The 2012 Program was developed by the Maritime Training Centre of HELMEPA in cooperation with a Training Committee composed of representatives of 12 member companies that was formed according to a decision of the Board of Directors. The Committee contributed to the compilation of this program so as to satisfy, as much as possible, common training needs of officers and staff of member companies. 

The selected topics will be presented by specialized staff from seven companies and six classification societies, all members of the Association, the Hellenic Coast Guard, the Laboratory for Maritime Transport of NTUA and HELMEPA, as well as independent maritime professionals.

The 25 two-day seminars of the 2012 Program are separated into the following categories:

a) Environmental Management, 10 seminars,

b) Safety - Risk - Crises, 10 seminars, and

c) Marine Environmental Awareness, 5 seminars. 

It should be noted that the training offered by the seminars of the third category is mandatory from 2013 according to the recently amended International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping of Seafarers (STCW). Τhese seminars will be certified in accordance with the requirements of the Convention and relevant IMO guidelines.

Amid a difficult period for our country and in the general gloom and concern for the future, we choose to remain optimistic as 2012 marks the 30th anniversary of HELMEPA. For its work, which continues successfully thanks to the constant, voluntary participation of members, companies, vessels and seafarers, HELMEPA has received the Seatrade Awards and was recently honored with the Award for Safety and Protection of the Marine Environment by the Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards.

Following, you may find out more about the content and objectives of each category of Seminars as well as expected benefits from attending. The Training Booklet can be found by clicking here.

Environmental Management

Contents and Objectives of the Seminar

The Seminar’s objective is to inform seafarers and office staff about the importance of the sound environmental management of the ship for the protection of the marine environment, especially in marine areas and ports where stricter requirements apply.  

It familiarizes participants with techniques relating to the operation and maintenance of important machinery for the prevention of pollution and presents the new guidelines for making entries in the Oil Record Book. At the same time, it analyzes the new Port State Control requirements in the Paris MOU region and presents the procedures and practices to deal with emergency incidents.

Benefits for the participant

Participants will have the opportunity to be informed on developments relating to the quality of marine fuels and the requirements for air emissions, improve their knowledge on garbage and ballast water management and be better prepared for the inspection of their ships in European ports.

Safety - Risk - Crises

Contents and Objectives of the Seminar

Despite the fact that every possible effort should be made to avoid accidents on board, it is particularly important to plan, in advance, how to respond to emergency situations, during which the organization and operation of a maritime company is tested.

The Seminar’s goal is to nurture a safety spirit on board, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment and sound planning before the conduct of operations and works on the ship, such as cargo loading/unloading, entry into enclosed spaces, launching of lifeboats, navigation in dense and controlled traffic and emergency towing.

Benefits for the participant

The participants will gain a better insight into the risks posed by certain tasks performed onboard, improve their knowledge about necessary precautions that must be taken and about how to respond to emergency situations.

Marine Environmental Awareness

Seminar Content and Objectives

The main objective of the Seminar is to inform officers and office staff about the importance, complexity and fragile balance of the marine ecosystem and to emphasize the role of pollution prevention measures for the protection of the marine environment. It presents the main environmental impacts from the operation of ships and explains the rationale and the requirements of the most important regulations.

The amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), that were adopted by the IMO in June 2010, render training on this subject obligatory.

In particular, this training is connected to all duties related to the procedure defined in STCW as “Controlling the Operation of the Ship and Care for Persons Onboard”, for Deck and Engineer Officers. Additionally, it constitutes part of the basic training for the standard of competence “Emergency-Occupational Safety-Security-Medical Care-Survival Functions”.