Marine Pilots from Papua New Guinea have recently completed a bespoke AMC Search training course to help them operate in challenging port environments.
AMC Search collaborated with PNG Ports Corporation to tailor an intensive, seven-day course for the Pilots who carry out the high-risk work of guiding vessels in and out of ports in all weather conditions.
To meet national PNG requirements, Pilots must regularly undertake National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) approved refresher training, covering Bridge Resource Management, electronic navigation, blind pilotage, and ship handling.
The training was delivered through a mix of theory and practice, utilising AMC’s Full Mission Bridge Simulator to bring a sense of realism and relevance to the issues discussed in the classroom. Participants spent over 50% of the course in the simulator, training for tough conditions, such as navigation in poor visibility, contingency response, as well as experiencing new and emerging technologies and techniques.
Beyond the world-class simulation facility, it was AMC Search’s ability to tailor a solution for PNG Ports that drew them to Tasmania, according to PNG Ports’ General Manager (PNG Marine Limited), Ian McAllister.
“Our Pilots are required by the PNG NMSA to attend short courses that are Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) approved, but most such courses are designed for sea-going Masters and don’t run concurrently. Therefore, the time, travel, accommodation, course fees, and the need to have a Pilot stand-in while they are training, becomes very costly,” Mr McAllister said.
“We approached a couple of maritime training facilities and explained our situation and what we would like to achieve. AMC Search were very responsive and pro-actively engaged with us to discuss and understand our needs. They then developed a tailor made program to cover all the short courses in one go, and followed up with NMSA to gain approval for the course.”
“Working with AMCS, we were able to create a program that best reflected our Pilot training requirements, meet NMSA requirements, and reduce costs and time away for our Pilots.”
Matt Best, the General Manager of Simulations at AMC Search, designed and delivered the course for the PNG Pilots. He said that relevant course content, combined with simulations and flexibility, were key to meeting the needs of PNG Ports Corporation.
“No doubt that our ship simulation facilities are among the best in the Southern Hemisphere. However, what we pride ourselves on is our ability to work with clients, like PNG Ports, to build training programs that meet their needs, covering everything from course content to on-campus accommodation and meals,” Mr Best said.
“It’s been fantastic to collaborate with PNG Ports to deliver their training in the most effective way for them. We hope the training relationship is a long-term one, and we’re expecting the next two Pilots for training in August.”
