW Basic Training for Service on Ships using Fuels covered within the IGF Code is important because it ensures the safety, competence, compliance, and pollution prevention of seafarers working on ships using alternative fuels.

It helps them acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to handle emergencies, follow industry standards, and maintain high safety standards in their operations.

To find out more about this course and to register your interest, please click here.

The Maritime Skills Academy Celebrates the Nautical Institute’s Recognition for Polar Training Courses

The Maritime Skills Academy (MSA) is proud to announce that our Polar Code Basic Course (POLAB) and Advanced Training Course (POLA) has received recognition from the Nautical Institute (NI).

Our courses are part of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) that seafarers must undertake to gain the Ice Navigator Level 1 and Level 2 Certificate. This recognition makes the Maritime Skills Academy one of only two training centres in the world to hold this accreditation.

What is the Ice Navigator Training Accreditation and Certification Scheme?

The NI Ice Navigator Training Accreditation and Certification Scheme is required under the Polar Code, with a global standard in training and certification of Ice Navigators.

The NI Standard complies with relevant IMO resolutions and identifies the skills, competencies, and experience that are expected of an Ice Navigator. Officers that obtain NI Ice Navigator Level 1 or Level 2 Certification will possess an internationally recognised level of experience and competence in the operation of ships in ice.

Mark Jaenicke, Operations Director at the MSA said,

“We are thrilled to have received recognition from the Nautical Institute and to be able to offer these high-quality courses to seafarers.

“Our team of experienced Ice Captains and Ice Pilots has developed the courses to provide a comprehensive education and training program that meets the requirements of the STCW.

“With this recognition, we are confident that our courses will help seafarers improve their skills and advance their careers in polar navigation.”

What is the Polar Training Course?

The Polar Training Course is a comprehensive training program designed to equip seafarers with the necessary skills and knowledge required for navigating ships in polar waters. The scheme was set up as part of the Nautical Institute’s Ice Navigator Training Accreditation and Certification Scheme, which is required under the Polar Code.

The NI has developed this global standard in training and certification of Ice Navigators in compliance with relevant IMO resolutions; it identifies the skills, competencies, and experience expected of an ice navigator.

The NI Standard has two levels: Ice Navigator Level 1 and Ice Navigator Level 2. These are internationally recognised certificates that signify a high level of experience and competence in the operation of ships in ice.

Officers who obtain the NI Ice Navigator Level 1 or Level 2 Certification will possess the necessary skills and experience to navigate polar waters safely and effectively.

What Do the Courses Involve?

The Maritime Skills Academy offers two MCA Approved Polar Code Training courses:

The Polar Code Training (Basic) (POLAB) aims to provide seafarers on board polar-operating ships with education and training that meet the STCW requirements. The course covers the following topics:

Polar Code overview and regulations
Cold climate and its impact on the ship and crew
Ice and its various forms
Navigation in ice and low visibility
Emergency procedures in ice-covered waters

The Polar Code Training (Advanced) (POLA) is intended for Masters and Officers in charge of the navigational watch involved in navigating ice conditions. The course covers the following topics:

Plan and conduct a voyage in polar water
Manage the safe operation of vessels operating in polar waters
Maintain safety of the ship’s crew and passengers and the operational condition of life-saving, fire-fighting and other systems

Both courses have been developed by experienced Ice Captains and Ice Pilots, who are recognised leaders in the industry. Our instructors have extensive experience in navigating ships in polar waters, and help deliver these courses.

Upon successful completion of the course, seafarers will have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate ships safely and efficiently in polar waters.

Final Thoughts

We are proud to have received recognition from the Nautical Institute for its Polar Code Basic Course (POLAB) and Advanced Training Course (POLA).

By completing these courses, seafarers can gain the Ice Navigator Level 1 and Level 2 Certificate, which will provide internationally recognised experience and competence in the operation of ships in ice.

This opens up polar waters to more seafarers and provides an opportunity to further your career in polar seafaring.

If you’re interested in the Polar Code Basic Course (POLAB) or Advanced Training Course (POLA), please click here.