Damen Shipyards Group has teamed up with Netherlands Shipping Training Centre (NSTC), managed by the international maritime education and training organisation STC-Group, offering a training course for Philippines-based ferry crew.

The training package features a number of elements, including rules and regulations (ISM code), crew and crisis management, and cross cultural differences.

According to Damen, the company has worked with the STC-Group for many years, providing seafarers’ training. Martijn Voorham, general manager of NSTC, commented: “Over the years we have frequently partnered to provide crew training when Damen has delivered a vessel to a client.

“Damen is a shipbuilder and we are a training provider. It’s a very logical partnership that works very well.”

Added Voorham: “Where crew are fully aware of safety procedures, they are shown to be up to 80% more effective in responding to a situation.”