In a further development to achieve a safer, cleaner and more profitable industry, DNV SeaSkill - a service that offers standards, tests and certification related to competence development - has launched a new global initiative to achieve 'competence beyond compliance'.
Five committees have already been set up to ensure the quality of the new SeaSkill, competence standards for the training of onboard and onshore personnel. The development follows growing awareness amongst quality players in the industry that in order to achieve optimum operations, the competence of seafarers and onshore staff needs to be continuously improved.
The STCW Code is a step in the direction of global competence standards. But many consider that there is a need to look beyond the positions described in the Convention, and the model of DNV developing competence standards and carrying out testing and certification of personnel, based on these standards, has so far received wide approval and support.
Bjorgulf Haukelid, Head of DNV SeaSkill, told Classification News: "We are working on a complete system for competence management. The DNV SeaSkill system addresses the needs at all three levels: competence management systems within companies and organisations; the certification of learning programmes and courses at maritime schools and training providers; and the testing and certification of individuals as being fit for specific jobs."
The basis of all DNV's certification services - at the company, training and individual levels - are the specific competence standards which DNV SeaSkill develops with the involvement of users who are represented in the various committees of experts.
"DNV SeaSkill is working on standards for individual positions onboard and onshore, for example, Superintendents, Safety in Marine Electrical Installations and hotel staff onboard cruiseships," said Bjorgulf Haukelid, adding: "This will be the first global system for classifying maritime competence. It includes competence standards that can be applied globally and certification which is internationally recognised."
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