The Anguilla Community College (ACC), in response to a request by the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority (AASPA), recently offered seamen the opportunity to upgrade their STCW certification. An international qualification, the STCW refers to the Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and is mandatory for persons working on any vessel in the Anguilla Maritime Industry.
The next STCW training will be from May 15, 2017. However, an Awards and Recognition ceremony was held at the College on April 12, 2017 to congratulate the first thirty one persons who successfully completed STCW Refresher training. The Refresher is a 3-day certification facilitated by Mr Garth Steyn of St Maarten Sailing School and comprises security awareness, fire prevention/firefighting and sea survival techniques. Certification lasts for 5 years and must be renewed periodically.
Mr Lyle Connor of GB Ferries was one of the participants who completed the Refresher. Prior to the Award and Recognition Ceremony he reported that “The course was very informative…which makes our jobs and work functions on board our vessels a lot more safe and professional. [It] brought us up to date with the standards required…in safeguarding our guests.”
The Awards and Recognition ceremony was attended by the Honourable Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing, Agriculture, Fisheries and Information Technology, Mr Curtis Richardson who addressed the gathering with a brief but stimulating speech congratulating the seamen and the organisers for their efforts and emphasizing the importance of the training for the industry.
Mr. Sherman William, Finance Manager and Acting CEO of AASPA who initiated the collaboration with the Anguilla Community College was unable to attend the ceremony. He was represented by Mr Joseph Rogers, Port Manager, who conveyed congratulations to the successful STCW participants on behalf of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of AASPA.
In his remarks Dr. Leroy Hill, Dean of Studies and Acting President of ACC noted that “The STCW training is an example of a community need that impacts our livelihood in Anguilla and demonstrates our commitment to advancing the local maritime industry while simultaneously keeping up with international maritime standards. We look forward to the support of various stakeholders to bring a number of other qualifications and training to realization.” Dr Hill also complimented the business owners who helped make the training a success including Funtime Charters Ltd., GB Ferries, Gotcha Garfield’s Seatours, H & H Ferry Services, Lady Maria and Mr Ray Ltd.
Mr. Rawle Hazell, Superintendent of Ports joined in extending his congratulations and encouraged all persons to comply with the standards. He noted the importance of the Maritime Industry and in particular the passenger trade to Anguilla’s economy, and emphasized that safety is a key component hence the need for passenger vessels to be staffed by well trained and certified crew.
Mr Barney Gumbs, who attended the STCW 2010 refresher training, shared some of the experiences of those who completed the sessions. The persons who received their certificates are listed below.
Incia Brooks, Ritz Brooks, Vaughn Carty, Derick Carty, Gustaf Connor, Lyle Connor, Khumarkie Davis, Wilson Fleming, Benjamin Franklin, Barney Gumbs, Hubert Gumbs, Winifred Harrigan, Franklyn Hughes, Terrell Hughes, Franklin Mitcham, Randy Morton, Davedo Mussington, Deron Penin, Leonard Pierre, Elmede Rey, Brian Richardson, Lyndon Richardson, Ricardo Richardson, Shervin Richardson, Bertram Richardson, Timothy Richardson, Elvis Ruan, Edward Webster, Jarval Woodley, Demar Wright
The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing, Agriculture, Fisheries and Information Technology has informed all persons who work on motor vessels to either renew their certifications or for first time candidates to become STCW 2010 trained. The deadline for the next STCW Refresher Training is Monday April 24th. The College also intends to offer the new candidate STCW 2010 training if sufficient persons apply.
The New Candidate training will be done over 5 days and will include Theory and Practical session in Security, Sea Survival Fire prevention and Fire Fighting, First Aid, and Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR).
To register applicants must complete application and liability waiver forms, provide a copy of their passport ID page and pay the fees in full. The price for the Refresher Training is $875 and the New Candidate STCW 2010 Training costs $1,125.
All persons interested in STCW first time or refresher training should contact the Anguilla Community College on 498-8395 or 497-2538 or via email at info@acc.edu.ai.
