Marina and UK MCA collaborate on maritime training standards

Marina and UK MCA collaborate on maritime training standards
Genivi Verdejo February 12, 2025 https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/02/12/business/maritime/marina-and-uk-m...

HE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are working to enhance maritime training through policy benchmarking, focusing on onboard training, electronic Training Record Book (e-TRB) implementation and simulator-based sea service equivalency.

During a visit on Feb. 5-6, 2025, Marina reviewed the UK's approach to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW). The UK MCA presented its Cadet Training and Modernization (CT&M) Project, updates on deck syllabus reforms and developments in Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) training.

Seafarer certification was a key topic, covering Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (II/4), Able Seafarer Deck (II/5) and restricted Certificates of Competency (COCs). The UK MCA also shared its experience in remote operator training and cybersecurity course integration.

The Philippine delegation examined the UK's engineering syllabus modernization, particularly for the Officer-in-Charge of an Engineering Watch (III/1) and Chief Engineer (III/2). Proposals for senior Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) training and small vessel engineering were also discussed.

Workshops highlighted the UK MCA's e-TRB system, which streamlines training documentation and assessment. The discussions also explored the adoption of alternative fuel vessel training and its implications for engineering competency standards.

Led by Samuel Batalla, STCW Office executive director, and Sharon De Chavez-Aledo, Philippine Maritime attaché in London, the collaboration aims to align the Philippines' maritime training framework with global standards and evolving industry demands.