Training is an integral part of a successful seafarer. It is the training, which distinguishes us from others and gives us better recognition and a better market value.

When we talk of value with respect to the training, the value added training is gaining its existence in today’s training trends. As the training standards are getting better, the value added training is finding its space in the Indian Maritime industry. .

Value added training, as it is called, is to add value to one's existing knowledge. This is supposed to be an elaboration of existing knowledge and focused on a particular subject or a process.

This type of training is the need of an hour. We are required to operate a particular equipment or carry out a particular process on board a vessel immediately after joining. We may not be familiar with such equipment or process from our past experience. A general training about these process or equipment will be very handy for the fast familiarization.

The type of courses that can be offered as value added course can be one of the following categories:

* Bridge procedures and navigation
* Engine Room machineries
* Engine Room processes
* Cargo handling
* Ship Safety
* Ship Security,
etc.

The list can be extensive, but the need of the course can be ascertained from the difficulties one faces on board a vessel.

The value added courses add value to the trainee's existing knowledge and also it is beneficial to the ship owner because the seafarer can perform the task more confidently and efficiently.

The seafarers should take full advantage of available value added courses. The seafarers should also be careful while choosing the type of course that they want to undergo. They should preferably take up the type of course, which will particularly be useful on board his next vessel. Another point to note is to find whether the equipment on which they are being trained is the one or similar to which they will operate on board a vessel. An irreverent training may become futile exercise and also may become obsolete with time due to technological advancement.

The shipping companies should invest more money in funding the value added courses for their particular type of vessels. Their investment will be realized within a short period of time both in terms of money as well as increased efficiency of their personnel.

One such company, which is investing their resources in value added courses is Pentagon Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. under the banner of Pentagon Maritime training and research centre. Capt. Nalin Pandey, CMD of Pentagon Marine services Pvt. Ltd., when asked about value added courses, Says "Value added course means course with value which are designed to enhance the quality and efficiency of seafarers."

Capt. Nalin Pandey, passed out from TS Rajendra in 1983 belongs to 4643 batch. He started his career with South India Shipping corporation Ltd and promoted to the rank of Master in 1997. He started his first shore assignment in 1998 as Safety Superintendent with Finavel SPA, an Italian Ship manning company. Today, he is heading the same company's India Operations with name Pentagon Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. as Managing Director.

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Wishing you all happy sailing.

Durgpal S. Solanki
CEO, Jobships.com
Emal : durgpal at jobships.com