DNV SeaSkill certified its first Dynamic Positioning course offered by world-wide maritime training provider, Sir Derek Bibby Maritime Training Centre, the training arm of Bibby Ship Management situated in Mumbai, India.
"This is a high point for us," says Capt. Vernon Sequeira, DNV SeaSkill Manager (India & Sri Lanka) pointing out that, “With the certification of the basic course in Dynamic Positioning, DNV forays into a unique area of course certification which aims to train maritime personnel to become Dynamic Positioning operation and maintenance professionals." He goes on to say that, “This is just the beginning. Going ahead, we are all geared up and equipped to offer certification of more advanced technical courses related to dynamic positioning and allied areas.”
Indispensible to the maritime industry
"Increasing capability of a vessel to maintain her heading and position at sea is the very purpose for installing a Dynamic Positioning (DP) system on the vessel," says the H.O.D Training of Sir Derek Bibby Maritime Training Centre, Capt. S.N. Thakur. Illustrating he adds, "Formerly, DP systems were only employed to provide a floating platform to oil rigs…enabling operators to carry out drilling operations in deep water of 400 meters and more. Looking at the effectiveness of DP systems in deep sea, it was subsequently incorporated on vessels operating in shallow waters."
Quickly he adds, "DP is indeed a technology that is indispensible to the shipping industry and it will soon become a mandatory requirement for all seaborne vessels."
Pointing out on the increased demand for DP professionals in the maritime industry, Capt. Thakur says, "The demand for DP professionals is an exponential curve while the supply is linear. The industry recognises the need for more technically qualified professionals in the market today and it hopes that with the awareness generated, the demand will meet supply in a year or two."
Enduring relationship
The Dynamic Positioning (DP) course certification of a prestigious training provider like Sir Derek Bibby Maritime will certainly give DNV an edge in the Maritime Training industry. Pointing out Capt. Vernon Sequeira adds, "Besides the customer's DP course certification, DNV has certified the training centre’s Electronic Chart Display & Information System course (ECDIS) which aims to equip seafarers on the real-time electronic navigational system."
Sharing his pleasant experience about working with DNV, Capt. Thakur says, DNV SeaSkill’s Captain Vernon has been very responsive and helpful in organising our course.
Sir Derek Bibby Maritime Training Centre is also endorsed by DNV to the ISO 9001:2008 quality standard. Furthermore, the customer has approached DNV to do a comprehensive certification audit of its training centre under DNV’s MTC standard requirements.