Videotel Launches Safety Officer Training Package

Videotel Marine International has launched a CD-ROM-based training package aimed at improving safety on board ships. The Safety Officer Training package, which has been produced in association with ship management company, V.Ships and is accredited by the Nautical Institute, is specifically designed for maritime officers who have to carry out the onboard role of safety officer. "Safety Officer Training enhances the safety culture on board ship," says Len Holder, chairman of Videotel. "The crew benefit from a safer and more efficient working environment, and ship managers and operators gain from improvement in their crew's performance along with a reduction in time and money lost to accidents and injury claims."

Safety Officer Training is an interactive training program, which ensures that the onboard safety officer is trained within the current legislative framework. It can be used at sea or ashore and is designed for individual self-study. "Safety is of utmost importance on all our vessels," says Peter Cooney, managing director of V.Ships ship management division. "To reduce the number of accidents that occur at sea it is vital that the onboard safety officer is adequately trained. We have been working with Videotel to produce Safety Officer Training as we wanted our onboard safety officers to have a good quality, dedicated training package that they could access at sea." Safety Officer Training consists of 14 interactive modules in which the user watches video clips and answers quiz and multiple-choice questions. Each module takes around 30 minutes to complete and incorporates a workbook for recording all relevant information. At the end of each module is a more detailed quiz to test knowledge of the material. Most modules also have a project file, which require the users to apply the knowledge they have acquired within the context of their own ship's operations.

The modules cover topics such as the role and responsibilities of the safety officer, ISM code responsibilities, risk assessment, accident and investigation and how to create and maintain a safety culture. Videotel is offering Safety Officer Training at two levels. The first level allows full access to the training modules, questions and project files for individual study. The second level additionally offers certification to individuals and companies. For the second level, the user compiles a portfolio of work, consisting of the project files and questions, which is sent to the U.K.for external assessment. The program is accredited by the U.K.'s Nautical Institute.