Videotel Launches Vessel Catering Initiative

For the seafarer often spending long periods at sea, meals frequently act as a linchpin to the day's activities. When crews eat a balanced and nutritious diet, they are more contented, more productive and less likely to have accidents. In recognition of this Videotel has partnered with Garrets International Ltd. to launch an important new MLC focused training series, Catering On Board Ship, which aims to help improve the standard of catering on board every class of vessel – from yacht to ocean-going vessel.

“Healthy food is a vital part of all seafarers' welfare on board,” said Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel Marine International. ”Yet research has shown that many seafarers exhibit poor health almost certainly caused by diet and lifestyle.”

“This demonstrates the need for the recently ratified MLC 2006 regulations which lay down new catering standards for food and drinking water on board vessels, ensuring food is of suitable quantity, quality, nutritional value and variety and is prepared and served in hygienic conditions.”

The Catering on Board Ship Series addresses the new MLC 2006 regulations emphasizing the importance of food safety, the relationship between diet and health, and by motivating cooks to plan and produce healthier and more varied meals, while making good use of the provisioning budget.

Targeted at catering staff on board and also suitable for Masters, senior officers and other crew, the series fully prepares those on board for port state inspections. It covers galley inspections; menu planning and cost control; management and record-keeping; healthy eating; product knowledge; kitchen equipment and cooking techniques.

The training series is available in DVD, Videotel on Demand (VOD), VOD online and Computer Based Training (CBT). All are accompanied by an electronic workbook which highlights key learning points and contains information on further resources as well as assessment questions, and where appropriate providing printable recipes.

Catering On Board Ship is launched at midday today on board the HQS Wellington.

videotel.com