Projects
CAPTAINS (Communication and Practical Training Applied in Nautical Studies)
[Project Running]
Budget: 400,000 Euros
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Transfer of Innovation Programme
Time period: 2010 - 2012
CAPTAINS aims to transfer innovation and to conjugate existing knowledge concerning linguistic, paralinguistic, cultural and discourse formation issues acting as barriers in ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore-to-ship and crew communication in the multi-cultural context of a ship particularly since over 75% of ships are now multilingual. 80% of maritime accidents are imputable to human factors, of which failure of communication represents one third (Ziarati 2006, Trenkner 2007). The IMO has also underlined the importance of effective communication as a crucial issue for marine safety (IMO MSC, 2006) while communicative language used in the context of real-life situations has hardly been part of any Maritime Education and Training (MET) curriculum.
The main goals of the project are:
- To contribute to an enhanced safety at sea culture by improving English communication skills, oral or written, in order to deal with safety issues and real-life critical situations emerging from English communication problems and diverse cultures due to multi-national ship crews.
- To transfer innovations by combining advanced e-learning and collaboration tools, already existing at AIT, with interactive rich media learning contents created as the result of aim 1, taking into consideration scenario-based and experiential learning. State of the art technologies such as 2D/3D virtual and interactive simulators allow users to be active, interact and socialize with others, be represented as digital entities, etc. thus significantly reducing the learning curve and the time needed for transferring of skills, a key issue in competence-based and learning by doing.
Partners: University of the Aegean, Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF), Research and Education Laboratory in Information Technologies (Athens), TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies, 1st Evening Vocational Senior School of Egaleo, Centre for Development Works (OPR), University of Cadiz-Spain, Bureau of Vocational Training, 3rd Sector of Athens, Ministry of Education and Lifelong Learning
Website: http://www.captains.pro/
MarEng Plus
[Project in Post-development Phase]
Budget: 272,500 Euros
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Transfer of Innovation Programme
Time period: 2008 - 2010
The web-based maritime English learning tool MarEng was finished in the spring 2007 as a result of a transnational Leonardo da Vinci project MarEng. During the first year of its existence, different user groups (e.g. maritime students and workers) all over the world took the learning tool into wide use. However, based on the feedback received the tool missed some relevant content. All over the world more attention is given to issues related to security and the environment and the same goes with maritime industry. Therefore the new MarEng Plus project worked to create new material under the themes of transport security and the environment. The feedback also revealed that the lower level English learners were in the need of a beginner’s level as the MarEng learning tool then consisted of only intermediate and advanced levels. Teachers using the MarEng tool saw that their teaching process could be made more efficient by creating a teacher’s manual. Therefore, the creation of beginner’s level and a teacher’s manual were a part of the MarEng Plus project. As maritime workers in particular are very mobile, it was also appropriate to find solutions to transfer the MarEng learning tool into the mobile learning environment. Therefore the project performed research in that topic and transferred the MarEng maritime glossary into a form that can be utilised in a mobile phone, even if the phone is out of satellite connection. All the project activities were performed by a partner group that represented several European Union countries, some of the partner being the same as in the previous MarEng project. Partners’ wide background in shipping industry and maritime English teaching gave a strong basis for the project’s success. The MarEng Plus project had a strong and wide impact, and disseminated the MarEng learning tool all over the world to all different kinds of users.
As a result of the project the MarEng learning tool was transferred to new user groups and geographical areas. The new material not only widens the overall user group, but also motivates lower level learners to learn maritime English. In addition, the new partners in the project gained project work knowledge and experienced the process of creating a language learning tool in a cooperation project.
Partners: University of Turku - Centre for Maritime Studies (CMS), Emergency Services College (Kuopio), Estonian Maritime Association, Latvian Maritime Administration, Lithuanian Maritime Academy, Kymenlaakso University of Applied Sciences (KYAMK), Baltic Ports Organization, Ceronav Maritime Training Centre, Åland University of Applied Sciences (ÅMA), Maritime and Fishing Polytechnic School (Galicia), Finnish Port Operators Association, Lingonet Oy, Dokuz Eylul University School of Maritime Business, Cork Institute of Technology - National Maritime College of Ireland, University of Antwerp(UA), Institute of Transport and Maritime Management Antwerp(ITMMA), Shipping and Transport College Rotterdam (STC-Group), Latvian Maritime Academy (LMA), University of La Laguna (ULL), TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies , Gdynia Maritime University (GMU), Finnish Port Association, IPFP Maritimo-pesquero de Canarias, IFAPA Centre at Huelva, Finnish Maritime Administration
Website: http://mareng.utu.fi/
MarTEL Plus
[Project Running]
Budget: 400,000 Euros
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Transfer of Innovation Programme
Time period: 2010 - 2012
MarTEL Plus builds upon the recently concluded MarTEL project, which implemented a series of English language tests for cadets, officers and senior officers in the merchant navy incorporating the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) Standard Maritime Communication Phrases (SMCP).
MarTEL Plus will transfer knowledge (generated during the creation of standards for officers in the previous project) to create Maritime English tests for ratings, who were recently identified by the IMO as requiring a standard of English. Secondly, MarTEL Plus will improve its accessibility by developing a mobile medium through which its tests can be accessed. The third aim is to create a new set of guidelines for teachers of Maritime English. MarTEL Plus will bring all of the MarTEL materials together and will enhance the competence of teachers and trainers. Finally, MarTEL Plus will address the need (raised in the 2010 IMO STW 41 meeting) to develop a more comprehensive method for the evaluation of oral competence.
According to IMO statistics, over 80% of accident and incidents at sea are due to human error. A large number of these accidents are due to poor standards of Maritime English aboard merchant vessels. The intention of MarTEL Plus is to complement the existing MarTEL standards and promote their application, with the ultimate aim of improving safety at sea.
Partners: Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF), Spinaker, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies, Osrodek Prac Rozwojowych / Centre of Development Works (OPR), Nicola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, National Maritime College of Ireland, World Maritime University, Maritime Office in Szczecin (MOS), Finnish Ship Officers' Union, Finnish Engineer’s Officers Association, WinNova West Coast Education, Port of Rauma, Irish Institute of Master Mariners, 1st Evening Vocational Senior School of Egaleo, Finnish Shipowners Association, Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, Transport Safety Agency (Trafi), University of Cadiz – Spain, Bureau of Vocational Training, Ministry of Education and Lifelong Learning, University of the Aegean, ASAP English Courses
Website: http://plus.martel.pro/
Sail Ahead
[December 2010]
Budget: 400,000 Euros
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme
Time period: 2010 - 2012
Seafarers in general have a job with extraordinary features. They usually work overseas for long periods of time, which puts severe pressure to their personal life and active citizenship. They work in alternating four hour shifts, and often have to face temperature changes of over 30 degrees centigrade every few days. Captains in particular have a multitude of managerial, technical and administrative tasks to perform and suffer from occupational stress. The effort of women to enter the profession is in most cases contradictory with maternity. For these reasons it would be beneficial for captains to know that if their life turns so, there is a possibility for them to engage to an alternative career ashore, using competencies they acquired both through formal and non-formal learning. The ‘Sail Ahead’ project aims to provide an on-line guidance tool for second career options for captains.
Results will be:
- A report with transferable skills (the result of a survey in nautical academies using both analysis of curricula, and questionnaires to students) to identify competencies acquired through formal learning, and surveys on ships to identify competencies through non-formal one.
- A mapping of competencies and profiles required for at least 10 alternative career paths ashore.
- An on line tool to be used by students or captains that will help them assess the possibilities to work on shore.
- Specific effort will be dedicated to dissemination. The partnership, constituted by a social partner, nautical academies, a university, a training provider and a consultancy firm from 7 EU countries ensure both sound implementation and sustainability of the project.
- Although, the EC estimated a lack of around 36.000 European sea officers in 2006, there is reluctance amongst young people to work at sea. The impact of the project will be to alleviate this problem as well as giving more options to women and men who are engaged in the profession and wish to work ashore.
Partners: Masters and Mates Union of the Greek Merchant Marine, Aintek A.E., Spinaker d.o.o., Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF), TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies , Centre of Development Works (OPR), Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
Website: Website will be ready early in 2011.
UniMET – Unification of Marine Education and Training
[December 2010]
Budget: 400,000 Euros
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme
Time period: 2010 - 2012
The main aim of the UniMET project is to ensure that standards are met in the administration of maritime education and training (MET) programmes. The project will use existing networks, and apply the partnership’s extensive knowledge and experience of MET institutions. The UniMET partnership has a vast amount of experience in leading and participating in EU projects.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) set standards for the training of merchant navy officers with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) in 1978. A series of model courses for these programmes were introduced in 1991 and were amended to include specific requirements when the convention was updated in 1995. The standard was reviewed in 2003 and 2010. Despite these efforts there are no mechanisms for monitoring how these standards are being applied. European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has started to monitor STCW compliance, however many VET providers have been found not to follow many of the requirements.
The SOS project (2005-7) was very successful in developing a harmonised programme for the training of merchant navy seafarers and was implemented in Turkey in the TRAIN 4Cs project (2006-7). Since then, the programme has been strengthened with the addition of materials and maritime English standards from the MarTEL (2007-9), EGMDSS (2006-8) and EGMDSS-VET (2008-10) projects.
The partnership, working in collaboration with major awarding, accrediting and licensing bodies such as Edexcel, IMarEST, and MCA, cross-references and includes the international and local/national requirements into the UniMET programme (SOS, MarTEL, EGMDSS, EGMDSS-VET &TRAIN 4Cs) with the aim of embedding the programme initially into 5 partner maritime education and training (MET) systems across Europe (NL,FI,TR,ES and LT). UniMET is in line with and supports the priorities and objectives of the Lisbon treaty and Bologna accord regarding the harmonisation and standardisation of HE programmes in Europe.
UniMET will ensure that VETs in the 5 METs are STCW compliant and meet the local and international requirements of the industry for all ranks and types of seafarer. A quality assurance and control practice based on a well respected system for the delivery of UniMET will also be established to guarantee VET providers continue to follow the requirements.
Partners: Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF), TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Centre of Development Works (OPR), Maritime Institute Willern Barentsz, Spinaker d.o.o., The Ship-owners Research Consortium, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Lithuanian Maritime Academy
Website: http://www.unimet.pro
Safety at Sea (SOS) - Harmonisation of Education and Training of Merchant Navy Officers
[Project in Post-development Phase and continued in the form of the UniMET project]
Budget: € 327,000
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Pilot Programme
Time period: 2005 – 2007
The SOS project is designed to improve safety at sea through improved education and training by using the MET Programmes developed by northern European countries and including good practices.
- This also satisfied the requirements of a major international awarding body (Edexcel) for the award of a Higher National Diploma (HND).
- Graduates from these programmes can continue their education and enrol on the final year of appropriate degree programmes.
The rationale for the project was based around the IMO findings (13.01.2005, www.imo.org/human element and www.itu.edu/new/acad/tuzla/safety) that 80% of accidents at sea are caused by human error. It is reported that mistakes are usually made not because of faulty, deficient or inadequate regulations, but because the regulations and standards, that do exist, have been ignored. The IMO accident analysis reports clearly indicates the causes of many of the accidents at sea are due to deficiencies in education and training of seafarers or disregard for current standards and regulations.
Partners: Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF), TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies, Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, South Tyne College, Tromso University College
Website: http://www.maredu.co.uk
M'AIDER - Maritime Aids' Development for Emergency Responses
[Project Running]
Budget: € 400,000
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Transfer of Innovation Programme
Time period: 2009 - 2011
M'AIDER is the second phase of the SOS project that mainly concerns those aspects of human error related to emergency situations which can be corrected by preparing a whole range of scenarios, simulating actual accidents, incidents and near-misses.
The intention is that the scenarios would lead to identifications of the causes of accidents and incidents and through training these causes will be removed.
The M'AIDER project proposal concerns transfer of innovation from existing reports concerning accidents and incidents for creation of a range of scenarios for application in simulators relating to emergency situation. In the recent meetings of IMO MSC a great deal of emphasis was placed on human elements, particularly how human errors have led to great loss of life and property.
In this proposal the intention is to gather the existing knowledge regarding accidents and incidents in a systematic manner throughout the partnership and break them into several categories preparing a knowledge-base of the selected scenarios, and train two pilot groups composed of those working on board vessels using advanced bridge, engine as well as integrated and full mission simulators. The intention is to video the scenarios as being implemented as a basis for visual training and feedback sessions in the training process.
Partners: Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF), University of Strathclyde, TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies, Lithuanian Maritime Academy, Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz, IDEC, Spinaker
Website: http://www.maider.pro
Short Course Programmes in Automated Systems in Shipping (SURPASS)
[Project Running]
Budget: € 400,000
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Transfer of Innovation Programme
Time period: 2009 - 2011
This project addresses an inadequacy in the education and training of merchant navy officers, and that human operators rarely understand all the characteristics of automated systems and their limitations, and to exceed plans to improve maritime training by proving knowledge, skills and understanding of automated systems using e-learning and assessment platforms in the learning process.
The main aim is to transfer the innovation already developed in the design, delivery and assessment of short courses in order to fill the gap created as the result of emergence and application of the automated systems in the education and training of seafarers by the provision of a training course enabling them to have a full understanding of automated systems and these systems’ weaknesses and limitations.
The central tangible outcome is an innovative course in automation with 8 modules, each concerning a particular level of depth in knowledge, skills and understating, for a given level of seniority and concerning a given job function. An online assessment system will be adopted to assess the course. The Impact will be substantial as this project responds to an internationally acknowledged problem which the partnership is confident of resolving and since the social partners including employers and ship owners are involved in the proposed project the impact is expected to include widespread use of the course in partner and other EU countries.
Partners: Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF), TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies, Satakunta University, Maritime University of Szczecin, Spinaker, Plymouth University
Website: http://www.surpass.pro
Maritime Tests of English Language (MarTEL)
[Project in Post-development Phase and continued in the form of the MarTEL Plus project]
Budget: € 400,000
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Transfer of Innovation Programme
Time period: November 2007 – October 2009
At present no international or European standard for Maritime English exists; therefore MarTEL has been created as a system of Maritime Tests of English Language.
The main aim of MarTEL was to develop a series of Maritime English language standards incorporating the IMO’s SMCP, at three different standards: i) Foundation – Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced, ii) Officer – Deck and Engineering, and iii) Senior Officers – Deck and Engineering, also senior officers at port and pilots. The tests have been piloted in at least four partner countries (Turkey, Finland, Poland and the UK).
All of the MarTEL standards include active skills such as Speaking, Comprehension and Writing. The content is based on active learning and on maritime terminology and usage with less emphasis on grammar. The Foundation test at advanced level benchmarks the well-known English qualification standards TOEFL 500 and IALTS 5.5 in terms of testing methods rather than content, ii) The Officer standards are based on TOEFL 550 and IALTS 6.0 standards but content will be primarily based on Navigation English and Marine Engineering English. These tests focus on all skills but with less emphasis on grammar, iii) The senior officers standards are be equivalent to TOEFL 600 or IALTS 6.6.
All tests for officer and senior officer levels have weight on different skills. The officers are expected to reach certain levels of proficiency and competency at given ranks/duties by their companies or potential employers.
Partners: Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF), TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies, Satakunta University, Glasgow College of Nautical Sciences, Tromsø University College, Maritime University of Szczecin, Spinaker and University of Strathclyde, Efficacy
Website: http://www.martel.pro
An E-Learning system for GMDSS (EGMDSS)
[Project in Post-development Phase]
Budget: € 400,000
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Pilot Programme
Time period: October 2006 – September 2008
EGMDSS provides vocational education and continuing vocational training for the Short Range Certificate (SRC) which is mandatory for mariners operating vessels of up to 300 GRT within 30 Nautical Miles from coast.
All mariners with adequate professional qualifications must also obtain the SRC, however, access to the required knowledge is limited which doesn’t encourage regular refreshing of knowledge – life-long learning.
The project’s main outcome is a GMDSS e-learning system accessible on the Internet web site www.egmdss.com in all EU languages. Through the application of online simulators and professionally produced tests the user is able to learn about the GMDSS VHF radio, the NAVTEX receiver, SART and EPIRB.
All EGMDSS online courses are available FREE at www.egmdss.com, and will allow you to practice for your SRC licence or simply refresh your knowledge before going to sea.
Partners: SPINAKER D.O.O., IDEC, SE.MA2, University Polytechnic de Catalunya, Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz, Maritime University of Szczecin, University of Cadiz, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, ADAPTA, TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies, Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF)
Website: http://www.egmdss.com
E-Learning system for GMDSS VET (E-GMDSSVET)
[Project in Post-development Phase]
Budget: € 400,000
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Development of Innovation Programme
Time period: December 2008 – November 2010
The consortium will develop a complete online LRC course with all the GMDSS communication devices simulators needed as the GMDSS courses overlaps with the SRC course that already exists. The LRC course is at a different knowledge level and together they will enhance the existing GMDSS e-learning system. All results will be available for free at www.egmdss.com in at least 10 language versions.
All mariners must obtain the appropriate type of GMDSS certificate, however the access to the required knowledge is limited as traditionally VET is expensive and distance learning is not feasible except for the SRC course, which doesn’t encourage regular refreshing of knowledge and lifelong learning. This is crucial to ensure safety of the crew, passengers and freight, even though this is not a legal requirement.
The aim of the project is to offer both an online GMDSS courses to mariners and to offer a dedicated e-learning system to GMDSS VET providers to be able to maintain their knowledge of these courses.
This project should lead to an improved safety at sea resulting in a lower loss of human lives and material damage.
Partners: SPINAKER D.O.O., Offshore BVBA, University of Cadiz, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, IDEC, SE.MA2, Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz, Maritime University of Szczecin, ADAPTA, University of Ljubljana, TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies, Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF)
Website: http://www.egmdss.com
European Boat Design Innovation Group (EBDIG)
[Project Running]
Budget: € 400,000
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Transfer of Innovation Programme
Time period: 2009 – 2011
Design and manufacturing innovation are the keys to maintaining the competitiveness of the European boat industry in world markets. Therefore European boat manufacturers' must be able to respond to their customers and offer exciting innovative products. They will have to learn to react quickly to changing consumer preferences and continuous R&D (ibid). The opportunity to transfer and combine innovations from the automotive industry to the boat industry, will result in optimised design methodologies, leading to more cost effective design cycles.
The aim is to provide marine industry professionals with the skills and infrastructure they need to understand and exploit the opportunities presented by design, ergonomics, sustainable materials and ICT, to excite/capture consumers’ imaginations and respond to societal issues.
The project outcomes will include an Industry survey (FR, NL, TU, AT, IT, UK), courses developed in design visualisation; human factors and telematics; and sustainable materials as well as an Industry pilot for each country. Dissemination of a recommended methodology for the boat industry design cycle is also planned.
Partners: Coventry University, TU Delft, University of Genoa, Ricardo, TUDEV Institute of Maritime studies in collaboration with Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF)
Website: http://www.ebdig.eu
TRAIN merchant navy Cadets for Certificate of CompetenCy (TRAIN 4 Cs) - 2007
Budget: € 58,000
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Mobility Programme
Time period: 2007
This project has enabled improved safety at sea through a mobility programme involving the transfer of 16 cadets from TUDEV in Turkey to Glasgow College of Nautical Studies (GCNS) in Scotland, on a pilot basis. The period of placement was for 14 weeks commencing from January 2007 to May 2007. The authorities in Scotland (and other countries in the EU) do not accept several ancillary (safety) courses taken by the cadets in Turkey as they would wish to be assured that the standard of education and training in Turkey is the same as those in Scotland. Scotland has supported Turkey to revise its merchant navy officer programmes and train its staff through an existing Leonardo Pilot programme (Safety On Sea - SOS).
Partners: TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies, Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF), Glasgow College of Nautical Studies
Website: http://www.maredu.co.uk
TRAIN merchant navy Cadets for Certificate of CompetenCy (TRAIN 4 Cs) - 2010
[Project Running]
Budget: € 39,000
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Mobility Programme
Time period: 2010
This mobility programme is similar to the initial TRAIN4Cs in 2007 that will improve the safety at sea by transferring cadets from TUDEV in Turkey to Glasgow College of Nautical Studies (GCNS) in Scotland.
Partners: TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies, Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF), Glasgow College of Nautical Studies
Website: http://www.maredu.co.uk