SOUTH TYNESIDE COLLEGE IN WORLD FIRST FOR SAFETY TRAINING

South Tyneside College has boosted its status at the leading edge of maritime safety training with the installation of a brand new lifeboat, fitted with a revolutionary hook release launching mechanism.

South Tyneside College has boosted its status at the leading edge of maritime safety training with the installation of a brand new lifeboat, fitted with a revolutionary hook release launching mechanism.

The College has invested 60,000 on an SC70F totally enclosed lifeboat / rescue boat, which will be installed at the Marine Safety Training Centre on the river Tyne, in a ship-type gravity davit. This is a major step forward, as no other college has been equipped with such a boat/davit/hook combination.

The SC70F, which is designed and manufactured by Survival Craft Inspectorate, based in Aberdeen, incorporates a number of innovations over previous models, allowing easier maintenance of vital components. A tandem seating arrangement has also been provided, greatly improving interaction between students and instructors.

A highlight of the installation is the 'Safelaunch design of on-load release hook. This provides an instant visual indication of the hook status, showing whether or not it is in a safe condition. It can also be locked in position for evacuation drills and maintenance purposes, thus ensuring that the boat cannot be accidentally released.

The hook is manufactured almost entirely from high strength stainless steel and the product can be fitted to new or existing lifeboats, with South Tyneside College being the first client to benefit from this revolutionary development.

The boat is mounted on a ship-type gravity davit positioned on a jetty, which allows launch demonstrations into a current of up to 5 knots, so simulating the operation aboard a vessel making way through the water.

Ian Cullen, director of the Marine Safety Training Centre, said: This is a major boost to our training facilities, allowing the demonstration of the latest lifeboat evacuation procedures, with the added security of knowing that the hook mechanism is totally safe"

New cadets at the college will be among the first to benefit from the new lifeboat, which will play an integral role in their safety training. All students undertake a full suite of basic safety training courses, which include fire-fighting, first aid, sea survival and evacuation skills, prior to going to sea for the first time.

Angus Campbell, managing director of Survival Craft Inspectorate, the boats manufacturers, said: This order represents the continuation of a good working relationship with South Tyneside College. The lifeboat and launch facility will provide an exceptional platform for the training of maritime personnel, ensuring that they are fully prepared to safely handle an emergency evacuation at sea."

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.