September 2004

FIFTY-FIVE Videotel courses and training packages have been recognised by the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEST) as suitable for Continuous Professional Development (CPD). This is the first time that IMarEST has given its approval to such a wide range of courses from a single provider.

Auditing and validation of training courses is likely to become an increasingly hot topic. Now, more than ever, the spotlight is not just on whether crews have been trained, but on how well they have been trained. Recognition from a professional body such as IMarEST is one of the best possible indications that Videotel is a leader in the field of maritime training.

Videotel's chairman Len Holder was in charge of submitting the courses to IMarEST. "The system of quality assurance that is used during Videotel's production process was a vital part of the submission", he said. "It is based on the system introduced by Videotel's former President, the late Lord Perry, the first Vice-Chancellor of the Open University. It is a rigorous system that works very well for us and ensures the quality of the final product.'

IMarEST members serving at sea are part of the senior management team, and require a thorough understanding of all aspects of work on board, not restricted to the engine room and other machinery spaces. Members' duties include personnel management, leadership, safety, environmental protection, emergency procedures, and teamwork with other professionals. In addition, their knowledge and skills require regular up-dating as industry and the profession develop and advance. The variety of courses approved by IMarEST reflects the diversity of CPD training courses that are needed. They include:

• Personal Safety in the Engine Room
• MEETS-STCW for Engineer Cadets
• Safety Officer Training Course (Version 1.1)
• Shipboard Security Training Course (CD-ROM) (Version 1.1)
• Machinery Space Fires

A full list is available upon request.

• 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 500 titles, including a range of Flag State approved distance-learning courses. And now, as stated, 55 of Videotel's training packages have recently been recognised by IMarEST as suitable for continuing professional development