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Training & Education requirements of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping of Seafarers or STCW '95. This has traditionally required sea- farers to undertake supervised shore based training and assessments. These formal and informal onboard training methods have traditionally existed and progressed independently. However, with its new range of com- puter based training (CBT) products, BMT is seeking to transform the future of maritime training. A new ship maneu- vering and handling CBT course, devel- oped in collaboration with the Seattle- based Pacific Maritime Institute, offers a highly interactive learning tool, which provides flexibility as to when and where people study. BMT's CBT is based upon fully approved and accredit- ed course material and is initially designed to complement and reduce the extent of the shore based training com- ponent for officers in charge of a navi- gational watch. In this manner the remote or 'distance learning' aspect of training can be under- taken at a time and location to suit the student and their employer. Without the travel, venue, accommodation and other associated overhead expenses; a training solution can be provided very cost effec- tively. In addition, this type of course material can easily be customized to a client's specific vessel and updated to keep pace with technological and regu- latory changes. Developing courses is only one aspect of the CBT solution; another is how to provide them to trainees. An innovative idea currently being developed by BMT is a concept by which remote training can be centrally coordinated, updated and monitored. In this proposed system, called SeaTrain, training or information mod- ules will be centrally stored on a server that permits direct access from home users and a 'virtual' direct access from shipboard users. To address issues of adequate band- width and satellite access faced by ships, shipboard users' systems will be linked via the Internet to the central web server and storage facility. With the SeaTrain concept, all manner of training courses and material can be accessed including specific ship or equipment familiarization material, pub- lic health, vessel security, safety and cri- sis management, regulatory information, company directives and the company's quality management system. The use of a specialized CBT player and modular design will allow components of any course (such as text, audio or graphics) to be easily changed without requiring a costly and time-consuming modification to the entire course. For ship operators this facility pro- vides advantages for cost and training time reductions. An individual's training or knowledge of company procedures can be tracked and logged and the sys- tem itself becomes a multi-functional, flexible and tangible asset. The pace of change in the maritime sector shows no sign of slowing and training methods must be able to stay a step ahead. E-learning, which has been successfully used in other sectors, pres- ents an opportunity to meet this chal- lenge. There has already been widespread interest in BMT's developments by com- panies such as Royal Caribbean International, V. Ships and Princess Cruises. Circle 13 on Reader Service Card Harbormaster Propulsion Systems Outboard Drives and Thrusters designed to your specifications for use in boats & barges. Economical & dependable units based on 60 years' experience. Outboard Drive units Standard models from 50 to 200 HP. Higher HP on _ . * . . 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