Posted on May 4, 2021
The Netherlands-based Tug Training & Consultancy and Maritime Training Institute Karachi (MTI) have signed an MoU to develop training for seafarers including tug masters.
The history of training tug crews typically involved skills being passed down from one generation to the next with an element of learning on the job and the potential for the most junior deckhand to rise to the most senior of roles – master. The same career path still exists of course but increasing sophistication of tugs and equipment, not to mention regulatory requirements mean a more structured approach embracing technology including simulators is becoming the norm now. The MoU establishes a long-term strategic partnership encompassing ‘exclusive training’ of seafarers including tug masters and pilots in Pakistan by certified TTC trainers at MTI’s training facilities in Karachi.
TTC is part of the Kotug Group and can draw on its experience and knowledge of tug operations including the importance of the relationship between tug master and pilot in shiphandling operations and the joint announcement states: ‘Joint pilot tug master training is requested more and more by various ports and terminals in the world to increase port safety and efficiency; therefore effective and efficient teamwork between pilot and tug masters is one of the key training programmes to be delivered by TTC at MTI.’
The two participants are matched in their high quality credentials, TTC being the only ISO 9000 certified tug training company in the world, paired with MTI who share ‘similar values’ with a fully equipped and exclusive Maritime Simulator Centre in Karachi which encompasses combined classroom and state-of-the-art simulators in combination with on board training which Patrick Everts, general manager at TTC describes as: ‘a proven didactic method for the best training results, preparing the students for expected and unexpected real-life situations.’
Captain Ajmal Mahmoodi, managing director of Maritime Training Institute states: “Indeed it is a great honour for MTI to be associated with the world-renowned Tug Training & Consultancy. They have vast experience in tug training of all types for different scenarios. There were no such updated facilities available in Pakistan until now. With this partnership, training can be conducted in Pakistan and will be beneficial to all Pakistani seafarers to be trained and obtain the worldwide recognized TTC Certification.”
