Seagull reinforces safety message

Vibeke Nordahl-Paulsen

Seagull has introduced two new computer-based training modules to help ships’ officers and crew managers to raise safety awareness among the seafarers under their supervision.

Drawing on its partnership with ‘soft’ skills specialist Green-Jakobsen, Seagull has launched a new Seafarer Appraisal course and a new Behaviour-based Safety course, both developed to nurture the safety culture that supports best practice.

“These tools help managers to lead, coach and motivate crew members in the interest of their own safety, ” says Vibeke Nordahl-Paulsen, Seagull Director Training Content. “Encouraging personal responsibility also encourages professional growth, which is crucial for the organisation’s capability and its reputation as an investor in people.”

CBT # 0259 Seafarer Appraisal is a course for management level officers on board ships, and human resource and crewing managers ashore involved in seafarer appraisal. The course introduces the appraisal process, explains supporting documentation and offers guidance on how appraisals can meet the expectations of managers and crew, in line with STCW.

“Effective Performance Appraisal Systems help retain and develop staff, ” says Ms Nordahl-Paulsen. “This tool helps managers encourage aspiration, whilst at the same time furthering the interests of the shipping company.

Seagull and Green-Jakobsen have also combined to devise CBT # 0260 Behaviour-Based Safety, aimed at shipboard Deck and Engine officers. This course assists in developing seafarer safety behaviour and improves safety awareness. It uses the ‘Observe, Assess, Provide Feedback and Evaluate’ methodology to prompt Safety Behaviour Modification.

CBT # 0260 trains officers to give appreciative and corrective feedback, and how to develop a culture where seafarers are positive, proactive, assertive and constructive in exchanging safety information. “The aim is to make best safety standards part of the culture onboard ship, ” Ms Nordahl-Paulsen adds. “The course takes a ‘hands-on/toolbox’ approach because it is critical that the content is immediately applicable to daily operations.”

Ms Nordahl-Paulsen acknowledges the key contribution made by Green-Jakobsen to the Behaviour-based Safety training tool. “A seafarer’s safety performance relies on knowledge and skill, but these are not the only components contributing to best practice, ” she says.

“Awareness of the working environment, the actions of others and even the individual’s own mood have a direct impact on performance. The objective of this module is that the learner understands why behaviour might need to be modified to achieve best practice.” [ENDS]

About Seagull

Founded in 1996 by experienced mariners, Seagull delivers a full range of assessment and management tools that ensure STCW and IMO standards are met and exceeded.