SeaRegs expands programme

Seawork Exhibitor SeaRegs Training, based in Plymouth, UK, has announced the expansion of its training programme to include Boatmaster and Workboat qualifications in response to changes in MCA legislation.

Throughout the last year, SeaRegs Training has developed its training resources and secured approval from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to enable it to offer a range of new qualifications.

In 2014, the MCA launched the Workboat Code. One of the training requirements detailed in the code is for crew to have attended a suitable stability course. The MCA one-day Approved Stability Course (less than 24m Workboat), now offered by SeaRegs Training, has been designed specifically for this requirement. Other seafarers operating Small Commercial Vessels would find the course beneficial, particularly those working towards MCA Oral exams.

The updated Boatmaster regulations, MSN 1853, were introduced last year by the MCA. Under the regulations, the SQA Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies for Inland Waterways and Limited Distances to Sea may be used as proof of the required underpinning knowledge. SeaRegs Training has SQA approval to deliver the Diploma as a series of modules. The Diploma is also eligible to be used as training for Apprentices.

Alternatively, for experienced seafarers with an existing MCA or RYA Certificate of Competence, SeaRegs Training also offers a six day Boatmaster oral preparation course. To accompany the course SeaRegs Training provides two volumes of specific Boatmaster training materials covering each syllabus point.

Commenting on the development in training, Simon Jinks, Director of SeaRegs, said: “Following the MCA implementing changes to the Boatmaster scheme last year, we’re now able to offer an alternative route to gain underpinning knowledge for new Boatmaster applicants. Additionally, for Workboat crews, we’re delighted to have MCA approval as one of the only training providers in the UK for the new one-day Stability course to support our Master 200/OOW 500 training.”

At Seawork visitors to the SeaRegs Training stand can expect to find out about the new courses it has on offer for 2016, including the new CIEH (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health) Food Safety Level 2 with a maritime twist, the new MCA approved one-day Approved Stability Course (for under 24m workboats), as well as its monthly programmes of STCW Basic Training and Security courses and practical and prep courses for vessels under 500gt.

Visit SeaRegs Training at Seawork International 2016 on stand PG248.