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which received Flag State approval at The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency. All partnering training centers receive detailed instructor training and pass regu- lar quality audits. Using this training pro- gram, a shipping company is able to train locally and save traveling costs. At the same time they are able to book a stan- dardized course with a guaranteed train- ing quality level. Today, Transas GET-Net includes partners from the Philippines, In- donesia, Germany, Greece, Denmark, the Netherlands, with training providers in many other countries soon to join this growing network. Transition to ECDIS and implementa- tion of new procedures takes time. With proper setup and usage, streamlined pro- cedures (ISM) on the vessel and in a ship- ping company as well as trained and motivated crew, ECDIS is an investment with huge potential for cost savings. At the same time, efficiency and safety are in- creased. Savings can be immediately realized, with real savings potential in the areas of charts, fuel consumption and time spent on planning and preparation of reports. “Our conclusion today is that it’s been a long but rewarding way, since our Navi- gation officers and crew report back that the system makes them feel more secure and that the operation of the vessel is safer”, said Capt. Tor-Arne Tonnesen, Maritime Superintendent, Solvang. May 2011 www.marinelink.com 39 New Training Program on Vessel General Permit A new training program is available for vessels mandated to comply with a set of EPA discharge requirements: the “Vessel General Permit” or “VGP”. It was recently announced that the Coast Guard will monitor compliance with the EPA regulations during regular vessel boarding and inspections. Maritime Training Services and QSE Solutions released a new DVD Training Program called “Vessel General Permit: Pro- tecting the Marine Environment.” The training program includes a video, training guide, all-in-one sample inspection form, review exercise and certificate of comple- tion for both shore-side and vessel personnel. The 15 minute video provides a general overview and understanding of the VGP necessary for shore-side managers and vessel officers. The The video is subtitled in English, Spanish, French and Russian. www.maritimetraining.com
