Leading maritime training provider, Seagull, is proud to announce the release of an equipment specific training module for Japan Radio Co Ltd (JRC)’s ECDIS systems.

Developed in close cooperation with JRC, one of the world’s leading ECDIS manufacturers, this latest addition to Seagull’s extensive library of eLearning modules is designed to provide navigators with equipment specific familiarisation training for the JRC ECDIS (JAN- 701B, JAN-901B, JAN-2000, JAN-901M and JAN-701).

Targeting deck officers, the new course will allow ship owners and operators with JRC ECDIS on board their ships to meet the recently introduced regulatory requirement for equipment specific training in addition to generic ECDIS training.

Seagull has developed a distance learning course, fully approved by JRC, consisting of eLearning module 4014 and a specific procedure involving a JRC ECDIS. Course topics include switching on and setting up a JRC ECDIS correctly; confirming that the ECDIS is in fully operational status; and accessing the menu system and man-machine interface. In addition the course will train navigators in how to use the JRC ECDIS most effectively to plan a passage and how to manipulate charts and other information.Once a seafarer has successfully completed the distance course Seagull will issue him/her with a course diploma stating that JRC equipment specific training approved by the manufacturer has been undertaken.

Roger Ringstad, Managing Director, Seagull AS, says: “One of the biggest challenges facing ship owners and operators is the need for both generic and equipment specific ECDIS training to comply with the STCW Manila Amendments. Companies may have several different systems in their fleet and seafarers will have to have completed the right training each time they join a ship in that fleet. The more systems a company has the more training courses they will have to provide.”

Seagull believes its new course will offer a number of benefits to owners and operators that use JRC ECDIS. Mr Ringstad points out: “Seafarers can take this course either on board the ship or in a shipping company office ashore. Consequently there is a great deal of flexibility as the training can be carried out at the time and place that is most convenient.”

“Our equipment specific training courses avoid the need for companies to send crew for classroom-based training provided by the manufacturer,” says Mr Ringstad. “There is only limited space on such courses and therefore some companies sometimes have to wait quite a long time before space becomes available. By using eLearning there is no need to book, enabling shipping companies to respond quickly to emerging training needs. There are also benefits in terms of cost, as they do not have to pay for seafarers to travel to attend classroom training courses.”

The equipment specific training for JRC ECDIS is available now.