Posted: February 27, 2012
In the latest edition of Dry Cargo International magazine, GAC’s ship agency operations are discussed as well as GTSS, the NMCI and the partnership with Brobulk. Read the full article below:
Ships’ agents prove their worth
GAC is a global provider of shipping, logistics and marine simulation training. As one of the world’s largest ship agencies, it has developed its business on a reputation for professionalism and quality service. As ships’ agent, GAC represents more than 3,500 customers and handles close to 60,000 vessels annually through a worldwide network of over 300 offices and a presence in over 40 countries. It is due to the breadth of services that it can offer worldwide that the GAC Group has the financial strength, experience and economies of scale to offer a one-stop solution to customers across the globe. In this article, GAC’s group sales director of shipping, Neil Godfrey, gives his insights into the company’s role in the ships’ agents market, and a view of the shipping industry in general.
As a ships’ agent, GAC offers an extensive portfolio of services related to both ship and cargo, which can be tailored to
meet each customer’s needs. These include: read more…
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Posted: October 18, 2011
“Training too often seen as a ‘soft’ cost.’ The lastest article from Jeffrey Blum highlights the importance of training. Offshore training in particular is something we focus on here at the NMCI.
“The struggling dry bulk sector suffers from a basic lack of professional expertise that can generate serious problems. The cause and solution are straightforward, argues Jeffrey Blum.
Perhaps the most striking difference between the dry bulk sector today and a decade ago is the increasing dominance of the market by large companies.
In itself, this is not a problem but the industry has been navigating tough times for a number of years and, as a result, training is often high on the list of immediate cost cutting opportunities. This is short sighted.
The size of a company does not necessarily dictate a level of professionalism, expertise or commitment to quality training within it. Because of their size and scale, too many believe they can rely upon internal expertise to train others – an approach that is more often than not ineffective.To avoid the mistakes of one generation being passed down to the next, these organisations need more thorough and standardised training than current internal processes provide. The sector is already struggling with self professed experts disseminating their ‘knowledge’ and, by doing so, simply extending their own operational ineffeciencies.
The proof of these problems lands on arbitrators’ desks every day. Of the disputes I come across, too many stem from a basic lack of knowledge and understanding.
Commonly these disputes are about demurrage calculations, but the subject of the dispute is secondary to its underlying cause: a lack of training in how to carry out these processes appropriately. read more…
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Posted: August 23, 2011
Training companies Seagull and Videotel have developed new programs covering the regulatory changes on solid bulk cargoes. New rules on the loading, discharge and transportation of cargoes such as coal and iron in bulk carriers became mandatory under Solas from the beginning of this year. The regulatory changes, made through the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) code, replace the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code); they have to be followed by all bulk carriers.
Seagull’s computer based training (CBT) module introduces best practices and sets out optimum safety measures for the loading, discharge and carriage of solid bulk cargoes, as set out under the IMSBC code. It incorporates 12 chapters dealing with different aspects of the new code and is aimed particularly at seafarers of Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping STCW Management and operation level who are involved with cargo operations.
“This is also a very useful tool for management at the shore-based offices of owners and operators, since it can give staff in these locations a very detailed view of the issues involved in loading, discharging and transporting these types of cargoes,” says Jim Dibble, managing director of Seagull’s maritime IT subsidiary.
Seagull’s CBT module outlines the correct procedures and methods for stowage of solid bulk cargoes and the compatibility of different ones, with aspects relating to ship and crew safety, and environmental protection. It covers the precautions required for transporting dangerous cargoes, including those that are liable to self heat, and combust; how to maintain the structural stability of a ship by eliminating stresses on bulkheads and other components; and how to ensure the safety of onboard personnel.
Taking about two hours to complete, Seagull’s IMSBC Code module gives practical examples of real situations that have occurred on bulkers in the past, says Capt Dibble. “We have illustrated the dangers of non-compliance with actual accidents or incidents that have occurred within the industry,” he explains. “Introducing real scenarios helps focus the minds of seafarers on the task in hand, which will ensure the safety of themselves and their colleagues, as well as the safety of the vessel itself.”
There are assessments at the end of each chapter to provide trainees feedback on the level of understanding they have reached. The results of these can be examined by a company’s training administrators, via databases, so that they can keep track of trainee progress and the level of comprehension that has been achieved.
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Posted:
R2S used on offshore vessels will aid seafarer training
Return to Scene (R2S) technology is one of the latest innovations in maritime training to improve safety and reduce repetition of potentially serious incidents. R2S was developed by UK-based Return to Scene Ltd and can be used not just for training but also for managing maintenance, vessel management and emergency response.
R2S technology links together high resolution 360 degree spherical photographs, using highly specialised cameras. The photographs create a virtual walk-through environment for trainees, says Conor Mowlds, director of GAC Training & Service Solutions Ltd (GTSS).
“R2S is one of the most exciting technological advances to be developed for shipping safety,” Mr Mowlds adds. “This immerses the training participant in the scene, allowing him or her to explore linked scenes, as well as magnifying, enhancing and measuring elements in each.
“Participants can also view associated plans, documents and certificates, listen to audio, view video and access web links, all from a single PC interface,” Mr Mowlds explains. “In many ways, this is more practical than being in situ, as well as being safer and more cost-effective. Team collaboration is also enhanced, as users anywhere in the world can use R2S.”
This is all linked through R2S software. After capturing the onboard images, R2S processes the data to create a database in collaboration with the client. This builds an asset management system that can then be used by multiple departments in an organisation, which in the case of training is the maritime academy.
“R2S’s immersive, visually intensive approach promotes situational awareness and readiness without the need to visit the asset in question physically,” says Mr Mowlds. “As such, R2S is the perfect tool for training people in the skills needed for remote vessels, where access and safety is at a premium. For larger organisations, R2S is also a tool for ensuring global standards for all personnel and disseminating best practice.
GTSS is a partnership between global shipping and logistics group, GAC, and the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI). NMCI is a US$100 million training facility in Cork with a suite of 17 simulators, fully operational full-sized ship engine and control rooms, workshops, an R2S program, fire- fighting training facilities and a survival pool.
R2S has already been put to good use by the oil and gas industry, where the enhanced visualisation tool has been utilised for vessel and asset management, training and emergency response planning by the likes of US oil majors, Chevron and ConocoPhillips, and North Sea platform operator, Petrofac.
Support vessel owner Bibby Offshore, makes wide use of R2S. It predominantly uses the technology for risk management, contingency planning and business continuity activities.
Bibby’s offshore vessels have been captured in their entirety using 360 degree spherical images. Bibby has added supplementary information, including risk assessments, processes, procedures, reports, video footage, 3D models, animations, plans and audio files, which have been ‘tagged’ to relevant parts of the images. These become ‘hotspots’ on the image, allowing users to retrieve the associated documentation.
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Posted: June 16, 2011
Innovative Training for Testing Times
Christer Sjödoff, Group Vice President GAC Solutions and Director GAC Training & Service Solutions (GTSS), explores how training providers are adapting their philosophies and methods to face the needs of the modern maritime industry.
The maritime industry has always been the backbone of world trade but now its businesses face a multitude of pressures from within its operating environment. Amid continued economic uncertainty, shrinking margins, rising bunker prices, increasingly stringent environmental regulations and ongoing operational challenges, it is perhaps understandable that some might regard training as just another cost.
read more…
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Posted: April 20, 2011
Virtual Training Solutions through Return to Scene Technology
By Conor Mowlds, Director of GAC Training & Service Solutions Limited (GTSS).
The modern maritime business faces a multitude of pressures in its operating environment. Faced with the global shipping downturn, shrinking commercial margins, increasingly stringent environmental regulations and ongoing operational challenges, it is understandable that some will regard training as just another cost. read more…
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Posted: April 11, 2011
Helen Jauregui has written an article highlighting the importance of correct maritime training despite the tough economic times. New regulations are making it increasingly difficult to avoid training. She explains the importance of choosing the right training methods and providers. Technology is a factor which will play a large part in future training methods according to Jauregui.
This article looks at the training by the GAC Training & Services Solutions and the NMCI who work together to provide training for maritime staff.
To read the article please click here.
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Posted: February 6, 2011
Jeffrey Blum
GAC Training & Service Solutions (GTSS) lecturer, Jeffery Blum was recently featured in the International Bulk Journal. The International Bulk Journal has been the magazine for the maritime dry bulk industry for 30 years Mr. Blum has unrivalled experience in freight forwarding, logistics, chartering, trading, ship operating, shipbroking, marine insurance, commercial claims, litigation and arbitration. read more…
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Posted: November 1, 2010
Powered by the National Maritime College of Ireland
GAC Training & Service Solutions (GTSS) were again delighted with the coverage received in the 21st of October edition of Fairplay!
The article brought to light the current need for STS Training in the Maritime Industry. The oil majors, Ship Owners and Operators and Authorities are now facing pressure to ensure that STS activities are carried our competently by proactively managing the risks to vessels, equipment, and the environment. read more…
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