Columbia Shipmanagement reports that it has developed its own eLearning Management System (LMS) in partnership with Adobe Systems, with the new web and App-based platform to allow seafarers to access and complete training assignments both online and offline.
Crew can use computers or mobile devices to download the courses and then generate certificates after successful completion of the relevant tests. The system also includes functionality to collect points and badges, post comments and questions in dedicated forums, participate in webinars, attend virtual classrooms and access virtual reality content.
Columbia has created a dedicated in-house team for the development of tailored eLearning courses for the platform using the Adobe Captivate Prime software package, which will allow masters and managers to create Continuous Development Programmes for their teams by enrolling them on specific courses.
The data captured by the system can be used to help monitor the effectiveness of the training provided, track attendance, and provide feedback on participation and how quickly the workforce is earning new skill awards.
“Seafarers play a key role in operating Columbia’s fleet, hence it is of utmost importance to recognise their contribution and efforts by caring about their wellbeing and satisfaction,” said Captain Faouzi Fradi, Group Director of Training at Columbia Shipmanagement.
“Columbia’s LMS has been implemented to train and educate seafarers but also to adapt to their schedule and lives, while onboard or ashore, and help them train on their own terms.”
In addition to this new eLearning initiative, Columbia has also revamped its web-based Crew Portal, a digital system providing seafarers with information about their next assignment, certificates and documents, training requirements and payroll, alongside other company news and safety alerts.
These initiatives are all part of Columbia’s ongoing digitalisation programme, which recently saw the company’s first Performance Optimisation Control Room opened in Cyprus.
