International Maritime Training Centre (IMTC) has launched a Structured Shipboard Training Programme (SSTP) for Deck Cadets, which has a unique practical-based "learn while you work" approach, thus paving the way for acquiring the skills required to be a proficient Officer by getting "hands-on experience" of various shipboard tasks. This Programme commenced from 25th March 2003, after obtaining the approval of the D.G. Shipping.
Many Ship-owning and Management companies have expressed their feeling that Indian Officers have sound theoretical knowledge but practical application is lacking. This may be perhaps due to the strong focus on theory right from the Pre-sea training through to the Competency examinations. Traditionally, it is the apprenticeship period during which the Cadet has the opportunity to build up his practical knowledge and skills. IMTC feels that the Indian educational system shores up a Cadet well for theoretical studies, and the apprenticeship period should be utilized fully for gaining practical knowledge.
As per the STCW '95 Convention and DGS rulings, as from 1st August 1998, a Cadet joining sea after his 10+2 board exams, is required to undergo a minimum of 36 months' training on board. However, if he successfully completes an approved Structured Shipboard Training Programme (SSTP) during the apprenticeship, he becomes eligible to appear for the 2nd Mate's Competency examination after completing a minimum of 24 months' of sea time. The SSTP compliments the "Cadet Record Book", which has been devised by DGS and conforms to STCW '95 requirements.
Existing Training Programmes
Existing approved SSTP's available to the Cadets have been very comprehensive in terms of content they cover the entire 2nd Mates syllabus and perhaps a bit more. However, many Shipping Companies feel that they too are leaning rather heavily towards theoretical knowledge, and it is becoming apparent that they tend to become text-book oriented. The feedback from the senior Officers on board indicated that cadets could become so concerned about writing up the assignments that they would not take full advantage of the sea-time, for which they were on board.
Furthermore, the system is open to circumvention Cadets can be tempted to fudge Cadet Record Books and often complain that there is lack of time to complete assignments. On occasion, the assignments are completed ashore after signing off the Vessel. Therefore, while these Programmes could be successful in achieving their objective of making a Cadet well-prepared to pass the 2nd Mate's exam, they did not necessarily ensure that the Cadet acquired the practical knowledge expected from a proficient Officer.
IMTC's new design
Mindful of the objective of apprenticeship, i.e. to make the transition from an enthusiastic Cadet to a smart, competent and responsible Officer, Capt. Umesh Shedde and the IMTC team set about the task of designing a suitable SSTP. The design of the programme may be new, but is rooted in the traditional "learning-by-doing" methodology. In addition to the vast experience available with the IMTC faculty with regard to on-board training, inputs were taken from sailing Masters and Chief Officers. Many months of effort has gone in to prepare this programme and to give it a good structure, which is practical and user-friendly at the same time.
IMTC's SSTP encourages the Cadets to go deep inside the work and try and examine all aspects of the job. For instance, take a task like painting. A Cadet normally just carries out a paint job, but may or may not really learn anything in the process. Ideally, he should be made to think about all aspects of the particular task - why paint, what surface preparation is necessary, what kind of cleaning should be done, what is the primer to be applied, what system of paint coatings is to be used, what the paint film thickness should be, how much is the drying and re-coating time etc. etc. In a nutshell, he doesn't just blindly do the job, but is encouraged to look deeper into the factors that are necessary for the job to be successful.
The Framework of the SSTP
IMTC's SSTP satisfies the SSTP requirement of STCW 95 and is approved by Directorate General of Shipping. The Programme is to be completed in three Stages of eight months each ideally eight months each on different ships. A detailed questionnaire has been compiled on the basis of the tasks listed in the DGS Cadet's Record Book. As each task is being done, the Cadet is required to answer the questions related to it in fact the questions themselves serve as a guidance as to how to go about the task. Additional questions are framed to address new technology and topics that may not be featured in the CRB. Questions are framed in such a way that there is little scope for fudging or answering a question mechanically. Answers have to be sourced from Manuals, Drawings, Experts and experience. The Shipboard Training Officer (STO) is the main mentor, who directs the Cadet to the various tasks and checks his work.
The Deck Cadets are issued standard textbooks, which are used for the pre-sea training as well as for the Competency Courses. However, the Cadets are encouraged to refer to Instructions, Manuals and Drawings etc. on board, and learn by interacting with the Officers and Crew. The books may be consulted occasionally as a last resort for clarifying some difficult concepts.
The SSTP in Operation
On enrolment, the Cadet is given a thorough briefing about the Programmes and issued with the necessary CRB, Workbooks, and text-books.On joining the Vessel, he is advised to spend the first month in familiarizing himself with the ship, its equipment and operations. Details of the familiarizations are entered in his "Familiarization Workbook". Thereafter he is required to proceed with the CRB tasks, and complete the corresponding questions in the monthly workbooks.
A Cadet then sends Workbooks for evaluation. No separate tests are conducted. The Workbook itself is evaluated each question carries specified number of marks. This is to encourage the Cadet to take more interest in all the tasks. Passing marks are 60% for all Workbooks and 70% for the Navigation Workbook. 10% marks are deducted as penalty if the Workbook is not submitted on time. If a Cadet does not achieve passing grades then he has to repeat the tasks. On successful completion of SSTP, the Cadets are eligible for remission of 12 months sea-time for the 2nd Mates examination.
Monitoring of the Cadet's progress is done through a computerized programme. Special software has been developed which can call up all relevant details for each Cadet and advice his status, performance, and so on. More importantly, the Cadet interfaces with the faculty after he completes each stage, when he is given personal attention and feedback on his progress. Each cadet is assigned to one particular faculty who remains as the mentor throughout the programme.
A certificate is issued on successful completion of the SSTP, which entitles the Cadet to 12 months reduction of sea-time as apprentice. The SSTP costs Rs. 50,000, payable in three stages.
Future prospects
Presently more than 25 Cadets have been enrolled and are at the first stage of the SSTP. "We want to see how the system works. Our first few boys have already been put through the system and the monthly reports are slowly coming back and they are quite positive. We feel that they are getting a much better deal and are learning a lot. SSTP will be a process of continual improvement. It will not be a system that remains static," said Captain Shedde.
However, the IMTC team is sure that its efforts will bear fruit, and is fully dedicated towards making it a success. No doubt there would be some areas that would need improvement, but the product has a sound foundation and IMTC will soon be marketing it to all Companies who value such a practical-oriented approach to training.
Good seamanship
Captain Shedde said, "On ship the main focus should be learning to be a good Officer. So when a Chief officer gives the Cadet a job he doesn't go blindfolded - he thinks, he investigates and finds out whatever about the job and then he does the job. What we sometimes see is that the Officer knows everything in theory but yet it is afraid to get his hands dirty. We want practical people, a person who can deliver the goods and that's why we decided to make a great departure from the present system and we approached the D.G.S and told them that this is our approach." The SSTP will stimulate thinking so that the prospective officer will develop basic instincts of good seamanship.
IMTC's SSTP is here to stay.