On-board Computer Based Type Specific ECDIS Training

UK-based ECDIS manufacturer Martek Marine has partnered with German ECDIS training supplier Safebridge and the ECDIS Training Consortium to ‘Type Specific’ ECDIS training for crew members on-board vessels without internet access. The VTK (vessel training kit) for on-board computer-based training without the need for internet connection will allow crew members to carry out their Type Specific Training without the pressure, cost or unreliability of internet connections whilst at sea.

Steve Coulson, Business Development director at Martek Marine commented that training is one of the most important elements of successful and due diligent ECDIS implementation. They have looked for a training partner that had the experience and quality to deliver the system training and this is what was found with Safebridge and the ECDIS Training Consortium. This VTK will add value to operators and their crews to ensure that training is effective, value for money and flexible for the ultimate safety of the vessel.

Ulf Steden, managing director of Safebridge, commented that by adding Martek’s iECDIS to the list of OEM partners his organisation now is able to offer a comprehensive platform for ECDIS training.

Martek’s Vessel Training Kit is a stand-alone type specific ECDIS simulation training solution. The ship is provided with a specially designed and modified laptop PC that is equipped with virtual machines running the iECDIS software in a contained and encrypted system. The trainee then has access to the Live-Learning and Video-Learning Functions as an offline system. Once the trainee has completed the training course an online synchronisation is needed with the Safebridge server to issue the e-certificate. The test results are uploaded and an e-certificate is issued to the trainee or alternatively the e-certificate can be sent to a nominated crew manager on-shore to issue.    

Martek launched the iECDIS electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) in early 2014 and has seen a huge increase in enquiries and orders from both the traditional shipping sectors as well as offshore and workboat sectors. By partnering with Safebridge and the ETC, Martek are now able to offer their customers a fully comprehensive ECDIS solution.