Certification for Workers and Materials in the Naval Industry

The naval industry is one of the most standardised. It means that numerous compliance requirements exist in the sector by which different players have to abide. Professionals who provide technical services in the industry are some of the workers who need a number of certificates to qualify. The same goes for the materials used. Certification requirements are necessary for the safety of the workers and the vessels on which they work. A certified technician is also more likely to deliver high-quality services than a non-certified one. Marine solution companies should ensure that they hire professionals with the right qualifications.

Technical Certifications

The maritime sector has too many certification requirements for technical services providers on board vessels to list all of them. However, some are more common than others.

  1. DNV GL – is a world-renowned classification body for workers and materials in the marine industry. For over a century, the organisation has crafted regulations for ships and the professionals who work on them. The DNVGL-ST-0029 is the standard for maritime training providers. It ensures that trainees from an approved institution have a better reputation than form non-certified schools
  2. STWC (Standards for Training) – Certification and Watchkeeping are some of the basics that every person working on maritime vessels should have. It’s a general certificate that covers everything about naval equipment from current laws to safety regulations to vessel handling. Applicants undertake a course based on the principles of the International Maritime Organisation.
  3. ISO – The ISO has standards for maritime safety that technicians must adhere to when delivering services. You can determine the right certification depending on the technical services providers on board a cruise ship, boat or yacht. For example, ISO/PAS 23678 is the certification granted to service personnel responsible for the inspection, maintenance and repair of lifeboats, launching appliances and release gear.

Standars for materials used in the Naval Industry

The equipment and materials used in the construction, repair or remodelling of a vessel have to conform to a set of technical industry standards. International regulations ensure that various materials undergo rigorous testing to make sure that they are suitable to use in particular vessels. Whether you are a cruise ship operator or owner of a yacht, check that each component from a ship supply company meets industry standards.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is a UN special agency responsible for developing and maintaining a framework in the shipping industry. IMO has several conventions that establish the quality and safety of maritime equipment. MARPOL is an international convention that seeks to protect the marine environment by reducing pollution by ships. It has regulations about the use of environmentally friendly materials and equipment to prevent air and water pollution.

The Marine Equipment Directive (MED) consists of a set of standards for materials and equipment fitted on vessels registered in EFTA and EU. Materials and equipment that apply are navigation lights, navigation appliances, radio installations, marine pollution prevention devices, life-saving appliances and fire protection constructions. The MED provides testing standards for the different materials and equipment with which manufacturers and ship supply firms should comply.

IMO also has standards for fabrics used on vessels as well. Any home textile, upholstery and wall coverings on a cruise ship have to abide by the regulations in the International Code for Fire Safety Systems. The fire safety regulations are for commercial vessels like cruise ships and commercial yachts. They also apply to construction practices like welding and electrical installations.

Lastly, is worth to mention that since this January 2020 a new marine regulation (IMO 2020) is in force, according to which the oxide emissions of ships will be delimited.

Imo CertificateIMO Certificate 2020

A marine solution company can offer a diverse range of services from supplying materials to fixing common equipment issues. The credibility of the products and technicians depends on their certifications. Learn about the minimum industry qualifications and standards to ensure that you offer reputable service to yachts, ships and cruise boats.

At Abaft Marine we are up to date with all the certifications required to perform our services, as well as the material suitable for the marine environment. 

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