This is claimed to be the first time a shipmanager has partnered with a multi-national computer software company to implement a global LMS solution for its entire eLearning courses.
This Web and App-based eLearning platform enables seafarers to access and complete their training assignments at their own pace and even without having network connectivity.
Columbia’s LMS is claimed to enable a new learner experience by harmonising the training and courses for seafarers and fleetwide activities worldwide. The new system can be used from any location: office, on board vessels, at home, or even when travelling.
Seafarers can now complete interactive courses using computers or mobile devices to download the courses, generate certificates after successful completion of the relevant test, collect points and badges, post comments and questions in dedicated forums, participate in webinars, attend virtual classrooms and also access virtual reality content among other features.
All Columbia’s seafarers now have access to the platform and can benefit from a large catalogue of interactive and engaging courses.
Columbia has a dedicated in-house team for the development of tailored eLearning courses using the most advanced authoring software. The LMS, known as Adobe Captivate Prime, enables Masters and managers to create continuous development programmes for their teams by enrolling them through specific courses.
The captured data helps monitor the effectiveness of the training, attendance, providing feedback on participation or even managing results on how quickly the seafarers are improving through skill awards.
Capt Faouzi Fradi, CSM’s Group Director of Training, said: “Seafarers play a key role in operating Columbia’s fleet, hence it is of utmost importance to recognise their contribution and efforts by caring about their wellbeing and satisfaction. Columbia’s LMS has been implemented to train and educate seafarers but also to adapt to their schedule and lives, while on board or ashore and help them train on their own terms.”
In a further development, CSM has revamped its web-based Crew Portal; a private space where seafarers have access to information about their next assignment, certificates and documents, training requirements, payrolls, company news, safety alerts and lessons to be learned among other features.
Recently, the company opened its first Performance Optimisation Control Room. With 24/7 support and as a result, CSM said it will be able to take even faster decision when optimising management services and greater visibility by using modern technology to achieve cost-efficient vessel operations.
Centralising operations will give CSM the ability to better deal with fast-changing scenarios and developments as they happen. The Control Room functions, will optimise vessel safety, security, crew, commercial operations, voyage control, fuel consumption operations and other aspects, the company explained.