THE NAUTICAL Institute has partnered with The Seafarers’ Charity to develop training around the leadership and management skills of seafarers and those working ashore.
The two maritime charities announced the range of new courses in response to increasing reports of bullying, harassment and abuse at sea.
They said the collaboration aims to promote a shift in cultural expectations about acceptable workplace behaviours on board.
The charities believe the shift may, over time, improve the mental health and welfare of seafarers.
The three new accredited courses are leadership and management, coaching and mentoring, and a welfare toolkit aimed at enhancing resilience.
The Seafarers’ Charity chief executive Deborah Layde said training helps seafarers understand what good leadership looks like.
“If we want a culture of care to become the norm for people working at sea, then we need to support an enhancement of leadership skills at sea,” Ms Layde said.
“Ultimately, this will improve the lives of people working at sea as everyone will benefit from more positive interactions and good leadership which challenges unacceptable behaviours.”
Nautical Institute CEO John Lloyd said funding from The Seafarers’ Charity gives NI an opportunity to extend the range of educational opportunities it already offers.
“These new courses involve the application of theory to the workplace through reflective practice,” he said.
“They are equally appropriate for those at sea such as navigators, engineers, deck officers, mates or cadets, as they will be for those ashore including superintendents, DPAs or general management.
“Everyone who participates in the courses will develop leadership skills that will be of benefit no matter their rank and their attendance will improve the lives of all working at sea through positive and good management.”
The three courses are scheduled to launch in the coming months.
