Teekay sets up seafarer competency scheme
http://www.teekay.com

Teekay Shipping has set up a seafarer competency scheme, dubbed SCOPE ("Seafarer Competency for Operational Excellence," to help seafarers enhance their skills and progress career development. 

The initiative is geared around establishing "best practices" performance standards for its seafarers.

By 2006, Teekay anticipates its 1,300 officers and 2,700 ratings will have completed the SCOPE program. 

"In an industry facing a shortage of skilled workers, Teekay is privileged to be in a position of employing some of the most experienced, competent and loyal crews -- in part because of its attractive terms, and safe, positive working environment," the company says.

"Of equal relevance, however, is Teekay's commitment to ongoing professional development of its people, which it sees as vital to employee retention, customer confidence, and industry leadership."

The program uses a number of training and assessment systems, including simulators, computer based training materials and hands on assessments.

It offers a structured mentoring and training curriculum.

The STCW 95 (IMO standards of training, certification and watchkeeping) are set down as the minimum requirement; then Teekay builds on it by establishing the best practises in competence and perforance in specific areas of knowledge, aptitude, experience, attitude/motivation and management skills. 

please contact Graham Westgarth, President, Teekay Marine Services, at info@teekay.com.