June 2006

Videotel looks to the environment
with new training package

LEADING maritime training provider Videotel Marine International has produced a new training course for ships’ environmental officers.

The course, which is produced in association with Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association (Bermuda) Ltd, will help candidates understand the environmental issues facing shipping companies. It will also familiarise candidates with the legal framework within which shipping operates, and prepare them to undertake a proactive role as onboard environmental officers.

Videotel President and former IMO Secretary-General William O’Neil says, “In today’s maritime industries, shipping companies must operate within very complex environmental legislation. Increasingly, the need for onboard environmental expertise is being recognised, as is the position of environmental officer.

“This course provides the information necessary for candidates to become the ship’s environmental officer. It provides a comprehensive and lucid guide to current international law and offers practical advice on how to maintain and improve day-to-day environmental performance. Those candidates who successfully complete the course will be able to advise on best practice and to help the master and other crew members in connection with environmental issues.

“The environment is a major issue for everybody today, and shipping is no exception. This course fulfils an important function in providing everything from an understanding of the impact of global warming and climate change, to an appreciation of the potentially very serious consequences – including both financial penalties and imprisonment – of failing to adopt environmentally acceptable procedures.”

For more information go to: Environmental Officer Training Course

Videotel Marine International is the market leader in the provision of quality computer, video and DVD-based training packages and courses in many languages for the maritime industry. The company provides training packages through long-term library rental schemes. Videotel currently offers over 1,000 titles, including a range of flag state-approved distance learning courses. Many of the marine video and computer-based training packages produced by Videotel Marine International are recognised by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) as contributing to an individual member's Professional Development requirements.

An electronic image to illustrate this news story is available on request from: chris@merlinco.com