The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) today launches the inaugural train-the-trainer Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) workshop. The workshop is jointly-organised with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), under the Singapore-IMO Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Third Country Training Programme, MPA said in its press release.
The five-day workshop conducted by MPA Academy, the training arm of MPA, will educate 18 participants from 11 countries in the effective use of ECDIS simulators as a training tool and methods of training deck officers on ships on the proper and safe use of ECDIS.
ECDIS is an integrated navigational aid developed with the intention to reduce navigational accidents caused by human error. (Refer Annex Afor more information on ECDIS) As ECDIS is a relatively new equipment, there are wide variations in standards of training in various parts of the world. The intention of the workshop is to build capacity in the region and provide ECDIS trainers with the necessary skill-sets to enhance their training capabilities and ensure that seafarers in their respective countries are trained to high levels of proficiency to operate ECDIS.
"Singapore is one of the world's busiest ports and waterways with about 1,000 vessels in the port at any one time. With continued growth in global trade and its reliance on the maritime industry, sea lanes will only become busier with larger ships. It is therefore critical that we continue to adopt new technologies and are able to use them effectively to help ensure greater safety. As a member of the international maritime community and an IMO Council member, we will continue to share our expertise and provide technical assistance to improve navigational safety and training standards of our fellow IMO Member States globally," says Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of MPA.