Ocean Technologies Group (OTG) reports that it has launched a new tender boat operator e-learning course for the passenger ship industry.
Tender boats are used to transport passengers to shore from cruise ships that are unable to berth in ports due to their size. For safety purposes, passenger ship operators need to ensure that safety training is extended to crew members who are designated to operate tender boats.
Delivered as e-learning, OTG’s course can be used by employers to provide the required theory training to any crew at any time, pre-joining or on board ship, before being supplemented with a practical training element while at sea.
The e-learning course follows the IMO suggested training requirements for tender boat operators and comprises six individual online modules covering launch and recovery; engine operation and instrumentation; passenger handling; navigational equipment and comms; operation and manoeuvring; and emergency procedures.
Once evidence of practical training is provided, along with verification of the completed e-learning course, OTG will issue a certificate of training.
“Historically, the training and certification of passenger ship tender boat drivers has been managed by shipping companies themselves, either devising their own training programmes or outsourcing to shore based training providers and issuing their own certificates,” said Joost van Ree, OTG’s Group Director Cruise and Yachts.
“The aim of our new Tender Boat Operator course is to deliver a consistent approach to this type of training which is repeatable, scalable and high quality. The benefit is that employers now have the flexibility to allocate tender boat duties to crew members at any time, when required, removing the time pressure and cost of training a limited number of crew pre-joining.”
