Training the Assessors – Why and how?

Although the training of Assessors in the Maritime Industry is not such a new story, it has been recently, with the new TMSA 3 requirements (Element 3) as well as the provisions of section A-I/6 of the STCW Code, that the need for such a training seems more important than ever.

DNV GL's  Maritime Academy is offering to that end, a two-day Training for Assessors course aiming to transfer the necessary knowledge and skills to support trainees when called upon to manage, supervise and conduct the assessment of seafarer competence in accordance with the above. 

The topics discussed in detail are:

We are proud to announce that from September 2017 we will be offering a second Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Safety and Security, also in co-operation with the WMU. With the new Postgraduate Diploma the two organizations focus again on safety as always, but this time also on security, given the changing global context. Within the maritime sector this covers the headline issues of piracy and terrorism but also includes trafficking, illegal fishing, port security and marine environmental protection, including the dumping of toxic waste. Furthermore there is the successful implementation of the ISPS provisions and how to respond to the continuous flows of irregular migrants and/or refugees using various means of transport and related infrastructure. Capacity for dealing with contemporary safety and security issues is essential not only for the numerous government officials responsible for performing tasks related to safety and security, but also for profitability and maintaining the good reputation of the maritime sector. The new programme consists of five modules that cover the following topics:

  • 1. Shipboard assessment system
  • 2. Competence-based assessment
  • 3. Assessment methods
  • 4. Communication skills
  • 5. The on-board assessment process
  • 5. Reporting and feedback
  • 5. Uniformity of assessments
  • 5. Conduction of a practical assessment session (role play)


The last but one item – uniformity of assessments – is of great importance as it seems to be an issue raised by “all shipping companies”.  The case of quite different evaluations of the same person coming from different assessors is often and seems to originate – amongst others – from the different perception of the role of the assessor as well as scope of the assessment procedure itself.   Thus, the need for training to that respect is imminent and should also be combined with the general assessment principles of impartiality and personal development.
 
Those who successfully complete the course will be able to perform on board assessments as well as undertake all the responsibilities expected of assessors within their field of expertise, as per IMO Model course 1.30.
 

The course incorporates also important elements of the IMO Model Course 3.12.