Projects

SUDEMAR – Sustainable Development of the European Maritime Sector

[Project running]
Budget: 250,000 Euro
Funding stream: Erasmus+
Time period: 2024-2026

The SUDEMAR (SUstainable Development of the European MARitime sector) project is a collaborative initiative in vocational education and training (KA220-VET) aimed at promoting sustainability in the maritime industry. This comprehensive project focuses on raising awareness, empowering professionals, and fostering international cooperation to align the sector with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SUDEMAR's core outputs include a data repository of best practices for SDG implementation, an e-learning course, and a user-friendly mobile application. These tools, complemented by training sessions in Spain, will serve as valuable resources for education and guidance in maritime sustainability. The project also encompasses management activities, partnership meetings, and result dissemination to maximize its impact. By making these resources available in eight languages (German, English, Polish, Turkish, Slovenian, Spanish, Greek, and Swedish), SUDEMAR aims to facilitate cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing. Ultimately, the project seeks to provide maritime professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to implement SDGs effectively, contributing to a more sustainable future for the European maritime sector.

Partners: Media Dizajin; AINTEK SYMVOULOI EPICHEIRISEON EFARMOGES YPSILIS TECHNOLOGIAS EKPAIDEFSI ANONYMI ETAIREIA; SPINAKER, navticno izobrazevanje in trgovina, d.o.o; Centre for Factories of the Future Sweden HB; UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA; T. C. Piri Reis Universitesi; Berlin School of Business and Innovation GmbH

Website: https://sudemar.eu/

CyberSEA - Increasing Cyber Security at SEA through digital training

[Project running]
Budget: 400,000 Euro
Funding stream: Erasmus+
Time period: 2023-2026

The CyberSEA project aims to enhance cybersecurity in the maritime industry through comprehensive awareness and training initiatives for cadets and seafarers. By developing educational materials, remote laboratories, and a virtual hub, the project seeks to equip maritime professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to protect ships and cargo from cyber threats. CyberSEA's approach includes identifying vulnerabilities, creating training resources, and establishing an online training course, with a focus on training for trainers in Greece. The project will pilot its training program with cadets and seafarers while actively promoting best practices through dissemination and exploitation activities. CyberSEA aims to foster a network of experts, promote cyber resiliency, and advocate for the adoption of its approach as a standard in maritime education. Expected outcomes include improved cybersecurity awareness and skills in the maritime sector, the development of a cutting-edge training program, increased capacity of trainers, establishment of remote cybersecurity labs for practical training, and wider adoption of cybersecurity best practices. Ultimately, CyberSEA strives to create a more secure and resilient maritime industry through education and practical measures.

Partners: UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA; AINTEK SYMVOULOI EPICHEIRISEON EFARMOGES YPSILIS TECHNOLOGIAS EKPAIDEFSI ANONYMI ETAIREIA; SPINAKER, navticno izobrazevanje in trgovina, d.o.o.; Academia Navala "Mircea cel Batran"; Berlin School of Business and Innovation GmbH; Centre for Factories of the Future Sweden HB; POLITECHNIKA MORSKA W SZCZECINIE PM; ELLINIKO MESOGEIAKO PANEPISTIMIO; SATAKUNNAN AMMATTIKORKEA KOULU OY

Website: https://cybersea-project.eu/

OPTIMISM – Online Programme for Training on International Management of ISM

[Running]
Budget: 400,000 Euro
Funding stream: Erasmus+
Time period: 2023-2026

ISM Code was developed to provide an international standard for the safe at sea and and for pollution prevention. Almost all ISM Code manual are required to take ISO 9000 Quality System and ISO 14000 Environmental Management System into account. The problem is that any form of procedural quality system such ISM does not necessarily improve safety for this reason a novel online course on ISM Code requirements and all relevant safety, environmental and quality standards is being proposed. There are a number of activities such as literature review of ISM Code requirements and its latest amendments as well as other relevant standards related to safety and environmental protection in the shipping industry. The project involves several case studies and research methodology for data collection which include interviews, surveys, and document analysis for improving the content of ISM Code and interpret its requirements and its correct implementation. Results: What project results and other outcomes do you expect your project to have? The main output of this project is a complete competence-based online training course on ISM Code and its implementation. There will be a novel assessment system covering self-assessment, assignments and an oral test. The course will be ECVET and ECTS compliant and will be submitted for accreditation and certification to a professional and internationally known professional body.

Partners: UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA; Crescat Oy, AINTEK SYMVOULOI EPICHEIRISEON EFARMOGES YPSILIS TECHNOLOGIAS EKPAIDEFSI ANONYMI ETAIREIA; Centre for Factories of the Future Sweden HB; POLITECHNIKA MORSKA W SZCZECINIE PM;

Website: https://optimismproject.eu/

DESSEV – Decision Support System regarding the risk of Epidemic Threats on Sea-going Vessels

[Completed]
Budget: 250,000 Euro
Funding stream: Erasmus+
Time period: 2022-2024

The DESSEV project (DEcision Support System regarding the risk of Epidemic threats on a sea-going Vessel) is a cooperation partnership in vocational education and training (KA220-VET) aimed at developing a mobile application to support decision-making during onboard epidemics, addressing a gap in maritime vocational education curricula. The project comprises three core work packages: a data repository on epidemic situations, a knowledge base, and a decision support system. These components will be complemented by training sessions in Finland, along with project management, partnership meetings, and result dissemination activities. DESSEV's primary outcome is the creation of a decision support system for maritime epidemic situations, accompanied by an online repository on the topic. The project also aims to raise awareness about onboard epidemics and improve response strategies. All project results will be made available in seven languages: English, Polish, Finnish, Slovenian, Spanish, Greek, and Swedish, ensuring wide accessibility and applicability across various maritime education settings.

Partners: AKADEMIA MORSKA W SZCZECINIE AM; Uczelnia Medyczna im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie; SPINAKER, navticno izobrazevanje in trgovina, d.o.o.; SATAKUNNAN AMMATTIKORKEA KOULU OY; UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA; AINTEK SYMVOULOI EPICHEIRISEON EFARMOGES YPSILIS TECHNOLOGIAS EKPAIDEFSI ANONYMI ETAIREIA; Centre for Factories of the Future Sweden HB

Website: https://dessevproject.eu/

GreenShip - Towards Zero Ship Emission

[Project running]
Budget: 226,559.00 Euro
Funding stream: Erasmus+
Time period: 2019-2022

A global approach for the development of energy efficiency systems including an effective emission control is led by the IMO on account of the continued rapid growth of the world trade in the maritime transport. (IMO, 2012). According to GL (2012), IMO has mandated certain measures related to energy efficiency in international shipping namely, Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) which mandates energy efficiency standards for new ships; Energy Efficiency Operational Index (EEOI) to provide a tool for measuring the ship's fuel efficiency in operation and monitor the effect of any variations e.g. more frequent propeller cleaning or improved voyage planning or introduction of technical measures such as a new propeller or waste heat recovery systems; and Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), a management tool for ship owners. These three standards came into force on January 1, 2013 within a new chapter of MARPOL Annex VI. Complex technologies will be involved in building a ship efficiency and emission control system by the marine suppliers bearing in mind the life expectancy of vessels which is estimated to be around 30 years and also of the mandatory regulations to be met as set by IMO (Ziarati et al, 2017, 2018, Oceana 2013).

Partners: UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA, CENTRE FOR FACTORIES OF THE FUTURE LIMITED, SATAKUNNAN AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU OY, SPINAKER PROIZVODNJA TRGOVINA IN TRZENJE DOO, AINTEK SYMVOULOI EPICHEIRISEON EFARMOGES YPSILIS TECHNOLOGIAS EKPAIDEFSI ANONYMI ETAIREIA, CETENA S.p.A. Centro per gli Studi di Tecnica Navale

Website: https://www.green-ship.eu/

PoliUniBus - Policy and Challenge University Business Collaboration Platform

[Project running]
Budget: 371,000.00 Euro
Funding stream: Erasmus+
Time period: 2019-2022

The PoliUniBus project builds upon the the expertise already established in UniBUS project, PoliUniBus proposes the conception of a collaborative cloud based platform that implements a new challenge-led methodology to support higher education institutions to link with businesses across the Europe. The PoliUniBUS platform will support use 'challenges' led by policy makers to set conditions for AGILE innovation. Engagement across Universities and Industry will allow companies to manage and implement the complex innovation processes by taking advantage of universities' research and technological knowledge and expertise in a systematic way, by enabling an open multi-agent focused innovation (i.e. university/business focused innovation). Where PoliUniBus seeks to develop additional value is to engage Universities & Businesses with emergent and active agendas in policy, for example Grand Challenges/Catapults. The current (fragmented scenario), means that a Turkish technology developer cannot easily identify and access Finnish Research Expertise to address a UK societal need. This can be segmented into four key areas: . Accelerate Markets . Stimulate Innovation . Increase Understanding . Improve accessibility There is an imperative to identify knowledge, skills, research& development gaps in support of current and emerging agendas across the EU. This is a programme to identify and to set the conditions under which identified agendas can be stimulated across key areas of activity. As university research spins out SMEs it remains difficult for those SMEs to develop and access research & develop collaborations at other institutions. Further distance remains between national challenges and SMEs. In this regard, PoliUniBus seeks to develop a cloud-based platform to enable SMEs to initiate wider research collaboration in support of challenge-led initiatives across Europe. Building on the capability of UniBUS to address the University-Business identified need, PoliUniBus seeks to develop a cloud-based platform to enable SMEs to initiate wider research collaboration in support of challenge-led initiatives across Europe. PoliUniBUS seeks to build a coherent platform with a mobile application that is accessible to Europe-wide Universities, and Industry to align with challenges to support Europe-wide innovation.

Partners: THE UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL, CENTRE FOR FACTORIES OF THE FUTURE LIMITED, LAPPEENRANNAN-LAHDEN TEKNILLINEN YLIOPISTO LUT, OY MERINOVA AB, Actuate Inovasyon ve Bilisim Teknolojileri Ticaret A.S., UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO

Website: Under Construction

PROMETHEAS - PROmoting MEnTal HEAlth at Sea

[Project running]
Budget: 298,054.00 Euro
Funding stream: Erasmus+
Time period: 2019-2021

Seafarers' work in vessels at sea is one of the hardest, most demanding and under very difficult conditions profession. Seafarers often work for very long hours, far from their relatives, isolated in a multicultural, highly hierarchised micro-society. Studies have also shown that bullying is an often phenomenon in ships. This situation often generates mental health problems , which put at risks lives, the vessel, passengers, cargo, the environment from pollution and local coastal economies. PROmoting MEnTal HEAlth at Sea (PROMETHEAS) is an Erasmus+ KA2 Strategic partnership for VET, development of innovation for the merchant maritime industry. The central aim of this project is to develop a training course and learning resources for seafarers and maritime workers concerning the preservation and improvement of their mental health. It will focus on the various issues that derive from mental health problems and it will provide learners with necessary information and consultation on how to deal with these problems. Main target group of PROMETHEAS project are captains of merchant navy, seafarers and cadets, whilst additional beneficiaries will be trainers on mental health and bullying, VET centres and consultants of the sector as well as nautical academies and shipping companies. Partners are seven organisations (3 maritime universities, 3 private training companies-consultants experienced in the sector and an association of companies of the marine sector with strong links with social partners) coming from 6 countries (Poland, Finland, Greece, Slovenia and Spain). More specifically, PROMETHEAS will produce three core intellectual outputs: 1. Repository of resources on mental health for maritime staff 2. E-learning course for captains and seafarers 3. Digital app- self evaluation. The project is innovative as: - mental health and bullying in vessels are subjects that Erasmus+ projects have not tackled up to now. - it will use a holistic approach to seafarers' well being including diverse range of physical, emotional, cultural and organisational factors (and respective exercises). - it will take full advantage of digital technologies and deliver training and monitoring application at the workplace instead of relying to the traditional means of training that do not correspond to the actual needs of the target group. - it will use the gaming element, having in itself an anti- stress and curative effect on mental health and a rewarding system with badges upon completion of each stage of acquisition of learning outcomes. Results will be available in English, Polish, Finnish, Slovenian, Spanish and Greek.

Partners: AKADEMIA MORSKA W SZCZECINIE AM, SATAKUNNAN AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU OY, SPINAKER PROIZVODNJA TRGOVINA IN TRZENJE DOO, UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA, AINTEK SYMVOULOI EPICHEIRISEON EFARMOGES YPSILIS TECHNOLOGIAS EKPAIDEFSI ANONYMI ETAIREIA, CENTRE FOR FACTORIES OF THE FUTURE LIMITED, CHIOS MARINE CLUB

Website: https://prometheasproject.eu/

Mentor - Mentorship Evaluation aNd Training in ORganisations for WBL at EU

[Project running]
Budget: 284030.00 Euro
Funding stream: Erasmus+
Time period: 2018-2020

The project aims at building a specific procedure in the selection and induction of in- company mentors, participating in work based learning (WBL), a parameter which constitutes a horizontal priority of Erasmus+ program. In addition, the creation of a specific route for the evolution and recognition of high quality skills and competences (horizontal), as well as, the implementation of an open and innovative procedure which combines e-courses and certification which targets in the professional development of WBL mentors (sectoral), constitutes two additional priorities of Erasmus+. In detail, the project aims at developing the relevant competences including basic, transversal and soft skills together with digital skills leading to the education/training, assessment and certification for the work-based learning (WBL) mentors. It participates to the transparency of qualifications by developing a European skill card for mentors, while by the development of a European certification scheme for mentors, it participates to the recognition and validation of these qualifications. Under the specific framework, the proposal aims at developing learning material of ECVET and EQF level compliant learning outcomes which will lead to knowledge, skills and competences to be assessed via ICT tools. By implementing a more formalized procedure, which follows the EU trends and directives, is assured the professional development and improvement of qualifications for in-company mentors providing them with the ability to offer quality work-based learning in apprentices and trainees. Through the proposed methodology is targeted both the participation and selection of new companies/mentors seeking to participate in WBL, (which would be difficult to participate in a conventional related educational program), as well as of already existing companies/ mentors through the recognition of prior knowledge (RPL). The proposed procedures, holds multiple effects for companies such as supporting the participation of companies located to isolated and difficult to reach places, as well as, the transforming of companies, and mainly SMEs, into quality WBL venues.

Partners: IME GSEVEE, EFCoCErt, ​ViaSyst Synergy Services SA, Centre for Factories of the Future Limited, ​Bahçesehir Universitesi Foundation, DIEK Aigaleo, Manpower Employment Organization

Website: https://www.mentor4wbl.eu/

DayTiMe - Digital Lifecycle Twins for Predictive Maintenance

[Project running]
Budget: 29,131,000 Euro
Funding stream: ITEA
Time period: 2018-2021

Industry 4.0 describes an important technological advancement driving automation and data exchange in the manufacturing environment to provide smart production with its efficiency improvements, while setting the requirements and needs for necessary and essential tools to specifically enable the change. In smart production, improvements and adjustments to the production processes can be achieved with effective Internet of Things (IoT) tools that analyse and manage the sensor-collected data using Predictive Maintenance (PdM) techniques. PdM is a right-on-time maintenance strategy designed to determine the condition of in-service equipment to help predicting and deciding when maintenance actions should be performed. Maintenance tasks are performed only when warranted, leading to cost savings over routine or time-based preventive maintenance. The basis for PdM is the Condition-based Maintenance (CBM) concept. CBM techniques are already used in many industrial manufacturing areas, and the techniques include e.g. vibration analysis, lubricant contaminant analysis, and process performance monitoring, using information fusion techniques with multi-parameter measurements.

Partners: Alandia Engineering Marine Ab, ALTRAN SAS Co KG, Ancud IT Beratung GmbH, ATR Soft Oy, Bluewrist Inc., Calgary Scientific Inc., CBT, Centre for Factories of the Future Ltd , CMI, Contact Software GmbH, DATAPIXEL, Datenna BV, DOIMAK, S.A., Eindhoven University of Technology, EKS InTec GmbH, Fatman Oy, FFT Produktionssysteme GmbH Co.KG, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology, Haloila, HLRS, Ingenieria del Poliuretano Flexible, S.L., Innovalia Association, Jotne EPM Technology, Kapernikov, Mangodo Dijital Pazarlama ve Reklam Çözümleri Tic. Ltd. Şti., Marti Shipping, mikrolab Entwicklungsgesellschaft für Elektroniksysteme mbH, mobileLIVE Inc., Nokia Solutions and Networks GmbH Co. KG, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NXP SemiConductors, Philips Electronics Nederland B.V., Philips Consumer Lifestyle, Philips Medical Systems Nederland B.V., Process Genius Oy, PS-Tech BV, Rejlers Oy, SIRRIS, Sofecta Oy, SSC Services GmbH, Target Holding, University of Groningen, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Yazzoom

Website: http://daytimeproject.com/n

OPTIMUM - OPTimised Industrial IoT and Distributed Control Platform for Manufacturing and Material Handling

[Project running]
Budget: 5,512,000 Euro
Funding stream: ITEA3
Time period: 2018-2020

Today’s control of industrial processes is done in a highly centralized and hierarchical manner. Future concepts like component based and collaborative automation, as planned to be introduced with the Digital Manufacturing or Industry 4.0 initiatives, paving the way for the 4th industrial revolution, require much more distributed control functionalities. To support this development, OPTIMUM addresses enhancing the aspects of distributed control, adaptation of IIoT technologies to industrial needs, enhancement of control and applications by context and location awareness as well as application design and common-model based 3D engineering and supervision. Thus it will support partners and overall industry getting ready for Industry 4.0 challenges.

Partners: Answare -Tech, BEIA Consult International, Bosch-Rexroth AG, Centre for Factories of the Future Ltd, Comnovo GmbH, Demag Cranes Components GmbH, DIA Yazilim San. ve Tic. A.S., ERMETAL OTOMOTİV VE EŞYA SANAYİ TİC. A.Ş., ERSTE Software Limited, ETRI, EZERIS NETWORKS GLOBAL SERVICES SL, Galata24, Handysoft Inc., Institut for Automation und Kommunication (IFAK), Magtel Operaciones, S.L.U., Nimbeo, NXP SemiConductors, Sotec Consulting, tarakos GmbH, Thorsis Technologies GmbH, University of Rostock, VISUALTIS S.L.

Website: https://www.optimum-itea3.eu/

University Business Collaboration Platform (UniBus)

[Project running]
Budget: Circa 406380 EUR
Funding stream: EU Erasmus+
Time period: 2017-2020

The UniBus project aims to create an effective framework to support business-academia collaboration with several tools and services, which will allow companies to launch innovation challenges to the HEIs, so the students can utilize their talents, train their skills while contributing with their ideas and proposing novel solutions as a part of their studies (assignment for certain course or thesis work). By bringing businesses (especially SMEs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) together, European companies can benefit by accessing cutting-edge research, high-tech infrastructure and highly skilled people, while universities will get an opportunity to conduct applied research, demonstrate the impact of their work and get a direct access to the real business needs to further translate them into business-oriented curriculum. While student-to-industry collaboration already exists through capstone projects or code camp/hackathon events, the UniBus framework will make the collaboration easier and more systematic.

Partners: Bahcesehir University (TR),Centre for Factories of the Future (UK), University of Liverpool, Actuate, Torlak Shipyard, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Marinova

Website: http://eunibus.com/

AVOIDING COLLISIONS AT SEA PLUS (ACTS PLUS)

[Project running]
Budget: Circa 350000 EUR
Funding stream: EU Erasmus+
Time period: 2016-2018

The EU funded project ACTs (Avoiding Collisions aT sea - 2013-2015) was initiated as response to the findings of the recent research studies that identified the main types of accidents at sea. Prior to the project a study by Ziarati (2012) had identified the most recurring type of accidents at sea are collisions. The intention of ACTs project was twosome, one to validate the appropriateness of the methodology, Pareto analysis, used earlier by Ziarati (2006) to identify the most likely causes of accidents at sea and secondly to address the identified problems with Collision Regulations (COLREGs) and their interpretation as the causes of many collisions. Project ACTs also noted that there are many near collisions, each of which being an accident waiting to happen. ACTs was immensely successful project and led to the design and development of a novel online e-colregs (www.ecolregs.org) course to address the identified skill gaps (Szozda, 2012) and respond to the other concern expressed by Ziarati et al (2012) to the identified problems in the application of current collision regulations (COLREGs, 1972). The ACTs project was developed for individuals who require basis understanding of COLREGs. While the ACTs project led to some 300 scenarios describing each of the collisions rules one-by-one to help their understanding the ACTs Plus is primarily for Maritime Education and Training providers (MET) and is the intends to go one further and try to use the Pareto analysis results of the ACTs project (Lahiry and Ziarati, 2014) and consider more complex and serious cases where several of the collisions regulations have to be considered at once. The Pareto Analysis of Lahiry and Ziarati (2014) - http://www.marifuture.org/Publications/Articles/Reduction_of_collisions_risks_at_sea.pdf, clearly shows that rule 19 is the most troublesome which has led to most collisions. Ziarati (2014) showed the real reason as to why this Rule and equally several other rules such as 18, 10, 8 and several others need further consideration which is shown in the following figure – see also http://www.marifuture.org/Publications/Articles/ACTs.pdf. In addition to more complex rules and the rules which have created more accidents than others there are cases where there more than two ships involve in collision situations which are expected to be taken into consideration in the ACTS Plus project. This project has two main aims and several subsidiary aims: one concerns recently identified skill gaps (Szozda, 2012) relating also to recent accidents and the other refers to identified problems in the application of some of more complex current collision regulations (Colregs, 1972) and also encompassing cases where more than 1 rule applies.

Partners: Warsash Maritime Academy(UK), Centre for Factories of the Future (UK), University of Rijeka (CR), Spinaker (SI)lovenia, SeaTeach (SP), Nicola Vaptsarov Naval Academy (BL), Bahcesehir University (TR), MakroShipping (TR)

Website: http://advanced.ecolregs.com/

Career Comeback Support Programme for Women

[Project running]
Budget: Circa 300000 EUR
Funding stream: EU Erasmus+
Time period: 2016-2018

In this Career Comeback Support program for Women (CCSP-W) project, the aim is to increase the awareness of contemporary business environment for unemployed women who had work experience previously, and also encouraging them to get back into the workforce by providing an Online and mobile platforms as well as its relevant curriculum. Gender-related differences in employment rates and conditions have been discussed over the decades by the researchers and governments. Women, as a disadvantaged group, have suffered from less stable employment due to various factors. Some of the reasons for less stability in the workplace can be listed as marriage, childbirth, gender roles in the society and cultural issues. Knowledge society transformed business world into an environment where intangible assets are considered the main value of the organizations. There was a radical change from traditional business environment to contemporary social environment where the focus is not only on consumers and organizational needs but also on environmental, social and ethical issues. Diffusion of rapidly changing technology into the business world discouraged people, especially women to return to work force. Moreover, intense penetration of the technology use and social media require developing new skills and abilities for a successful career. The complexity of such an environment demands a more integrated approach across different dimensions of contemporary business to regain women work force. The project is designated for the period of 36 months. The main purpose of this project is to increase the awareness of contemporary business environment for unemployed women and also encouraging them to get back into the workforce by providing an Online awareness-training system and its curriculum. In this project, there are three objectives: 1) All types of job opportunities that would allow women to have flexibility and ease them return to work life will be allocated in a single platform. This part of study will assist with the career-planning phase of women to see available options for them in detail so that they can allocate types of jobs based on their interests and skills; 2) Those potential entrepreneur women who would like to run their own business will be assisted by networking and knowledge base tools that are going to provided. Correspondingly, this study aims to introduce funding opportunities that are available to entrepreneurs in general and also specific to women to re-enter the workforce; 3) An Online platform in their own languages with a mobile platform will be provided to woman returnees to adapt them to the social business era considering possible opportunities and necessities in the new business world.

Partners: Bahcesehir University (TR), Centre for Factories of the Future (UK), ITG Conseil (FR), Spoleczna Akademia Nauk (PO), IASIS (GR) and BIZ Cozum Bilgisayar Entregasyon (TR)

Website: http://www.career4women.eu/

MariEMS – Maritime Energy Management Training Strategic Partnership

[Project running]
Budget:
Funding stream: EU Erasmus+, Strategic Partnerships for VET
Time period: 2015-2018

It is accepted by that 90% of world trade happens by sea, as a result it is not surprising that in 2007 the global shipping industry is estimated to have emitted 1,046 million tonnes of CO2, 3.3 percent of global emissions, and in 2010 reached a total of 8.4 billion tonnes of goods loaded.

The IMO has introduced regulations such as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SSEMP) & Energy Efficiency Operational Index (EEOI) which entered in force on January 1st 2013. The EEDI applies to newly built ships requiring they comply with new energy efficient technologies to reduce emission footprints. SEEMP is a measure required to be applied on board all ships currently operating to design an achievable plan for monitoring and achieving energy efficiency, and EEOI provides a tool for measuring the ship’s fuel efficiency in operation and monitoring the effect of any variations e.g. more frequent propeller cleaning or improved voyage planning or introduction of technical measures. The majority of the IMO requirements on ship emissions are contained within MARPOL, with Air Pollution being the focus of Annex V1. The MARPOL regulations impose strict emissions caps in two emissions control area's which are (partly or completely) inside the EU - The North Sea and the Baltic Sea. These emissions caps are intended to control main air pollutants in ships exhaust gas, including, C02, sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrous oxides (NOx), and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances (ODS).

A 2011 report by Lloyds’ Register on the Assessment of IMO Mandated Energy Efficiency Measures for International Shipping forecast that despite some CO2 reductions, an absolute reduction in CO2 emissions from the 2010 level does not seem possible using just EEDI and SEEMP, as the projected growth in world trade outweighs any forecast emission reductions, and if the EU maritime Industry is to help the EU with achieving its goal of reducing GHG (mainly CO2) emissions by at least 20% by 2020 then more steps need to be taken.

As the regulations and technologies governing Energy Efficiency on board ships become more complex it's been recognised by the IMO and the Industry that seafarers need to be trained to a much higher level in these fields. To this end, the IMO created the new role of 'Energy Manager' - a role that must be filled on every sea going vessel. Currently there is no job specification, and no training specifications for this new role. The purpose of this Partnership is the development of an energy management job and training specification, and the development and implementation of an online leaning and assessment system for the new training programme.

As the maritime industry is global, creating a standard job and training specification across European countries as well as a full training programme to be submitted for international approval to the IMO and professional bodies, we are taking the first steps to help support IMO and the EU achieving their stated emission targets through better management of energy on board vessels.

Partners: Southampton Solent University, Centre for Factories of the Future, TEAM srl, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Spinaker d.o.o., Makroshipping, Port of Rauma, Bahçeşehir University.

Website: http://www.mariems.com

MariLANG – Maritime English Language Training Standards

[Project running]
Budget:
Funding stream: EU Erasmus+, Strategic Partnerships for VET
Time period: 2015-2018

The shipping industry is a key component of the global economy, carrying nearly 90% of world trade. The industry is regulated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) who are aware that over 80% of reported accidents and incidents at sea and in ports are due to human errors (IMO, 2012, Horner, 2014) and over 30% of these accidents are due to linguistic and communications mistakes (Ziarati, 2006, Trekner, 2010).

Following the adoption of the revised International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) in 2010 a number of IMO member states suggested the IMO should develop model training courses to assist with the implementation of the Convention as there was a consensus that a comprehensive set of short model courses in the various fields of maritime training would supplement the instruction provided by maritime academies. Model courses would also allow administrators and technical specialists already employed in maritime administrations, ports and shipping companies to improve their knowledge and skills in certain specialised field

Language and communication are fundamental elements of the shipping sector, especially with Maritime English being the language of the sea. The IMO approved the newly revised Model Course 3.17 for Maritime English in January 2015. This will lead to adaptations and updates of existing academic programmes requiring alignment with the IMO-approved revisions. In devising the course the IMO adopted different sets of language requirements for different types and rank of seafarers and has referred to EU MarTEL standards whilst also adding three new categories to MarTEL seafarer classification namely, Electro-Technical Officers, GMDSS radio operators and for personnel providing direct service to passengers in passenger spaces on passenger ships. The revised Model Course makes reference to the following EU funded projects: MarTEL, MarTEL Plus, MarEng and MarEngPlus and SeaTALK.

However the IMO states that (http://www.marifuture.org/Reports/Development-Papers/IMO_New_Model_Course_Maritime_English.pdf) because educational systems and the cultural backgrounds of trainees vary considerably from country to country, the model course has been designed to identify the basic entry requirements and there are no mechanisms for controlling the variation of the output from such courses.

To remove this acknowledged variation this proposal aims to develop a new set of assessment standards for the IMO’s revised Model Course 3.17 for Maritime English and include the three new categories of seafarers into the existing standards. The project will use the results of recent EU-funded projects to produce a combined learning and assessment package with clear sign posts to existing materials available Europe-wide.

The new assessment standards will not only be in-line with the newly revised model course 3.17 Maritime English, but be linked with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and ECVET.

Partners: University of Jade, Centre for Factories of the Future, Nikola Vapstarov Naval Academy, Spinaker d.o.o., Antwerp Maritime Academy, 1st Evening Vocational Senior High School of Egaleo, Southampton Solent University

Website: http://www.marilang.eu

MariPRO – Promoting Maritime ECVET Action

[Project running]
Budget: 400000 Euros
Funding stream: EU Erasmus+
Time period: 2014-2016

The vocational education in the maritime field is regulated by the International Maritime Organisation IMO’s International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). The Convention aims to universal regulation of maritime education, qualifications and watchkeeping – at least in reaching the minimum requirements. There are, however, major differences between different countries (and VET institutions) on the syllabus level in the contents and structure of maritime VET. The MariePRO project will provide valuable tools and background for the use of the VET institutions on their way to defining the common syllabus structure and content on the European level. It will be emphasized in the project that, when creating the common European framework for MET. The concrete aims of the project include examining the differences between VET institutions in the partner countries, organizing of workshops for maritime VET actors in the partner countries to discuss implementation of ECVET, producing of a Catalogue of Best Practices on ECVET implementation, and drafting an example syllabus for protection of the marine environment according to the STCW provisions.

The MariePRO project arranges altogether six dissemination seminars/workshops for maritime VET teachers in different partner countries, and an international dissemination seminar at the end of the project. The aims of the dissemination workshops include gathering data on the syllabus differences between maritime VET institutions in the partner countries, changing views and compiling data on the practices of implementing ECVET in the maritime VET institutions and aviation sector, and disseminating and promoting of the project. The idea is to commit the VET institutions, teachers and other relevant actors within maritime education and training for adopting the project outcomes by providing them possibilities to participate and contribute to the outcomes in a form of interactive communication in the project events. The dissemination seminar in 2016 is more dedicated to dissemination and valorisation by introducing the project outcomes.

The MariePRO projects aims to provide channels of interactions between European MET institutes, and pave the way for harmonization of syllabus contents in practice, providing the maritime VET actors in the partner countries as well as elsewhere in Europe with tools and preparedness to take actual steps towards implementing ECVET in their everyday activities. The broader aims of the project include promoting to student exchange between VET institutions on common-European and international level.

The impacts of the project at the local and regional level include attracting attention to the maritime professions and raising attractiveness of local and regional MET institutes, and thus attractiveness and dynamics of the regions where the institutes are located. In a larger perspective, the project activities and dissemination actions will also increase the visibility of maritime sector professions and promote to the positive image of the sector.

The partners MariePRO partner consortium comprise an experienced team with practical know-how on ECVET implementation processes in the maritime and benchmarking sectors, experience on ECVET challenges on maritime education and training, as well as project management know-how and professional networks on which to base the effective project actions.

Partners: University of Turku from Finland, Centre for Factories of the Future from the United Kingdom, University of Bremen from Germany, Istituto Tecnico Trasportie Logistica Nautico San Giorgio form Italy, Mediterranean Maritime Research and Training Centre from Malta.

Website: http://www.utu.fi/mariepro

ACTs – Avoiding Collisions aT Sea

[Project running]
Budget: 344.569.96 Euros
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme
Time period: 2013-2015

This project has two main aims: one concerns recently identified skill gaps (Szozda, 2012) relating also to recent accidents (e.g. Costa Concordia), and the other refers to identified problems in the application of current collision regulations (Colregs, 1972). Project ACTs also includes collisions with fixed objects (Grounding).

A review of accidents has identified the need: i) for the development of new skills; and ii) an urgent review of Colregs. For instance, a case law by MARS and MAIB (UK accident agencies) indicates that many of the basic principles of collision avoidance are improperly applied. It is also a common practice to use VHF Radio in collision avoidance procedures, although such radio communications are not part of the Colregs (MAIB, 2004).

A study of the reports reveals that 85% of all accidents are either directly initiated by human error or are associated with human error by means of inappropriate human response (Ziarati, 2006). This is in line with the findings of a recent paper (IMO, 2005) that 80% of accidents at sea are caused by human error. The paper by Ziarati (2006) notes that mistakes are usually made not because of deficient or inadequate regulations, but because the regulations and standards that do exist are often ignored. The IMO MSC (Ziarati, 2006) clearly indicates that the causes of many of the accidents at sea are due to deficiencies in maritime education and training of seafarers or disregard for current standards and regulations. Ziarati (2007) reports that most common accidents and incidents are collisions. The outcome of this latter study has recently been validated by Acar et al (2011). Several of Ziarati’s recommendations have been led to the identification of skill gaps (www.maider.pro and (www.maredu.co.uk).

The work summarised above has led to several proposed improvements to existing Maritime Education and Training (MET) programmes. The review of accidents in the projects identified above has also led to a list of potential new skills and jobs. The proposed project intends to test and transfer several new skills into existing MET programmes and common methods and systems for their deliveries.

The partnership is composed of major maritime centres in several EU countries, with two partners having been involved in the M’aider and SOS projects; most partners have considerable Leonardo experience. They have been involved in several successful Leonardo maritime and e-learning projects at sectoral level, involving companies, maritime organisations and social partners in VET. The main tangible outcome is an online and novel learning and assessment platform facilitating inclusion of the identified new skills in existing maritime programmes and the correct application of Colregs, which is expected to lead to a reduction in the number of accidents at sea. The project impact will be substantial as it concerns the training of all navigation cadets and officers/ratings already working in the sector.

Partners: Faculty of Maritime Studies - University of Rijeka, Centre For Factories Of The Future, Piri Reis University, Spinaker, Nicola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Sea Teach S.L.

Website: http://www.ecolregs.com

EBDIG II -Wind Farm Support Vessels

[Project running]
Budget: 391.720.58 Euros
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme
Time period: 2013-2015

NEED: Extrapolating the European Wind Energy Association's (EWEA) growth scenario for the period up till 2030 employment in the installation, operation and maintenance, of offshore wind farms is expected to produce skilled employment of 851,400 and requires specialist marine vessels. Recent research has indicated that current wind farm support vessels will not be appropriate for accessing far shore wind farms. In order to improve operability of WFSV accessing the far shore wind farms, such as Dogger Bank which will have 1800 turbines up to 120 Nautical Miles from the shoreline, mothership vessels will be required.

Interior design principles applied to vessel accommodation will help to reduce the adverse effects of shift work, through creating a low stress appealing living environment. Human Factor Integration (well established in the defence sector) in the design of the bridge will reduces cognitive workload and hence reduce the risk of human error, the most significant cause of marine accidents.

AIM: To provide innovative professional development training and networking to commercial marine industry employees by transferring embedded practices within interior design and the leisure marine industry which will enable the European commercial marine sector to understand and exploit growing design opportunities in the wind farm support vessel sector to produce more appealing working conditions for this new and growing sector to help recruit new staff and reduce the risk of human error.

OBJECTIVES: To use an e-learning platform www.ebdig.eu (video conference, moodle etc) to transfer innovation from the interior design and leisure marine industry in Wind Farm Support Vessel (WFSV Design; WFSV mothership design; Human Factors Integration (HFI) via 3 courses and a networking framework.

CONSORTIUM: An Advisory Group (AG) made up of; RINA, BMF Commercial and Lloyds Register, will govern EBDIG. They will be joined by industry & research institutions in each country. Delivery partners, educational institutions and small and multinational companies represent the UK, Italy, Netherlands and Turkey. They will contribute existing projects in marine design, ergonomics, and e-learning to develop the EBDIG materials/infrastructure.

OUTCOMES:

• Industry survey (NL, TU, IT, UK)
• Courses developed in Wind Farm Support Vessel (WFSV Design; WFSV mothership design; Human Factors Integration (HFI)
• Industry pilot (each country)
• Dissemination of a recommended methodology for the commercial boat industry design cycle.

IMPACT: Greater understanding and awareness of the needs of the wind farm vessel industry in Netherlands and UK, and the market potential for ship builders in Italy and Turkey. Better trained commercial marine industry staff who are more aware of emerging technologies and techniques. Leading to boat industry standardised qualifications in Wind Farm Support Vessel (WFSV Design; WFSV mothership design; Human Factors Integration (HFI)

Partners: Coventry University, Genoa University, Chalmers University of Technology, Piri Reis University, Human Solutions GMBH, BMT-Nigel Gee, University College Dublin

Website: Under Construction

S.O.S – Stress on Ships

[Project running]
Budget: 525.970 Euros
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme
Time period: 2013-2015

Despite the technological development, maritime transports still depend on human action. Cargo and passenger ships are under crew responsibility and this entails the need to have on board a qualified crew. But hard work, demanding shifts, shorter sleeping times, being away from home for long periods, difficulty in communicating with colleagues, nostalgia, the sense of isolation, are all considered to be the cause of stress what is often known as ‘stressors’, factors which can cause distractions and increasingly lead to young people to shy away from chosing to work as sea. METs ( Maritime Education and Training Institutions) are increasingly requested to provide maritime students as to how to avoid or reduce stress at sea and help them to anticipate hard working conditions on board vessels with a view to prepared them for world of work on board ships of various types and sizes, and manage the consequent symptoms in themselves and in the others. The project is expected to contribute in creating a better and safer working environment.

Project aims to produce a structured training programme, which on the basis of a deep medical and sociological analysis could effectively and efficiently be included in all the European METs ‘syllabi, either for cadets in secondary maritime schools and in non-formal METs, with a view to provide students and seafarers with a set of tools and practices that avoid stress altogether or reduce its impact. The training programme will also take into consideration how stress can be managed better on board vessels.

Partners: Italian Shipping Academy Foundation, Technical Institute for Transports and Logistics San Giorgio, Chalmers University of Technology, University of Turku, Centre for Maritime Studies, Piri Reis University, Maritime University of Szczecin, Klaipeda University

Website: http://www.sosproject.net

Bridge

[Project running]
Budget: 167. 904.40 Euros
Funding stream: EU-TURKEY CHAMBERS PARTNERSHIP GRANT SCHEME
Time period: 2011-2013

Project BRIDGE aims to build bridges of knowledge connecting Turkey and the European Union through the partnership of chambers. The visible target groups and beneficiaries of Project BRIDGE are the chambers taking part in the project and their members as well as the associates providing support for the realization of the planned actions. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg as the context of this project and expected outcomes are linked directly with Turkey’s future accession to the EU, thus concern business communities, policy makers, enforcers and regulators of legislations, civil society organizations, researchers and citizens both in Turkey and in the EU member states. Apart from effective implementation of business-related Acquis in Turkey, Project BRIDGE will create the necessary environment for sharing and generating best practices, creating business clusters and fostering relations between Turkey and the EU.

Partners: IMEAK Turkish Chamber of Shipping, VOKA – Kamer van Koophandel West-Vlaanderen / VOKA – Chamber of Commerce West Flanders, CROATIAN CHAMBER OF ECONOMY, UNIONCAMERE Marche, Rauma Chartering and Towage Agency Oy Ab Ltd., MarEdu Partnership

Website: http://www.projectbridge.eu/

SeaTALK

[Project running]
Budget: 520.021 Euros
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme
Time period: 2013-2015

Shipping is a major industry carrying nearly 90% of world trade that depends on the competence of seafarers. The language of the sea is Maritime English (ME) and yet a review of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) requirements for ME clearly indicates that there are no requirements for a qualification for ME. The IMO passes the responsibility for ME competency to ship operating companies. Furthermore, there are no IMO mechanisms to monitor the ME competence of seafarers. The existing English courses do not satisfy the requirements of ME and the seafaring professions competence requirements in English language.

SeaTALK aims to establish a harmonised comprehensive framework for Maritime English Education and Training, where a standard approach to teaching, learning, assessment and transparency of qualifications throughout Europe is established for each type and rank of seafarers. It will establish a Maritime English ECVET model for mutual recognition and transparency of learning outcomes and competences. The framework will take the IMO and EU requirements into consideration as well as incorporating the achieved outcomes of recent EU funded Maritime English projects, including the developed e-learning platform.

The Maritime English framework will be developed in conjunction with major awarding, accrediting and professional bodies as well as licensing authorities hence expected to receive international recognition.

The framework is expected to promote greater mobility of seafarers by mutually recognised qualification and thus solve the problem of shortages and surpluses of seafarers across Europe. The project enhanced mobility, which is in line with the ‘Europe 2020’ priorities. Poor Communication skills in ME are a major cause of accidents; the project will contribute to a reduction in the number of accidents at sea, leading to a reduction in loss of human life and material loss, and thus make the European shipping industry more competitive. The project will allow the consortium to work towards these goals, which are in line with the ‘Europe 2020’ priorities. By improving the quality of Maritime English education and training, the project will make the European MET sector stronger, result in more competent trained seafarers. This may well contribute to a reduction in the number of accidents at sea and make the European shipping industry more competitive. During the recent Italy cruise ship Costa Concordia accident, poor communications between the crew and the passengers was evident. If a standard training and assessment approach is enabled, the communication ability of the crew would be higher and more effective in onboard communications.

Partners: Centre for Factories of the Future Ltd (C4FF), MMRTC (Training Branch of the Malta Maritime Pilots), Nicola Vaptsarov Naval Academy (NVNA), World Maritime University (WMU), University Of Turku – Centre Of Maritime Sciences (CMS), Spinaker d.o.o (SPIN), Centre of Development works (OPR), University of Antwerp, Institute of Transport and Maritime Management Antwerp and Antwerp Maritime Academy (UA, ITMMA), TUDEV (Turkish Maritime Education Foundation) - Maritime Training Centre

Website: http://www.seatalk.pro

METPROM

[Project Running]
Budget: 367.041 Euros
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme
Time period: 2012 - 2014

METPROM - Modular Enhanced Training Programme for European Maritime Security Personnel (METPROM) – is one of the latest projects running under the LDV – program. The project is intended to develop and transfer innovations for maritime security training and simulation based modules to fill security gaps in increasingly complex operational activities in ports which are vital for the timely conduct of shipping and support more than 90 % of world trade.

METPROM is also intended to bring EU wide standards to the port security procedures e.g. through standardized and harmonized training programs in partner countries. New courses are planned under the project including a new course in port security incorporating novel, simulation-based modules utilizing game-based technology, 3D models, and adaptation of an e-learning platform with assessment facilities.

Partners: Piri Reis University (PRU), Confederation of European Security Services (CoESS), Stichting STC-Group (STC), Turkish Private Security Services Organisation (GUSOD), University of Boras (UoB), World Maritime University (WMU), Hochschule Wismar, University of Technology, Business and Design (HSW)

Website: http://www.metprom.eu

MARINE

[Project Running]
Budget: 459.415.80 Euro
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme
Time period: 2012 - 2014

This project will develop maritime culture in the Black Sea basin through emphasizing the common maritime traditions of the partner countries and enhancing the preparedness of the professionals involved in the maritime industry (maritime/river transportation, shipbuilding, fisheries, offshore oil/gas extracting industry, ports, environmental research and humanities).

Partners: “Mircea cel Batran” Naval Academy, Piri Reis University, Odesa National Maritime Academy, Technical University of Moldova

Website: Under Construction

IMPACT (Integrated Maritime Promotion ACTion)

[Project in Post-development Phase]
Budget: 200,000 Euros
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme
Time period: 2012 (1 Year)

The IMPACT project will promote the results of a number of completed maritime vocational education and training (MVET) projects which directly address particular problems or deficiencies in MVET throughout Europe, and represent innovative use of ICT in lifelong learning. Initially, IMPACT will disseminate and transfer the innovative practices developed in several selected LLP projects to MVET providers across Europe in order to support their valorisation. The long term vision for IMPACT is to expand its reach and valorise other innovative ICT projects developed for MVET through its network.

The European shipping industry faces fierce competition from the Far East, and a shortage of 27,000 seafaring officers is predicted by 2015. For the waterborne sector to remain competitive, the quality of European standards must not be allowed to fall. By raising standards in the field of European MVET, and providing institutions with tools to improve the quality of the education that they provide, the employability and mobility of European seafarers will be increased. All of the LLP projects to be valorised were developed according to international standards such as the International Maritime Organisation’s Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping. All project results promote competencies specified to these standards, and many lead to internationally recognised qualifications.

The consortium has considerable experience in developing educational programmes and innovative ICT resources for MVET institutions. Many projects are ongoing. The results of previous projects have been well received, and have been incorporated into many MVET programmes across Europe. For example: EGMDSS now has over 27,000 users, and is used by several major MVET institutions. IMPACT aims to bring together the results of successfully completed projects and promote them under one banner with the ultimate aim of spreading good practice and innovative ICT tools to MVET providers.

Partners: Centre for Factories of the Future (C4FF), PRU, Spinaker (SPIN), Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SUAS), TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies, National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI)

Website: http://www.maritimetraining.pro/

TRECVET (Transnational Recognition of European Certification in Vocational Education and Training)

[Project Running]
Budget: 400,000 Euros
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme
Time period: 2011 – 2013

In the EU there are numerous industries and professional bodies who's regulations, training methods and examination requirements vary dependent on the specific requirements of the individual Member States; the result is that qualifications and certificates are not universally accepted or transferable. This situation restricts mobility for suitably qualified personnel, trainers and learners within the EU and has lead to the creation of the European Credit system in Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) which aims to remedy these problems. The specific need for this project arises because currently within the 'Small Commercial Vessel' (SCV) maritime sector of the EU, qualifications are not mutually recognised between the authorities of Member States. Therefore nationally qualified professionals are excluded from commanding identical vessels, operating under different national flags.

The project will develop software methods to make transparent syllabi comparisons, resulting in the online tool TRECVET. This will be achieved by breaking down syllabi into their most fundamental elements and then presenting these so that meaningful information on commonalities, differences and country specific requirements can be identified. By this technique, qualifications and learning outcomes become transparent and comparable, which in the wider framework of ECVET, leads to transferability, recognition and mobility across Europe.

The tool will be designed to be scalable and able to accept syllabi from any VET industry within Europe. This tool will enable decision makers to comply with their commitments to the ECVET strategy which requires that "by 2012 Member States are expected to have created the necessary conditions and measures for the gradual implementation of the ECVET".

Presented as a publicly accessible website, this tool will empower learners and trainers to make informed decisions about study and career paths, thereby gaining better job placements and mobility.

Partners: SEA TEACH (Charter and Sea School), Seebar, Centre for Factories of the Future, Danmar Computers, Polytechnic University of Catalonia

Website: http://www.trecvet.eu/

GETAFIX (Gaining Training Analysis For Identifying Cross Border Systems

[Project Running]
Budget: 100,000 Euros
Funding stream: EU Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme
Time period: 2011 – 2013

The requirement for this project arises because currently within the ‘Small Commercial Vessel’ (SCV) maritime sector of the EU, qualifications of one Member State are not recognised by the authorities of other Member States. This restricts mobility and employment opportunities.

The partnership brings together eight partners who are a mix of educational practitioners, institutions, SME's and non for profit organizations from six European countries. The partners offer relevant experience and expertise to the project and will be tasked to gather data of the regulations, training standards and qualifications from all 27 EU member States plus Turkey and Croatia.

A key objective is to establish the extent of the problem across Europe. The project will identify commonalities, country specific requirements and best practice within the various national authorities’ syllabi and regulations within the SCV sector of the EU. These data will be processed and presented on this website to allow national syllabi and systems to be easily compared. This comparison can be used to:

• establish transparency and provide the necessary information to help maritime institutions and organisations to cooperate at an informal level;
• achieve acceptance and recognition of professional maritime qualifications between EU Member States;
• create better employment opportunities and enhanced mobility for both professionals and trainees within the marine sector of the EU; and
• provide trainers and trainees with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their career paths.

Partners: SEA TEACH (Charter and Sea School), Piri Reis Denizcilik Anadolu Meslek Lisesi, Danmar Computers , Teachsport, Seebar,Centre for Factories of the Future, Surmene Turk Telekom Denizcilik Anadolu Meslek Lisesi, NaviClass (Nautical Training Centre)

Website: http://www.getafix.eu/

CAPTAINS (Communication and Practical Training Applied in Nautical Studies)

[Project in Post-development Phase]
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:

1. 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.
2. 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), PRU, 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 in Post-development Phase]
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), PRU, 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

[Project in Post-development Phase]
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, PRU, 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: http://www.sailahead.eu

UniMET – Unification of Marine Education and Training

[Project in Post-development Phase]
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), PRU, 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:

Safety on 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 in Post-development Phase]
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 in Post-development Phase]
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 in Post-development Phase]
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

[Project in Post-development Phase]
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 in Post-development Phase]
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