BIMCO, Videotel Marine offer e-learning

BIMCO, Videotel Marine offer e-learning    BIMCO and Videotel Marine International have joined forces to produce and launch a new BIMCO eLearning Diploma Program (BeDP).
   Videotel has developed a Learning Management System comprising of a highly focused, Web-based, e-learning package to deliver the new diploma program.
   As the largest of the international shipping associations, BIMCO said it believes the demand for effective training and education within the maritime industry has never been greater and will continue to grow. Videotel's Web-based e-learning technology makes it possible to deliver this knowledge in a practical and affordable way to the employees of BIMCO members wherever they are in the world.
   'The new program will enable students to build on their knowledge, acquire increased professional competencies and ongoing personal development at their own time and place,' said Torben Skaanild, BIMCO's secretary general, in a statement. 'It is a new and exciting educational tool which will deliver the best possible lectures, covering all aspects of the contemporary maritime industry.'
   Through the program, maritime students will be able to access training provided by online specialist experts and tutors selected by BIMCO from the shipping world. The diploma course will be aimed at students and young people entering a trainee or internship program, staff from shipping companies, agents, brokers, banks and other financial institutions, legal firms, insurance companies or government organizations wishing to learn more about the shipping industry.
   'Our distance learning concept is ideally suited to delivering the BIMCO Diploma course in a flexible and user-friendly way which allows students to integrate their education with their professional and private lives,' said Nigel D. Cleave, chief executive of Videotel.
   The program will be offered at competitive prices, with discounts being applied to employees of BIMCO member companies, the organization said.
   In addition, the BeDP will 'benefit shipping practitioners wishing to refresh and revise their shipping knowledge and, of equal importance, seafarers wanting to broaden their knowledge', BIMCO said. It will be backed by online forums and workshops, to also provide networking opportunities for young shipping professionals.
   'The Web-based training brings together content, curriculum, quizzes and examinations, putting them at the student's fingertips,' BIMCO said.
   Online course meetings are held at designated times with tutors providing targeted guidance and instruction. 'Training onsite via e-learning does away with classroom costs, travel and hotel expenses, making training that much more affordable,' the organization said.
   Each training module represents about three months' training, or 30 to 40 study hours, followed by a final, written examination leading to the award of a BIMCO Certificate. Four certificates can be combined to achieve the BIMCO Diploma.