By
Alex Smith |
Viking Safety Academy has developed an e-learning solution to ensure that seafarers can continue with essential training despite being unable to work as normal due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The tool could enable seafarers to obtain extensions for their International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (SCTW) certificates during the lockdowns imposed by governments worldwide during the pandemic. Seafarers are normally required to update their certificates every five years.
Viking Safety Academy has worked with Estonia’s Reval Safety Training to offer SCTW refresher training through e-learning for Estonian seafarers. This includes topics such as personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats, fast rescue boats and advanced fire fighting.
Estonia’s Maritime Administration was the first authority to inform the European Union that e-learning solutions that covered the theoretical section of SCTW training would enable the country’s seafarers to obtain a certificate extension for up to six months. According to Viking Safety Academy, other flag states are also considering e-learning solutions.
“Seafarers can now use e-learning to train and renew certificates during these extraordinary times and maintain proof of competence,” said Camilla Runge Nissen, product manager for training at Viking Safety Academy. “They can secure a longer six months extension and can make good use of the time getting ahead in the compliance process. All elements of the temporary package have been approved by the Danish Maritime Authority, we are already talking to other flag states and we can quickly roll this out.”