Admiral Ushakov Maritime University is interested in the development of a simulator for training of specialists in compliance with the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC 2004), IAA PortNews correspondent cites Aleksandr Turkin, Associate Professor of the Ushakov University, as saying at the conference "Implementation of the BWMC in Russia. What needs to be done by September?" which has opened in Moscow today, 27 February 2017. The Conference was organized by Media Group PortNews with the assistance of the Russian Ministry of Transport.
To ensure efficient construction of the simulator, cooperation is needed between ship owners, manufacturers of equipment and educational institutions, he said.
“Manufacturers usually offer such training when supplying their equipment, but the crews are changing and new personnel have no knowledge or skills for working with specific equipment. For this purpose we suggest the development of a simulator allowing for training both at the University and outside it (cloud-based simulator), which will let ship owners reduce the costs for training of shipboard personnel,” said Aleksandr Turkin.
The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC 2004) will enter into force on September 8, 2017. The BWMC was adopted in order to prevent or minimize the spread of harmful aquatic organisms from one region to another, by establishing standards and procedures for the management and control of ships' ballast water and sediments.
Under the Convention, the ports and terminals where cleaning or repair of ballast tanks occurs, are required to have adequate reception facilities for the reception of sediments, taking into account relevant guidelines of IMO. All possible efforts shall be made at such treatment facilities to avoid a ship being unduly detained or delayed. Besides, the sediment reception facilities shall take such steps as will ensure that the ship shall not discharge Ballast Water until it can do so without presenting a threat of harm to the environment, human health, property or resources.
All ships in international traffic are required to manage their ballast water and sediments to a certain standard, according to a ship-specific ballast water management plan. All ships will also have to carry a ballast water record book and an international ballast water management certificate. The ballast water management standards will be phased in over a period of time. As an intermediate solution, ships should exchange ballast water mid-ocean. However, eventually most ships will need to install an on-board ballast water treatment system.
The Parties involved should ensure training of the personnel involved, appoint an officer who would be responsible for implementation of a Ballast Water and Sediments Management Plan.
Federal State Educational Institution of higher vocational training “Admiral Ushakov Maritime University” is the largest educational institution of water transport and the only higher educational institution in the South of Russia training marine specialists for shipping companies, building and shipbuilding plants, works of water transport, ports and transport terminals. As per licence of the Ministry of Education RF theUniversity effects training under the programs of secondary and higher vocational education and also under programs of additional and post-graduate education. The University state diplomas and certificates meet International Conventions requirements and are approved by all countries round the world. Maritime specialties of the Academy are accredited in the European Union and International Maritime Organization. The Academy prepares personnel in 23 specialties of higher vocational education.
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