E-learning service provider Marine Learning Systems (MLS) has been announced as the winner of the £10,000 Inmarsat Ferry Open Innovation Challenge, a competition inviting start-ups and SMEs to propose digital systems to enhance the working lives of ferry crews.
Launched in January 2022 in collaboration with Greek ferry operator Attica Group and UK digital consultancy Thetius, the Challenge sought entries in five innovation areas: familiarisation training for new crew, continuous regulations training, onboard safety training, onboard customer services training and the enrichment of crew leisure time.
MLS was announced as the winner at the Smart Maritime Network conference in Athens on March 30th, securing a £10,000 cash grant to fund a proof of concept for its end-to-end seafarer training system on board Attica Group ferry Superfast XI.
Comprising the MarineLMS learning platform and SkillGrader assessment tool, the MLS proposal addresses four training-related challenge areas, improving familiarisation for new crew members by supporting custom content and blended learning, and enabling continuous regulations training.
Customer services training is available via interactive content on guidelines and procedures, while safety training is offered through standardised exams to test crew knowledge of emergency procedures.
MLS will use the funding to develop Attica Group-specific training content and skill assessment forms, as well as dashboards and reports targeting knowledge gaps and training effectiveness. All content and applications will be accessible via mobile device or existing on-board computers, with Inmarsat’s Fleet Connect providing dedicated bandwidth to allow users to reach the MLS-configured remote training servers without interfering with vessel operations or crew communications.
“We’re incredibly honoured and pleased to be chosen as the winner of Ferry Open Innovation Challenge,” said Murray Goldberg, Founder and CEO, Marine Learning Systems.
“Marine Learning Systems is committed to advancing mariner safety and performance through technology that enables targeted, effective and measurable training. We are excited to learn from and work alongside Attica, Thetius and Inmarsat to support their efforts in improving crew training at sea.”
