BASS and NTC-M Partner Up

In sync with their objective of “training seafarers using quality software”, BASS and the Norwegian Training Center (NTC-M) in Manila have agreed to establish hands-on training experience for seafarers as the industry moves towards adopting ICT (Information and Communications Technology). BASS will contribute by installing their integrated shipboard applications in a simulated environment in NTC-M while the training center will conduct training based upon actual operation between ship and office. The configuration of such training mechanism is said to benefit the seafarers as learning gets easier this way. BASS has installed its shipboard software including BASS EasyInfo (document and information management), BASS PayNet (payroll), SAFIR (safety and improvement reporting) and Star IPS (planned maintenance) in a classroom setup with ten PCs. NTC-M has sent two of its instructors to BASS’ Kuala Lumpur office for an extensive training. NTC-M successfully conducted the first regular courses starting on July29. NTC-M has been training seafarers since 1990 with the aim to improve human factor in ship operation. The company has trained 34,060 number of seafarers from Norwegian and non-Norwegian principals since 1990. When interviewed Captain Ivar Thomasli has this to say: “BASS caters to the modern way of managing ships. Their integrated software package covers the core activities of a business environment. Our students will greatly benefit from these courses because each of these software solutions displays an in depth analysis of the desired onboard operation. BASS is an established and strong supplier and we are pleased to be given the opportunity to add these meaningful courses in our training schedule and at the same time allow seafarers to get insight into IT.” It is important to train seafarers in IT given the fact that many companies today are seen switching from manual way of performing their task to a more automated way. With this in mind, BASS and NTC-M will work together to ensure that seafarers are taught upfront on how to use the software to the fullest in a classroom setup training. The task is more than guiding the seafarers to use the software but NTC-M together with the assistance from BASS will educate seafarers about the importance of quality data at the entry point of each software package to ensure proper decision support. The basis of this agreement was also due to BASS’ experiences dealing with various seafarers themselves. Today many companies are training their seafarers onboard but they fail to realize the quality of training they are providing to their seafarers in the given time period. If seafarers are sent for comprehensive software training, management will spend less time explaining the details to seafarers when they first join onboard and this will lead to lesser software problems, meaning less costly support from office and the software supplier. Meanwhile, the other benefits of proper classroom training can also mean that shipboard staff will perform certain work processes independently without office losing the overview of the operation. “We selected NTC-M as our training partner mainly due to its standing as an independent, reputable, and DNV certified training center. NTC-M offers a wide range of courses that will blend well with our software courses. Take for example the safety management training goes well with SAFIR and BASS EasyInfo,” said Per Steinar Upsaker, Managing Director of BASS. “NTC-M’s seagoing experienced lecturers and good training facilities were the other considerations. Seafarers will value the software better if lecturers can assist them to visualize the concepts of the software to real-life situations. This will work only if the lecturers are experienced plus knowledgeable and this is what NTC-M can offer,” adds Per Steinar Upsaker. Last year, BASS formed a similar alliance with the Indian Maritime Training Center (IMTC) in Mumbai. Approximately 135 seafarers have undergone training in BASS’ software at IMTC.