Training Up

Mick Ruse has put together an excellent initial training course structure available to permanent Teekay employees based on a combination of Teekay's needs along with courses specifically requested by M.U.A. members. The list is by no means exhaustive and shall be developed further by Mick and Teekay as Teekay's specific advanced training requirements become apparent.

The first two courses, (A Parasol Remote Area First Aid course and a Doggers Course) have been completed. I along with other course participants can confirm that the courses are extremely interesting and very beneficial. Whilst members must be willing to commit themselves fully to the courses to obtain the maximum benefit, the extra effort is well worthwhile. One of the benefits of the Doggers, Scaffolding and Rigging courses is that if members for some reason have difficulty with a particular section of the course there is no requirement for them to sit the whole course again. All that is required to be done is brush up on the areas in the course that the participant was regarded as "not competent yet" and resit that particular section of the assessment.

These courses are no different to any retraining we have done in the past. By that I mean that all participants assisted each other in areas of the courses that required additional study and further explanation, both during the normal day when being tutored or in after hour study sessions. Everyone had strengths which they were able to pass on. A side benefit to these courses is the additional comraderie and teamwork which develops amongst all both at the course and during the evening.

Any members interested in attending these course whilst on leave are required to send their forms to Mick Ruse.

The M.U.A. were the ones that pushed very aggressively for Teekay to provide training suitable (Nationally accredited where possible) for our members and members now need to do their part and attend. The courses have been set up due to our members specifically indicating that these were the courses that they wished to undertake.

This is very important as otherwise it will be very difficult to press Teekay, or any other shipowner for that matter to provide training if and when training courses are set up our members are reluctant to participate as fully as possible.

I am quite confident that all course participants will endorse my recommendation that these courses are worthwhile and all Teekay seagoing employees should add their names to the lists to request to participate in the courses that are available to them.

Mick Ruse and Teekay need to be congratulated for the training program developed along with the accommodation and course facilities provided. All proved suitable to the needs of the particular course.

Training Course Participant,

Peter Esser.

Union No: - 3110