SOUTH TYNESIDE COLLEGE GETS SMART WITH COURSE FUNDING

South Tyneside College has successfully negotiated the inclusion of two major electronics courses in the UK Governments 'Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) funding programme. This means that financial assistance will be available for students completing the Electronic Navigation Equipment Maintenance course and the GMDSS Radio Maintenance Certificate.

South Tyneside College has successfully negotiated the inclusion of two major electronics courses in the Governments 'Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) funding programme. This means that financial assistance will be available for students completing the Electronic Navigation Equipment Maintenance course and the GMDSS Radio Maintenance Certificate.

The agreement was reached following discussions between Roger Johnson, head of Electrical & Electronic Engineering at the College, and the Marine & Coastguard Agency (MCA). It will mean that companies who wish to develop onboard maintenance of radio and navigational systems can benefit from financial support in an area that was previously excluded from Government funding.

Roger Johnson, who is also honorary secretary of the Association of Marine Electronics & Radio Colleges (AMERC), commented: This is a major boost for training in this sector, recognising the growing importance of navigational and radio maintenance skills in the industry. These courses are an extremely important part of South Tyneside Colleges curriculum, and will become even stronger now that this funding is available."

The Electronic Navigation Equipment Maintenance course is designed to enable those with an existing knowledge of electronics to apply their skills to a range of electronic navigational aids. The course covers the principles of operation of each piece of equipment, including steering, gyros and satellite navigation.

The GMDSS Radio Maintenance Certificate is designed to cover the statutory requirements of onboard maintenance for those owners who decide they will meet equipment availability by this method. It follows on from the 'Principles certificate, which covers basic electrical and electronic principles. The examination covers the maintenance of both satellite and terrestrial communication systems together with its related equipment, such as antennae and emergency power supplies.

SmarT Funding is provided by the Government to promote the employment and training of UK seafarers, providing job opportunities for young people and maintaining the supply of skills and experience vital to the maritime industry. It is managed by the MCA, which adapts the range of approved courses to accommodate emerging trends and requirements.

For further information on all courses available from South Tyneside College, call the Information Centre on (0191) 427 3900 or visit www.stc.ac.uk.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of South Tyneside College by Robson Brown Public Relations

For more information contact:

Marine

Aston Bowles on (0191) 244 6663
Email: astonb@robson-brown.co.uk
OR
Rob Lawson on (0191) 244 6662
Email: robl@robson-brown.co.uk   

General

Lesley Gosling on (0191) 244 6658
Email: lesleyg@robson-brown.co.uk
OR
Liz Simpson on (0191) 244 6659
Email: lizs@robson-brown.co.uk

Notes to the Editor:

South Tyneside College
School of Maritime Studies & Engineering

South Tyneside College is among the worlds premier institutions for the provision of marine and offshore training. The college, designated the National Nautical Centre for Excellence, is based at South Shields in the UK.

The Marine Simulation Centre has designed graphical simulations for the Tyne, Tees and Wear port authorities, in addition to providing port operatives training and simulated operations for a number of clients, including Shell and the Dubai Port Authority.

The college pioneered VTS training to the international standard, becoming the first in the world to offer IALA-approved VTS 103 courses. So far, more than 60 existing VTS Operators from several ports in the UK, including Sullom Voe, Peterhead, Tees & Hartlepool, Harwich, London, Southampton, Holyhead and Sunderland have attended the college.

The college offers STCW 95 and tailored courses for deck, engineering and electrical personnel, including full safety training facilities. Around 5,000 students each year attend the Marine School, with around 50% coming from overseas, representing 74 countries around the world. Staff are recruited from specialist sectors within the marine industry, bringing with them the knowledge and experience needed to ensure the highest standards of teaching.

Companies who use the college for training include BP, Shell, P&O Princess Cruises, P&O Nedlloyd, Maersk, Clyde Marine and a large number of companies from the Gulf region.