STCW relates to the International Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping formulated within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).STCW 1978 was amended in 1995 and then in 2010 and contains mandatory standards applied to the training and competence of seafarers internationallyTo book a course call +44(0)1502 525025 or email maritime@lowestoft.ac.uk

ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems) is widely used on an increasing number of ships, both as a primary and secondary navigation system.

Dynamic Positioning (DP) is now a major facility and is being routinely fitted in new as well as established vessel types. DP functions are in regular use across a wide range of environments such as Drilling Rigs, Offshore Support Vessels, Floating Production Units, Survey Vessels and Shuttle Tankers to name but a few. Vessels frequently need to conduct operations of a safety-critical nature, close to platforms or other fixed structures. In operations of this nature it is essential that the vessel is able to work to its maximum efficiency and this includes the competence of Watchkeeping Officers and DP Operators, who must be properly trained. Guidelines from the I.M.C.A. called 'Training of Key DP Personnel' relates to the training and competence of all personnel who have a critical role to play on board DP-capable vessels. The Nautical Institute is responsible for the certification of DP Operators in the UK. The Institute is UK based and is recognised worldwide. The Institute's scheme of training follows the recommendations contained in the IMO and IMCA guidelines.  Our DP courses are validated and are continuously monitored by the Nautical Institute. Minimum Qualification Requirement From 1st January 2012          The Nautical Institute has implemented the following criteria for entry on to the DP Operators Training Scheme:   The Minimum qualification will be set at STCW Regulation II/1 - II/2 - II/3 Deck and Regulation III/1 - III /2 - III/3 Engine Alternative appropriate marine vocational qualifications* will be considered on a case by case basis. *Marine Vocational Qualification: is a non-STCW Certificate of Competency issued by a white list Maritime Administration for use in the administration's local waters only. Prospective DPO's, who are in the process of training for an STCW certificate, can start the DP scheme and complete the DP Induction (basic) course and 30 days Familiarisation only. The DP Simulator (Advanced) course and watchkeeping training can only be completed after they hold an appropriate STCW certificate of competency. Prospective DPO's not meeting the above requirements will be able to apply for certification, if they commenced training prior to the implementation date and all elements have been completed within a five year period at the time of application. Following implementation of the above all existing DPO certification will be honoured and will remain valid.

Choose from a wide range of Electrical short courses to ensure you meet the regulatory requirements of the industry. CompEx is the leading national training, assessment and certification scheme for electrotechnical craftspersons working in potentially hazardous or explosive atmospheres.

The Centre for Maritime and Offshore Technology is fully equipped to provide First Aid and other medical training at all levels.  Courses for seafarers, workers in the offshore environment and local industries are provided by the Centre. Instruction is given by fully qualified RGN/paramedics with occupational health and pre-hospital emergency care backgrounds. Courses will be approved and validated by the appropriate authorities - The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Refresher training is also provided. Where practical, courses can be delivered on company premises. All specialist equipment is brought to site. A suitable training room, OHP and video are required. STCWReferences to 'STCW' relate to international standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping formulated within IMO (International Maritime Organisation). Courses run at Lowestoft College are approved to STCW standards where appropriate and certification carries an approval notation.

Officers of the Watch (OOW), Chief Mates and Master Mariners are in charge of the safe navigation and management of the ships they sail. Determining the course and speed, manoeuvring to avoid hazards and continuously monitoring the vessel's position using charts and navigational aids. They also maintain logs and other records tracking the ship's movements. These STCW and MCA approved courses enable students to progress in careers in the merchant navy.

All personnel who operate radio transmitting equipment at sea must hold the appropriate operators Certificate of Competence. This ensures that equipment is operated under the supervision of qualified personnel and keeps interference to a minimum. Lowestoft College has many years' experience in the training of radio operators both for the Merchant Navy and Offshore Industry. Each year many Merchant Navy Officers, fishermen and yachtsmen obtain their radio operator's certificates on successful completion of the appropriate course held at the College.  The College is a member of AMERC (Association of Marine, Electronics and Radio Colleges), an association which has been at the forefront of education and training in radio communications for many years. The radio courses are run in a purpose-built communications room which includes satellite communications simulators, Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment and a range of terrestrial based transmitters and receivers.

We provide a wide range of health and safety related training from safety management to the safe use of common workplace equipment and electrical safety courses

Lowestoft College works in partnership with the National Wind Farm Training Centre (NWFTC) and together are GWO approved to offer a one-stop training centre for people working in, or planning to enter, the wind farm industry. Training facilities include a purpose-built climbing and rescue tower to simulate a wind turbine, alongside the College's environmental survival pool which can replicate the hostile North Sea in controlled safety with wind, waves, rain, lighting and sound effects combining to produce a testing environment in which offshore wind workers can gain the skills needed to survive at sea. The facility is also equipped with a wind turbine transfer ladder and helicopter hoist to enable transfer and rescue simulations. The College also offers a range of emergency response courses for Marine Controllers, Control Room Operations and senior managers working on Offshore Wind Farms which can be linked into the wind turbine tower creating very realistic environments for people to practice emergency rescue scenarios. The courses listed below are part of an ever increasing range of training for the offshore wind energy sector, if you cannot find what you are looking for email your enquiry to us and we may be able to help.

These courses are suitable for seafarers who are about to or are already serving as either safety representatives or safety officers. The courses address both accident prevention and accident investigation.

The tanker training courses consist of two levels of training namely the familiarisation level and the more advanced specialised level: Tanker Familiarisation Course On the successful completion of the course, the candidate will have the technical knowledge required to serve on a tanker and be assigned specific duties and responsibilities related to cargo or cargo equipment. The candidate will have gained sufficient knowledge of the practical application of the basic principles and concepts of safe tanker operations in order to carry out those duties. Specialised Tanker Course The course provides specialist training in areas appropriate to the duties of senior officers with immediate responsibility for loading, discharging, care in transit or handling of bulk chemical cargoes. Tanker terminal and ship management personnel choosing to conduct this training could build on previous experience and gain more detailed knowledge and competence regarding the safe handling and carriage of petroleum cargoes. Both courses comply with the Merchant Navy Training Board requirements as satisfying part of the prerequisites for issue of a Tanker Endorsement by the MCA.                  Both courses' trainees would have the advantage of being trained on the newly installed TRANSAS 4000 state of the art Tanker Simulator systems.

The Offshore Centre provides independent OPITO approved Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) and Control Room Operator (CRO) emergency response assessment and competence services to a range of prestigious oil and gas companies operating in the UKCS and throughout Europe.Our team of offshore experts have been providing training, assessment and competency services to the energy sector for over 20 years bringing a wealth or real life experiences to courses.Training and assessment takes place in a purpose built simulation suite which is OPITO approved and easily configurable to mimic clients' facilities and offshore assets. Simulations available include Offshore Production Control Room, Offshore Radio Rooms, Onshore (Terminal) Control Room and Offshore Wind Control Room.Where applicable assessments are OPITO approved.All scenarios are client specific, based on location, actual safety cases and safety reports.

These courses are suitable for those considering entering the teaching profession and essential if you are starting to teach within the Further Education/Learning and Skills sector. Entry to these courses requires candidates to possess or be working towards a Level 3 qualification in the subject they wish to teach or have relevant industrial experience. The courses are designed to ensure candidates develop an understanding of teaching, learning and assessment and will focus on improving interpersonal skills such as speaking, listening and providing feedback to learners on their progress. All courses will raise awareness of equality and diversity issues relevant to teaching, learning and assessment.

The Bridge Simulation Suite consists of a realistic mock-up of a ship's bridge with all conventional controls and instruments. These include manoeuvring and throttle controls, navigation instruments including GPS, LORAN and NAVTEX, an ARPA radar and ECDIS plotter. In addition, there is a realistic 150° visual of the outside world. Two secondary bridges provide entry-level controls with GPS, ARPA and Plotter. Each of the three bridges can be designated any one of 15 ownership models which include container vessel, ferry, fast patrol craft, bulk carriers etc. Movement, controls and instruments will then balance and respond exactly as the real ship. All aspects of the ship can be controlled from the instructor station. Weather, tide, visibility and sea state can be changed and varied. Facets can be introduced, including failure of engine's steering, thrusters etc. Also included in the system is assessment software that will enable detailed evaluation of all aspects of the use of the system. A recent development is the addition of full DP facilities to the bridge simulator. This allows expansion of the provision to include DP scenarios to be run in a full-mission environment. The versatility of the equipment means that both individuals and teams can be trained in basic navigation and passage planning and more advanced aspects of Bridge Team Management. Current use of the suite includes Radar and Command and Control training. Bridge Team Management courses and a number of training programmes designed for specific clients.

Lowestoft College has a long tradition of excellence in the training of maritime and offshore personnel. Our facilities include an environmental training pool which simulates, as realistically and safely as possible, a variety of sea conditions.The survival pool is available for hire and has a range of features including waves, wind and rain generation, variable lighting and heating, public address and sound effects system and a large lifting and loading capability for trials of your own equipment.The facility can be hired at negotiable rates and flexible terms. Lowestoft College can arrange for safety technicians, equipment, catering and accommodation if required.A variety of organisations use the facility for personnel training, crisis management and product research and development. Past and present clients from home and overseas include: RLSS RNLI Environmental agencies Film production companies Survival equipment manufacturers Police Fire service Military and civilian training bodies Multi-national oil and gas companies

Contact us for course information and general enquiries.