ECDIS Train the Trainer Course

The training was attended by 21 lecturers from 12 different colleges. The programme consisted of Navigational Simulator and Engine Room Simulator courses, also covering developments in ARPA radar and ECDIS, innovations in maritime training and new simulators' applications. As a part of this programme a Facebook Group was created, which became a perfect platform for communication and information exchange between the lectures of different colleges.

The project has been supported by the Dokuz Eylül University Maritime Faculty, namely by Associate Prof. Ender Asyali, Associate Prof. Selcuk Nas, Assistant Prof. Dr. Serim Paker, Lecturer Burak Koseoglu and Expert Bora Kayacan. The project manager Associate Prof. Selcuk Nas, Deputy Dean of Maritime Faculty, Dokuz Eylül University commented that the main purpose of this project was to find an answer to the question: "Is it sufficient to increase the number and capacity of the educational institutions in order to meet the qualified  seafarers needs of maritime industry?", He continued that "the number of educational institutions providing manpower to the maritime  industry has rapidly increased in the last decade. Moreover, there have been a lot of  investments in laboratories, classrooms and simulators in order to enable sufficient training. Still we see that the most important factor is an investment in ‘human capital'. In other words, highly educated, skilled trainers who create added value by educating seafarers, are the most valuable resource for us. With this in mind, we always make sure that our trainers have the latest knowledge in using simulation systems and in bridge and engine room operations.

Ozge Bozacioglu, lecturer of the Department of Ship Management at Ziya Kalkavan Anatolian Maritime High School commented: "The major drawback in maritime colleges is a lack of well-trained lecturers. This training is a great opportunity to gain new knowledge. It is a significant contribution to more efficient use of simulators by lecturers".