September 18, 2012
In the Philippines, the Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork1 (hereinafter called SSBT) training course of "K" Line Maritime Academy3 (Philippines) {hereinafter called KLMA (Phil)} has been certified by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, Japan (hereinafter called Class NK) as an SSBT training course satisfying the model course set by IMO2 in the seafarer’s maritime educational field.
The SSBT training course is required to be taken by Master and Deck Officers in compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
ECDIS4 training course in KLMA (Phil) had been certified by Class NK last January and this certification further proves that KLMA (Phil) has been continuously providing the high-quality training that satisfies global standards.
(SSBT training course in KLMA (Phil))
The 12th Asia Conference on Marine Simulation and Simulator Research5 was held at KLMA (Phil) in Manila on August 2 & 3, 2012 before this audit and "K" Line fully supported this conference. The results of their research were published, indicating there was lively discussion at the conference. Instructors from KLMA (Phil) also attended as observers and reported that they enlarged their knowledge of education regarding the use of marine simulators.
The certification ceremony was held at Class NK Headquarters on September 7, 2012 with attendees including Class NK Vice President Koichi Fujiwara and "K" Line Senior Managing Executive Officer Captain Masami Sasaki.
Though "K" Line has been providing standardized training for all seafarers onboard our group vessels through KLMA, "K" Line will offer higher level of globally standardized training by incorporating objective assessments from this third-party accreditation organization, which will contribute to further strengthening safety and efficiency in navigation.
1 Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork (SSBT) :
It is practical and theoretical and consists of a series of exercises performed on a ship handling simulator,
making use of effective bridge procedures, to observe basic principles of keeping a navigational watch, as set out in
STCW Convention and Code, to enhance the officers’ level of competence of responsibilities and to effectively
perform the bridge watch keeping team in normal, critical and emergency situations.
"K" Line is providing additional training for Bridge Resource Management / Bridge Team Management
aside from SSBT to enhance safe navigation.
2 IMO : IMO - International Maritime Organization - is a United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety
and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.
3 "K" Line Maritime Academies (KLMA) :
KLMA is the cluster of our seafarers’ training centers around the world that provides the career path program for
"K" Line seafarers.
4 ECDIS :
ECDIS stands for Electric Chart Display and Information System. This system displays the ship’s position, warning
of dangerous areas on the navigational chart in order to support safe navigation.
5 Asia Conference on Marine Simulation and Simulator Research :
This is an International conference handling research on marine simulators in Asia. The conference consists of experts
who are engaged in miscellaneous research for marine simulator technology in Asia, publishing results of latest research
and having exchanges of opinion among experts in this field.