The MariFuture Platform will be used to ensure all partners and members of the platform are aware of the UniMET programmes, its new additions and the reason for their inclusions. The Platform is available at: www.marifuture.org

UniMET aims to surpass the STCW (which are the minimum standards set by the IMO) and promote higher standards and good practices. MariFuture members also are introducing a fairer system for assessing

innovative projects through a project called IMPACT, funded by the EU. IMPACT intends to introduce in the first instance a means of evaluation of ICT based EU funded projects and later include non-ICT projects.

The IMPACT project as part of its sustain-ability plan has introduced a network at www.maritimetraining.pro to promote EU good practice projects and organise events to disseminate information on MariFuture developments. A quality assurance and control system for partner institutions will be used for the delivery and sustainability of the UniMET programmes.

UniMET unified the core Maritime Education and Training (MET) of seafarers based on the STCW and incorporates the good practices in the partner institutions with the aim to disseminate and exploit these programmes across Europe and Worldwide.

The UniMET Generic Programmes have been cross-referenced with the existing IMO model courses and partner programmes to ensure the UniMET programmes comply with

IMO standards and that all partners are aware of any deviation from IMO STCW requirements and/or IMO Model courses.

New relevant local, national European and international good practices have been incorporated into UniMET Programmes and the intention is to make sure any new changes are reviewed and included in the UniMET Generic Programmes. UniMET has a number of Programme elements stated in Table 1.

INTRODUCTION TO UniMET

UniMET Programmes New Approach to MET

UniMET Programmes Beyond STCW(Captains of Industry)

Promoting UniMET

Maritime Education and Training (MET) is a complex set of programmes, courses and related requirements. UniMET has been designed to identify the basic requirements for each type and rank of ship officer and at the same time sets the requirements for progression from one rank into higher ranks. UniMET also identified the industry needs and has been developed in conjunction with major awarding, accrediting and licencing bodies. Credit transfer schemes for each programme have been established within the European Qualification framework (EQF), including credits for sea training. UniMET Degree Class programmes go beyond the minimum standards set by the IMO for seafarers’ education and training require-ments. UniMET Programmes can be applied globally in MET institutions as they are cross-referenced with the IMO STCW requirements. UniMET is a global solution in MET, developed by a number of leading International MET organisations.

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THE UniMET STORY

UniMET Programmes Beyond STCW(Captains of Industry)

In order to fully understand the table on Page 3, it is important to explain the reasoning behind the development of the UniMET programmes. It is worth mentioning that UniMET programmes were based on an earlier successful EU Leonardo project called Safety On Sea (SOS, 2005-08), which supported Turkey to work with England, Scotland and Norway to develop maritime programmes and seek international recognition for them.

The UniMET programmes are composed of three distinct main programmes designed and developed for the education and training of Deck Officers, Marine Engineering Officers and new type of officers viz., Electro Technical Officers. Each main programme satisfies the respective IMO STCW 2010 requirements for the designated officer category and is supplemented with several IMO Safety courses such as fire fighting and so forth. There is a requirement for documented and assessed sea training for each type of officer. In addition, the programmes are complemented by two short courses, Bridge Resource Management (BRM) and Engine-Room Management (ERM), which are now declared as mandatory, and soon there will be a requirement for them to be incorporated in all ship officer education and training programmes.

Although there is only one set of standards for each type of officer as defined and described by IMO STCW requirements, the visit to several maritime education and training (MET) institutions as part of UniMET, clearly indicated that there are variations and each country (partner) has its own MET programme for each type of officer. A review of European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) reports also clearly shows

there are many variations in officer MET programmes and that there are many programmes which fail to apply the STCW correctly, reporting serious deficiencies in some institutions. To this end, rather than unifying the MET programmes, a Generic UniMET set of programme for each type of officer was developed in conjunction with leading awarding, accrediting and licensing bodies in two maritime and leading countries (UK and Norway). This was used to cross-reference each of the programmes with the respective partner programmes, as well as with the IMO’s most recent Model course for each category of officers, benchmarking and testing the programme in real terms against the UK practice. This now allows several sets of STCW 2010 compliant programmes to be available to UniMET users and they also have a new complete and generic set to apply if they so wish to do so. In the generic model all pathways have been tested and programmes are accredited by major and well-known awarding bodies such as BTEC/Edexcel. The students and staff can apply for various memberships, and professional designations, from chartered institutions such as IMarEST.

There are many other benefits too. Earlier investigations had reported serious shortfalls in the International training standards themselves. It is pertinent to note that many of the reported deficiencies were taken into consideration in the STCW amendments in 2010. Making BRM and ERM mandatory was also a welcoming development. However, there are still areas for improvement. Areas for improvement include, a need for improved competence of English Language by seafarers, as well as a need to address the increase in number of accidents/incidents due to increased

level of automation on board vessels. To overcome some of these issues, the output of several EU funded projects were included in the UniMET Generic Programmes and partners were asked to review these projects with the view to apply in their programmes. These EU funded projects include MarTEL (www.martel.pro), SURPASS (www.surpass.pro), MAIDER (www.maider.pro), EGMDSS (www.egmdss.com).

Project TRAINS 4Cs are mobility pilot courses designed and developed as part of the UniMET project to test and evaluate UniMET Programmes in real life; any graduate cadets from the UniMET Generic Programmes can benchmark herself/himself with the UK standards and if successful obtain a UK Certificate of Competency and or an honours degree from a UK university. All pathways were tested successfully.

Degree Class and Captains of Industry For Degree Class, an officer needs to have a degree in a related subject from an approved university (Table 2) . For those officers without a degree, TRAINS 4Cs programmes have identified several units of study (Table 3) which are considered essential if an officer would wish to progress to the Degree Class. These officers are required to have successfully undertaken a project unit, which satisfies the major chartered professional requirements for a degree unit of study. Captains of Industry titles are for those who are senior managers in the shipping industry and have concluded an approved postgraduate programme of study. This knowledge, at this level, will ensure they are in a position to lead well-educated crews and also apply scientific methods to produce reports and reasoned judgement to reach decisions.

Joining the UniMET ProgrammeThe UniMET partnership is expanding and sharing its experience and programmes with MET organisations. Learning from one another is the core aim of this expansion.

The partnership invites MET maritime education and training institutions, industrial stakeholders, and decision makers to join the UniMET partnership and to make use of, and have access to the UniMET programmes and constituent elements. More informa-tion is available at the UniMET website, www.unimet.pro

The UniMET programme is flexible to suit the needs of MET providers. UniMET is in-line with the European Qualification framework (EQF), linking units of study, credits per unit and hours of learning for European MET providers. It should be noted that one UniMET credit is equivalent to one ECVET and one ECTS credit.

UniMET Programmes and it’s Three LevelsUniMET Programmes have been designed to have three levels to suit the different ranks and positions of Seafarers.

The three levels are listed below

• Officer Class 2: Complies with STCW (Operational) requirements or IMO Model 7.03 or 7.04

• Officer Class 1: Complies with STCW (Management) requirements or IMO model course 7.01 or 7.02

• Degree Class (Degree): Officer Class officers 1 having obtained a degree from a recognised university and satisfied the additional units/modules/courses. Degree Class officers with an MPhil or PhD are referred to as “Captains of Industry”

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Complete and Integrated Programme for the Education and Training of Officers and Engineers developed in 2007 to bring all IMO model courses and latest IMO short/safety courses and seek approval from major awarding, accrediting and licensing bodies. UniMET programmes are based on these programmes but included the latest changes in IMO STCW introduced in 2010 in Manila and also new good practice course such as EU funded SURPASS, EGMDSS and so forth.

An effective approach for the English language assessment of seafarers to support the development of International standards for Maritime English. The tests and learning materials are for Ratings, Cadets, Officers and Senior Officers. There are tests available online and face-to-face with examiners.

E-learning platform for navigators to refresh their knowledge on Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS). This platform currently has over 35,000 registered users which clearly indicates demand for such online platforms.

SOS Programmes

Internationally recognised and complete and integrated programmes for the Education and Training of Ship officer cadets, officers and senior officers in both Deck and Marine Engineering disciplines, including STCW short/safety courses, BRM, ERM, and all known good practice courses. These programmes were developed in conjunction with major awarding, accrediting and licensing bodies.

UniMET Programmes - Beyond STCW

SAIL AHEAD provides an innovative platform for deck seafarers with guidance about ashore career paths. This is achieved through an innovative online guidance tool for second career options for Deck officers Captains, supported by detailed job profiles and interviews with maritime professionals already working ashore.

SAIL AHEAD - Online Career Guidance Tool for Seafarers

The Maritime Training platform provides access to a number of innovative IT based Maritime Education and Training products. These products include; MarTEL, EGMDSS, NetOskar, MEP and MarENG Plus.

Maritime Training Platform - Innovative Maritime Training Products

MarTEL & MarTEL Plus - Maritime Tests of English Language

These tools provide online, innovative learning courses and materials to develop and improve the English language skills of seafarers.

CAPTAINS, MarENG and MarENG Plus - English Languages Courses for Seafarers

ILO requirements are incorporated in UniMET programmes

ILO Requirements

The programmes of UniMET Partners (Deck and Engineering Officers at Operational and Management Level) cross-referenced and amended in some cases to be in-line with the UniMET Generic programmes.

UniMET Partner Programmes

Short Courses designed to meet the improved technology and equipment on board such as UK’s EDH, NARAS, EU funded SURPASS, EU funded Maider, EU funded EGMDSS and so forth.

Good Practice Courses (EDH,NARAS, ERM & BRM)

IMO requirements are incorporated in UniMET programmes

IMO Requirements

A platform with support from the EU to integrate maritime education, research and innovation. The platform is used for dissemination, exploitation and sustainability of UniMET Programmes.

MariFuture Platform

UK’ Complete and Integrated Programme for the Education and Training of Officers and Engineers used for Benchmarking when developing UniMET Programmes.

UK Programmes (Benchmark)

The updated STCW 95 courses and modules form part of the statutory requirements for both deck and engineering qualifications; these now include BRM and ERM courses.

STCW Safety Courses (Fire Fighting, etc)

EGMDSS (Maritime Communication) UniMET e-Learning Platform

Training on Ship Automation and Emergen-cies. There are many ship simulator exercises which are developed as pure scenarios for cadets and officers. SURPASS and M’aider have replaced these theoretical exercises by scenarios based on past accidents.

SURPASS & MAIDER Courses

Occupational standards for Officers sea training' and record keeping – these are based on MNTB and ISF. MNTB includes what is additional at ISF and ISF portfolio includes what is additional in MNTB. UniMET Sea Training Portfolios are often called MNTB Plus and ISF Plus.

UniMET Sea Training Programmes(Officer and Rating Occupational Standards)

UniMET ProgrammesTable 1 - Of�cer Class 2Of�cer Class 1Degree Class

3

4

No.

1 Project (DECK & ME)

250 (100 hours during Sea Training)

250-300

250-300

250-300

15 ECTS

15 ECTS

15 ECTS

15 ECTS

Management, Finance and Law (DECK & ME)Management Level

DECK Advance Navigation Watch Management Level

MEAdvanced Marine Engineering Management Level

DECK Marine OperationsCargo and Passengers

MEMarine Industry ApplicationsMaintenance

2

3

4

Unit Hours (Nominal) Credits

This is the first pathway for an Officer Class 1 to become Degree Class

Table 2 represents the additional units needed for a programme of Officer Class 1 who has obtained a degree from a recognised university and satisfied the additional units/modules/courses. Each modules with their allocated hours are presented in Table 2. UniMET was funded through the EU, and it was developed in-line with the EQF, and ECTS credits are allocated.

Additional Units for Degree Class (Degree Level) - 60 ECTS

KEY:DECK: A seafarer who is a NavigatorME: A seafarer who is a Marine Engineer

Table 2 - Additional Units for Degree Class (Degree Level)

5

No.

1 Project (DECK & ME)

270

90

90

90

12 ECTS

6 ECTS

6 ECTS

6 ECTS

Management, Finance and Law (DECK & ME)Management Level

DECK Advance Navigation Watch Management Level

ME Advanced Marine Engineering Management Level

DECK Marine OperationsCargo and Passengers

ME Marine Industry ApplicationsMaintenance

2

3

4

Unit Hours (Nominal) Credits

KEY:DECK: A seafarer who is a NavigatorME: A seafarer who is a Marine Engineer

KEY:DECK: A seafarer who is a NavigatorME: A seafarer who is a Marine Engineer

Table 3 - Additional Units for Degree Class (Top Up)

This is the second pathway for a Officer Class 1 to become Degree Class

Table 3 represents the additional units needed for an Officer Class 1 who is working in industry and would need to be updated if they wish to become Degree Class. Each module with their allocated hours are presented in Table 3. This programme requires the seafarers working in industry, who went to become Degree Class to have spent at least 2 years working in industry. UniMET was funded through the EU, and it was developed in-line with the EQF, and ECTS credits are allocated.

Additional Units for Degree Class (Top Up) - For Existing Of�cers

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PARTNERSAdditional Units for Degree Class (Top Up) - For Existing Of�cers

The UniMET Partnership was developed by nine major maritime education and training organisations from nine EU countries with a number of other associate partners representing maritime education and training institutions, industrial stakeholders, and decision makers. Each partner has expertise in developing or delivering maritime education and training (MET) programmes in their country, across Europe and Internationally.

Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz (MIWB)

MIWB is a maritime university, providing all seafaring programmes , as well as programmes for hydrographic surveyors and naval architects.

MIWB facilitates the national full-mission simulator centre serving all Dutch maritime cadets.

Numerous Professional Development Courses are offered including the relevant UniMET modules.

Consorzio Armatori per la Ricerca/The Ship-owners Research Consortium (CONSAR)

CONS.A.R. is the Italian operative arm of ship-operators involved in research activities and advanced services developing research studies and activities to promote technological development in the maritime sector, techniques and solutions for the optimisation of ship commercial. CONS.A.R. have developed a number of MET courses.

Piri Reis University (PRU)

Piri Reis University is the first maritime University in Turkey, body a wide range of maritime and non-maritime subjects.

Piri Reis University has been establish by the suppor and sponsorship of the Turkish maritime sector.

Polytechnic University of Catalonia (FNB)

FNB offers a number of degrees and masters programmes in navigation, marine engineering and naval architecture. The FNB has a substantial reputation in technology and maritime studies and related research.

Lithuanian Maritime Academy (LMA)

LMA is a state institution of higher education and training, producing highly qualified seafarers and other specialists for the Maritime Industry. Their education programmes include Marine navigation and marine engineering programmes.

Centre of Factories for the Future

C4FF’s maritime education division has had many years of experience in developing programmes based on the international standards for the education and training of merchant navy officers.

www.c4ff.co.uk

Centre of Development Works (OPR)

OPR is maritime education provider and research centre. OPR is focusing on upgrading existing marine standards. It specialises in upgrading and assessment of professional competencies, developing modern techniques and tools for learning, evaluating marine navigation systems. Researches are focused on human factor and safety of navigation.

www.opr.org.pl www.miwb.nl

www.consar.net www.pirireis.edu.tr www.fnb.upc.edu www.lmc.lt

Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SUAS)

SUAS is one of the major institutions of higher education in Finland. It’s Faculty of Technology and Maritime Management has a substantial reputation in technology and maritime studies and related research.

www.samk.fi

Spinaker (SPIN)

SPIN is the largest maritime education company in Slovenia. They develop and deliver their own training programmes (including content) for all of their courses.

www.spinaker.si www.egmdss.com

www.tudev.com.tr

TUDEV Institute of Maritime Studies (TUDEV)

TUDEV Institute is a maritime education and training (MET) provider established by the Turkish maritime industry. TUDEV is part of the maritime employers association and the Turkish Chamber of Shipping.