A former seaman has launched an online learning platform for ships’ crew to attain professional qualifications while at sea.
Angus Ferguson, from Clarkston near Glasgow, says Onboard Maritime is the first instructor-led platform of its kind in the maritime industry, providing an alternative to traditional college-based study.
He said: “Until now you have had to go to college or a similar course to study for maritime industry exams.
“This can be expensive for students or employers, not just in terms of course fees but also in terms of time off work and lost earnings as well as accommodation and living costs if there is no course close to where you live.
“But Onboard Maritime allows students to access all the course materials they need online leading up to exams so they can learn wherever and whenever they want.
“Course materials can be downloaded so that you can learn at your own pace and convenience.
“And there are instructor-led virtual classes, but students can also contact an instructor if there are any areas they don’t understand or need extra help with.
“Being at sea for long periods can leave you with time on your hands when you’re not on shift, but downloading a course in advance or when you have internet access means you can use the time effectively to study for professional exams without having to take any time off work or be stuck to a rigid class timetable.”
More than 5000 members of the merchant navy sit Maritime and Coastguard Agency exams each year. All require study for oral and written exams as well as practical experience.
Ferguson is a Master Mariner who spent 14 years at sea before joining the staff of the Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, now part of the City of Glasgow College. He has also authored textbook Seamanship Notes.
He added: “As a lecturer I worked with some fantastic students who would have been excellent in a role at sea but who struggled completing the academic element due to their location, time or finances.
“A number left the industry having completed 90% of the course but could not commit time and money for travel and accommodation to attend a college.
“My inspiration for Onboard Maritime came from knowing that the industry was losing out on talented individuals facing barriers to their progression.
“These barriers can be where they live, family, caring commitments or unpredictable work patterns. All of these situations mean attending an educational institute for a period of study is impractical.
“But with technology and a strong understanding of how people learn online, Onboard Maritime will help students gain the preparatory knowledge in a location and at a time that suits them.”
Courses include junior and senior officer-level Maritime and Coastguard Agency qualifications such as Officer of the Watch and Chief Mate.
Ferguson added: “We’ve had people at sea being able to study onboard a ship and instantly be able to put theory into practice which is a major advantage to their studies.
“In recent weeks companies have focussed on their online capabilities.”
