The Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), one of the most impactful environmental organizations, and SQLearn, the specialized maritime online training provider have delivered the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) online training in the context of their collaborative effort receiving approval by the Cyprus Maritime Administration.
Three STCW courses on safety and security onboard, designed and developed by SQLearn (HELMEPA member), are available online with Computer Based Training (CBT) under the certified Maritime Training Center of the awarded HELMEPA Academy.
This marks a groundbreaking milestone, as these are the first-ever STCW courses approved by the Cyprus Maritime Administration to be delivered exclusively via e-learning.
In the context of this unique collaboration, parts of the proceedings are offered to support HELMEPA’s mission “To Save the Seas”.
“HELMEPA is constantly looking for ways to assist seafarers in their duties, enhancing safety, security, pollution prevention and environmental awareness on board. The access to e-learning STCW courses allows seafarers to acquire the necessary quality and certified training whenever and wherever they are, while also supporting HELMEPA’s training and awareness raising initiatives”, said Olga Stavropoulou, Director General of HELMEPA. “We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Cyprus Maritime Administration in yet another training field, providing our members with top quality and modern training services”, she added.
“This groundbreaking achievement offers a new experience in STCW training, as it allows seafarers, cruise ship and yacht crews to remotely complete STCW training required to be qualified individuals and join vessels, thus saving time and money and not disrupting their careers,” noted Spyridon Gkoumas, CEO of SQLearn. “Leveraging SQLearn’s more than 10 years of innovation in maritime training, the STCW training can be completed exclusively online, from home or even on board, presenting a significant benefit, especially when considering the limitations of traditional on-site educational resources for seafarers”.
The STCW Basic Safety courses that are currently offered through the HELMEPA-SQLearn collaboration include:
• Security Awareness Training for all Seafarers, STCW Section A-VI/6-1
- •Designated Security Duties, STCW Section A-VI/6-2
- •Ship Security Officer (SSO), STCW Section A-VI/5
About HELMEPA
The Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), founded in 1982 by visionary Greek shipowners and seafarers, with the mission “To Save the Seas” is one of the most impactful environmental organizations, leading the way -for over four decades- in protecting seas and coasts, ensuring safety at sea, and promoting sustainable development.
Over the years, the HELMEPA has grown exponentially, with a community of nearly 300,000 volunteers dedicated to its cause. Today, the Association has evolved into an open, multi-level, participatory platform consisting of 353 companies and organizations in Greece and abroad, over 2,341 ocean-going vessels, and 15,200 seafarers and marine professionals, with an extensive network of stakeholders worldwide. Moreover, its international impact has inspired and led to the establishment of similar organizations (MEPAs) in Cyprus, Nigeria, Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, the United States of America, and Uruguay, cooperating as members of the International Maritime Environmental Protection Association (INTERMEPA), with HELMEPA acting as permanent secretariat.
About SQLearn
Founded in 2006, SQLearn is headquartered in Piraeus and stands as the most dynamically evolving Greek company in the realm of e-learning services. With more than 10 years of innovation in maritime training, SQLearn specializes exclusively in providing integrated solutions for the shipping sector, encompassing consulting, technical support, installation, and configuration of a modern asynchronous education platform, along with the production of electronic courses. Presently, SQLearn caters to over 1,000 ships, 50,000 seafarers, and 150 shipping companies worldwide. The digital courses and systems offered by SQLearn hold certifications from the American Registry (ABS), the Liberian Registry, and adhere to international standards ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2013 by TÜV AUSTRIA HELLAS. Additionally, SQLearn takes pride in its membership with INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, HEMEXPO, WIMA, the International Propeller Club, The Nautical Institute, as well as the Cyprus Shipping Chamber.
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