The technical department in shipowner’s organisation has in many cases been reduced to cut cost. A general perception is that the competence in a typical technical department is strongest with respect to machinery and systems compared to hull and structure.
To meet the needs for more structural expertise, technical experts on hull structure working with ships in operation at DNV’s Head Office in Oslo have developed a Hull Structure Course.
The objective is to give the participants increased understanding of the structural configuration and response of ship structures. The purpose of the course is to improve the quality of hull inspections and provide a sound basis for evaluating the criticality of structural defects. A key element in this course is to build an understanding of the strength response of a beam subject to different loads and end fixations. We also go into depth with regard to different failure modes such as corrosion, cracks, buckling and indents. This builds a generic strength approach which is then applied to different ship types. The typical damage for each ship type is discussed, with a focus on understanding the cause of damage and the impact the damage will have on the ship’s strength response.
Course agenda
Prior to attending the classroom course, the participants are invited to take part in a web primer, for some a chance to brush up on well-known facts and for others a good opportunity to get a head start on what they are about to learn for the first time. In addition, a one-day tanker course may be included if desired.
The one-day, ship-type-specific modules cover the build-up and function of the hull structure, the causes of typical damage, the consequence of damage and proposed repairs.
Technical managers, fleet managers and superintendents are target groups for these courses which can be conducted at the local DNV office or in the company’s offices.
This course has been provided as in-house sessions for several of the major tanker owners throughout the international shipping community, such as Piraeus, Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro …
Other players in the shipping industry such as vetting inspectors, Flag State and Port State inspectors have also attended.
So far, more than 1,000 participants have received training through our courses, which consistently attain high ratings. The course is often referred to as ‘the missing link’ between the theory which has long been taught in universities and marine training centres and the real world experienced during inspections.
Date: 2007-10-09