NYK to build four training vessels

NYK to build four training vessels    NYK Line, with plans to grow its fleet from 700 to 880 ships by 2010, said it is having Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. make four of its newly built ships into training vessels.
   Three containerships and one LNG carrier will provide facilities to train up to 20 workers and include lecture rooms and accommodations for trainees, private instructors and stewards.
   Through intensive instruction trainees will learn basic seafaring methodologies and a thorough understanding the company’s approach to safe operations.
   NYK said it decided to introduce these training vessels because “onboard training is one of the most practical ways to teach fundamentals to seafarers. Fostering the correct attitude, especially toward safety, is essential during initial instruction.”
   The company plans to conduct a year of onboard training in two parts: the first three months of training with 20 trainees each on one of NYK’s four training ships, followed by nine months carried out in small groups of two or three on ships in operation for the company.