Training & Courses
Lloyds Maritime Academy Diploma for Harbour Masters
The International Diploma for Harbour Masters is studied by part-time distance learning over one year with study designed to fit around busy work schedules. The course provides the marine safety and management knowledge required by harbour masters and port captains around the world, as well as their deputies and others with responsibility for the marine functions of a port or harbour. It is also ideal for anyone with an interest in preparing themselves to enter this profession, particularly seafarers.
The course has also been recognised by the University of Middlesex (London) and successful Diploma students qualify for advanced standing entry to an MBA (Harbour Masters) which can also be completed by part-time distance learning study.
FULL AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS OF THE IHMA QUALIFY FOR A 15% DISCOUNT ON THE COURSE FEES
IHMA and Executive Committee member, Capt N Sewnath, said: "It was a great experience for me and I can honestly say that this course did add value to me as a Harbour Master, it gave me a global perspective and focus and broadened my knowledge in terms of my role as a Harbour Master."
Master of Science in Maritime Science
This new inter-university programme created by both Ghent University (UGent) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), taught in English and accessible for students who already have a Master degree – commenced for the first time during the academic year 2015-2016. The study programme aims at students of diverse academic backgrounds, who have a common passion and interest for maritime transport. The programme comprises three main pillars (a technical-general pillar, an economic-logistic pillar and a legal pillar. There is a strong link with the professional maritime sector, providing students with information about the actual operations and common practices on the ground and preparing them for a professional career.
World Maritime University
Founded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, WMU is a centre of excellence for maritime post-graduate education and research. WMU offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs as well as Professional Development Courses in maritime affairs.
Warsash Maritime Academy
Warsash Maritime Academy (WMA) has provided education, training, consultancy and research services to the international shipping, commercial yacht, offshore oil and gas, and renewables industries for nearly 70 years. WMA is part of Southampton Solent University’s Maritime and Technology Faculty.
The Nautical Institute
The Nautical Institute facilitates the exchange and publication of information and ideas on nautical science, encourages research and publishes its results. It also co-operates with Government Departments and other bodies concerned with statutory and other qualifications, and with universities and other educational institutes and authorities in the furtherance of education and training in nautical science and practice.
The Harbourmaster’s Certificate Scheme is associated with the Institute’s book, ’The Work of the Harbour Master.’ The Harbour Master’s Certificate is issued to those candidates who complete the course to the satisfaction of the examiners with six written essays including a dissertation or a case study on a port management topic
Maritime Training Academy
Maritime Training Academy is part of the Maritime Services Group and offers a range of distance learning courses including Marine Pilotage.
Training Videos
The Chain - Part 1
This EHMC video is a joint production by all those who are key to the business of bringing ships into port (the nautical chain); harbour masters, agents, pilots, tugboat captains, boatmen, ship masters, hydrographic offices and terminal operators. For the first time a film will give an insight into the key roles of the nautical chain.
The aim of this film is to strengthen the chain by creating greater awareness of each other’s jobs, sharing best practice and gaining a better understanding of the impact of individual operations. This way each participant can strengthen its own link in the chain and –by better co-operation– make the whole chain stronger. We believe that this will result in a safer, smoother and more efficient voyage from berth to berth.
The Chain is an initiative of Ben van Scherpenzeel for the European Harbour Masters’ Committee who you may want to contact for any comments or questions; Scherpenzeel.ehmc@harbourmaster.org. A copy of the video can be obtained from Ingrid Römers; romers.ehmc@harbourmaster.org.
The Chain - Part 2
This EHMC video is a joint production by all those who are key to the business of bringing ships into port (the nautical chain); harbour masters, agents, pilots, tugboat captains, boatmen, ship masters, hydrographic offices and terminal operators. For the first time a film will give an insight into the key roles of the nautical chain.
The aim of this film is to strengthen the chain by creating greater awareness of each other’s jobs, sharing best practice and gaining a better understanding of the impact of individual operations. This way each participant can strengthen its own link in the chain and –by better co-operation– make the whole chain stronger. We believe that this will result in a safer, smoother and more efficient voyage from berth to berth.
The Chain is an initiative of Ben van Scherpenzeel for the European Harbour Masters’ Committee who you may want to contact for any comments or questions; Scherpenzeel.ehmc@harbourmaster.org. A copy of the video can be obtained from Ingrid Römers; romers.ehmc@harbourmaster.org.
The Missing Link; ’Improving the mooring process’ - Part 1
The mooring process appeared to be the forgotten link in the nautical chain. This became evident during the making of the EHMC Video the Chain. This safe mooring video shows the entire mooring process, from the production of a mooring line up to the vessel coming alongside, from the basic rules for a mooring plan to safe working loads and maximum holding capacities.
Mooring activities are a concern because of the number of accidents, the diminishing nautical skills on board ships and at terminals and the apparent lack of knowledge of all the components that affect safe mooring.
The aim of this film is to make the mooring process safer and more efficient and to prevent damage to terminal equipment and vessels. This is important to crews, linesmen, pilots, ship owners, ship masters, ports, Harbour Masters and terminal operators.
The video “The Missing Link” addresses the importance of efficient mooring operations and notably the following topics of the mooring process:
- Mooring plan basics – all basic rules for a mooring plan
- Mooring system weakest link – which part of the mooring system should break first?
- Mooring lines – certificates, inspection and maintenance
- Mooring winches – maximum holding capacity, brake testing, spring applied brakes
- Mooring bollards – Safe Working Load, information
- Mooring hooks – Quick Release Hooks, information
- Mooring communication – who informs who regarding the mooring plan etc.
- Mooring line handling – how should we pay out lines?
- Mooring innovations – what innovations are around the corner or already in place?
The Missing Link is an initiative of Ben van Scherpenzeel for the European Harbour Masters’ Committee who you may want to contact for any comments or questions;
Scherpenzeel.ehmc@harbourmaster.org.
A copy of the video can be obtained from Ingrid Römers; romers.ehmc@harbourmaster.org
The Missing Link; ’Improving the mooring process’ - Part 2
The mooring process appeared to be the forgotten link in the nautical chain. This became evident during the making of the EHMC Video the Chain. This safe mooring video shows the entire mooring process, from the production of a mooring line up to the vessel coming alongside, from the basic rules for a mooring plan to safe working loads and maximum holding capacities.
Mooring activities are a concern because of the number of accidents, the diminishing nautical skills on board ships and at terminals and the apparent lack of knowledge of all the components that affect safe mooring.
The aim of this film is to make the mooring process safer and more efficient and to prevent damage to terminal equipment and vessels. This is important to crews, linesmen, pilots, ship owners, ship masters, ports, Harbour Masters and terminal operators.
The video “The Missing Link” addresses the importance of efficient mooring operations and notably the following topics of the mooring process:
- Mooring plan basics – all basic rules for a mooring plan
- Mooring system weakest link – which part of the mooring system should break first?
- Mooring lines – certificates, inspection and maintenance
- Mooring winches – maximum holding capacity, brake testing, spring applied brakes
- Mooring bollards – Safe Working Load, information
- Mooring hooks – Quick Release Hooks, information
- Mooring communication – who informs who regarding the mooring plan etc.
- Mooring line handling – how should we pay out lines?
- Mooring innovations – what innovations are around the corner or already in place?
The Missing Link is an initiative of Ben van Scherpenzeel for the European Harbour Masters’ Committee who you may want to contact for any comments or questions;
Scherpenzeel.ehmc@harbourmaster.org.
A copy of the video can be obtained from Ingrid Römers; romers.ehmc@harbourmaster.org
EHMC Research Participation in European Research Projects
The EHMC contributes to European research projects. From within its membership, it provides a group of experts in port safety and environmental issues, in large and small ports. As a reference group, EHMC may;
- Assess any implications of implementing research proposals and measures for European port operations
- Assess the equal implementation of proposals among the ports
- Gather information on best practice in different ports
- Disseminate information of professional interest
- Invite comments from the wider membership on drafts and deliverables
Recent involvement in European research projects:
ACCSEAS
Accessibility for Shipping, Efficiency Advantages and Sustainability
ACCSEAS is a 3-year project supporting improved maritime access to the North Sea Region through minimising navigational risk. With European transport policy providing a shift to seaborne transport, using Short Sea Shipping to avoid road bottle necks to the movement of goods, services and people, efficient and effective marine navigation services have never been more important.
By looking to harmonise maritime information and how it is exchanged and by offering training provision to support real-world implementation, ACCSEAS will ensure that e-Navigation provision in the North Sea contributes a beneficial and lasting impact on the resilience of the Region’s critical infrastructure in terms of safety, security, economic growth and environmental protection. ACCSEAS will build on the findings of previous and current related regional projects and focus on co-operation in key areas of technology and infrastructure services that underpin maritime navigation and enhance them.
MONALISA
Motorways & electronic navigation by intelligence at sea
MONALISA develops Motorways of the Sea, contains eco-efficient e-navigation solutions and supports the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea.
MONALISA is a Motorways of the Sea project which aims at giving a concrete contribution to the efficient, safe and environmentally friendly maritime transport. This is done through development, demonstration and dissemination of innovative e-navigational services to the shipping industry, which can lay the groundwork for a future international deployment. Quality assurance of hydrographic data for the major navigational areas in Swedish and Finnish waters in the Baltic Sea contributes to improving safety and optimisation of ship routes.
Maritime Pilots CERTIPILOT Project
The Certipilot project aims at creating a framework for vocational training qualifications of maritime pilots. The project was launched in Malta, October 2011.
’Through Certipilot, for the first time ever, it will be possible to take into consideration formal, informal and non-formal learning of the Maritime Pilots. Moreover, the issue of recognition of qualifications is addressed in a holistic manner, thereby, not focusing just on one specific training programme.’
Project Co-ordinator is Malta Maritime Pilots Cooperative Society Ltd. The project is co-financed by the European Commission thanks to the Leonardo - Lifelong Learning Programme
Project HORIZON
Project Horizon ended in January 2012. It investigated in a scientific way the effects of fatigue on the performance of watch keepers under different watch patterns; when is it that fatigue strikes to an extent that it causes accidents and, moreover, which watch patterns are safer than others? Its results are convincing and may actually influence decision makers. EHMC was one of the project partners. Its final results include a ‘Fatigue Management Toolkit’.
Latest News & Events
Ship repair activity at Gibraltar’s Gibdock continued to be rock solid, despite uncertainties through the first three quarters of 2020 (to end September) relating to Covid-19 and Brexit. Occupancy levels remained high, contracts continued to be agreed and scheduled dry dockings are already booked into 2021, the Gibraltar-based yard reported in mid-October.
In the words of Richard Beards, Gibdock’s Managing Director: ‘The outlook is set fair.’ He went on to identify potentially greater revenue streams in LNG-related projects and renewables business for the months ahead. Beards said that Gibdock’s location at the gateway to the Mediterranean remains a key advantage but added that the repeat business included in forward bookings: ‘Shows that customers continue to put reliability, quality of work and on-time redelivery at the top of their priority lists.
‘In 2020, being part of a tight-knit business community where fast communications enable rapid response times and the immediate implementation of any changes to health or travel regulations has also proved advantageous. We are in constant dialogue with the Port Authority, and we have frequent contact with Gibraltar Civil Contingencies, the Director of Public Health, local agents, subcontractors, hotels and transport providers.’
Beards pointed out that close ties with the local ship agency network mean that Gibraltar is well-established as a safe and efficient location for crew changes.
The International Harbour Masters' Association (IHMA) is delighted to announce that its new President is Captain Yoss Leclerc of the Port of Quebec. He succeeds Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority, Canada.
Captain Leclerc was elected on 8 October at the conclusion of the IHMA Ordinary General Meeting held remotely for the first time due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The OGM was contributed to online by delegates from 13 countries.
In a statement to members Captain Leclerc pledged to help the Association meet the challenges facing Harbour Masters to ensure the sustainability of ports in the future.
"I like to quote the Japanese writer Ryunosuke Satoro who said, "Individually we are one drop, together we are an ocean".
I lived this philosophy at sea when you knew that it was necessary to work together in order to face any and all challenges and even more, to fight adversity.
My story continues when I came ashore and joined many different and amazing teams from Canadian Ports who were on the ground 24/7 to ensure safe, secure and fluid operations.
Harbour Masters are the embodiment of dedication, collaboration and teamwork. They are the magicians that make everything seem seamless, smooth and easy to the neophyte and even often to old-timers. I have so often heard the following comment after a port visit, "there's nothing happening here!" and I always respond: "because magic is going on behind the scenes where a dedicated and painstaking Port team looks after every aspect ensuring the show is going".
There are many challenges ahead of us, including environment (climate change, air emissions, ballast water, etc.), technology (digitalization, automation, etc.) and health (pandemics) that we will need to grasp and tackle together in order to ensure our ports' sustainability.
At the international level, IHMA has worked very hard to acquire its standing and ability to influence decisions regarding many aspects that have considerable impact on our operations and we will, with your help, continue to consolidate our position.
As a father of two wonderful daughters involved in the maritime field, I am glad to see the interest of women in "Harbour Mastering" and will continue to support the movement within my capacity.
I am very honoured and humbled to take the helm of this prestigious organization and will endeavour to sail the ship with the collaboration and support of you all to our next port of call, the 2022 Congress in Port Klang."
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