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SOUTH TYNESIDE COLLEGE HOSTS INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION WORKSHOP

By Anonymous

South Tyneside College has played host to a major international gathering of navigation experts, attending the Fourth International VTS Workshop of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).

The workshop, previously held in Canada and Spain, is a key event in the IALA programme, drafting policies that will dictate the future development of training in the sector. This year’s event discussed the preparation of draft guidelines for designing and implementing simulation in Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) training.

South Tyneside College was given the opportunity to host the workshop after becoming the first accredited maritime training institution to offer the new V-103/1 VTS training programme, approved by the IALA, accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and adopted as the global industry standard.

Peter Kent, the IALAs technical representative, chaired the workshop. He said: “This has been an immensely enjoyable and productive few days in the North East. Our discussions were complex and the recommendations we have produced will provide guidance to the IALA and its training partners for many years to come.”

Recommendations made following the workshop include the establishment of an international network of consultants, capable of advising on VTS systems and training around the world.

Guidelines were laid down to address the need for instructors to consider learning theories when preparing lessons and simulation exercises for VTS trainees. These will help to ensure that training at all IALA approved centres adheres to international procedures and meets the required standards of excellence.

Captain Tushar Bijur, a senior lecturer at South Tyneside College, organised the visit. He said: “It has been a great honour to play host to so many senior figures from the marine industry and to have a role in the drafting of the new training guidelines.

“We are very proud of the staff and facilities at South Tyneside College, particularly our commitment to VTS training. This was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to our colleagues what the college and the region have to offer.”

It was decided that a further training workshop will be held in Rotterdam in 2003 to prepare detailed guidance on the impact of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) on the training of VTS personnel.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of South Tyneside College by Robson Brown Public Relations

For more information contact:

Marine

Aston Bowles on (0191) 244 6663
Email: astonb@robson-brown
OR
Rob Lawson on (0191) 244 6662
Email: robl@robson-brown.co.uk

General

Lesley Gosling on (0191) 244 6658
Email: lesleyg@robson-brown.co.uk
OR
Liz Simpson on (0191) 244 6659
Email: lizs@robson-brown.co.uk

Notes to the editor:

South Tyneside College
School of Maritime Studies & Engineering

South Tyneside College is among the world’s premier institutions for the provision of marine and offshore training. The college, designated the National Nautical Centre for Excellence, is based at South Shields in the UK. Since pioneering VTS training to the international standard, the college has trained over 60 existing VTS Operators from several ports in the UK, including Sullom Voe, Peterhead, Tees & Hartlepool, Harwich, London, Southampton, Holyhead and Sunderland. The college offers STCW 95 and tailored courses for deck, engineering and electrical personnel, including full safety training facilities. Around 5,000 students each year attend the Marine School, with around 50% coming from overseas, representing 74 countries around the world. Staff are recruited from specialist sectors within the marine industry, bringing with them the knowledge and experience needed to ensure the highest standards of teaching. Companies who use the college for training include BP, Shell, P&O Princess Cruises, P&O Nedlloyd, Maersk, Clyde Marine and a large number of companies from the Gulf region.

WHAT IS THE IALA?

IALA is a non-profit making international technical association. Established in 1957, it gathers together marine aids to navigation authorities, manufacturers and consultants from all parts of the world and offers them the opportunity to compare their experiences and achievements.

Taking into account the needs of mariners, developments in modern technology and the requirements and constraints of aids to navigation authorities, a number of technical committees have been established bringing together experts from around the World. The aim of these committees is to facilitate the design and implementation of buoyage systems, radionavigation services and traffic management services.

IALA also encourages co-operation between nations, giving developing countries the opportunity to make use of new aids to navigation techniques.

The Association has gradually opened to other organisations with an interest in aids to navigation, as well as scientific institutes, manufacturers of equipment, and
consultants. Today IALA comprises 200 members, including 80 national authorities and 60 commercial firms.

Through its participation in the work of intergovernmental organisations such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), IALA has had its expertise in the marine aids to navigation field acknowledged worldwide. Many of its achievements have been officially adopted or recommended by one or more of these organisations.

Thanks to its co-operation with other non-governmental organisations studying problems linked with maritime navigation, IALA is able to take into account the points of view of all the parties concerned when developing new systems.

Although it has already achieved some of its aims, particularly in the field of harmonisation of aids to navigation systems and tools, IALA will continue to play a prominent role in a fast developing technological environment. And whatever the challenge of the future IALA will continue to offer its expertise to the marine community to improve the service given to the mariner.

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