In a further expansion of classification business, DNV is targeting maritime colleagues and seafarers

A new global system of competence standards to ensure that ships' crews from different nations, cultures and training institutes all have a common, acceptable level of knowledge, skills and attitudes is currently being developed.

As reported in TradeWinds, DNV will not provide the training but, based on its standard for certification of learning programmes, will ensure that the content of the training process and the result of the final examination meet an acceptable common level set by the standard.

Tor E. Svensen, chief operating officer of DNV Maritime says: "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."

The new standards will incorporate the requirements for safe and efficient operations set out in statutory requirements of the IMO and other authorities, including the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STWC)