CHILLING TRAINING AT SOUTH TYNESIDE COLLEGE

South Tyneside College has developed a unique course for Maersk Sealand, the worlds leading reefer carrier, educating officers in vital skills for the maintenance and repair of the refrigerated containers while at sea.

South Tyneside College has developed a unique course for Maersk Sealand, the worlds leading reefer carrier, educating officers in vital skills for the maintenance and repair of the refrigerated containers while at sea.

Rapid repair is essential for reefers, which can carry up to 28 tons of cargo, containing thousand of pounds worth of perishable items. Maersk has decided that all senior electrical and engineering officers must be trained to maintain the units, part of its commitment to ensure that all cargo is delivered on time and in perfect condition.

Reefers are constantly monitored during transit, via a central control room on board the ship, to ensure that climate control and dehumidifying systems are functioning correctly, with any faults identified requiring urgent rectification.

A tailored programme has been devised by the School of Maritime Studies & Engineering at South Tyneside College to suit the exact requirements of the shipping and transportation giant, enabling personnel to deal quickly and effectively with any problems that may occur.

Two functioning reefers were provided to the college, where experienced training staff examined them to identify the best ways to maintain and repair the climate control systems, before passing that knowledge on to personnel. The course has so far been attended by 14 officers, with more to follow in the near future, from the company.

Gary Hindmarch, of the Department for Marine & Mechanical Engineering, played a key role in developing the course. He said: The vast range of facilities and experience at the college means that we can tailor all kinds of marine courses to meet the exact needs of our clients. Maersk came to us with a specialised training requirement and we were able to fulfil their brief.

The personnel attending the course are already highly trained in electronics and engineering. What we can give them is specialised knowledge of refrigeration systems, allowing rapid diagnosis and repair. Business clients entrust Maersk with the transportation of valuable cargoes around the world and the course will help them to achieve this even more effectively."

The company maintains an active commitment to efficiency and technology in all aspects of its operations, represented by innovations such as the 'Super Freezer unit, which can chill it contents to -60C. Environmental best practise is also important for the company, with all reefer units utilising non-CFC refrigerants.

South Tyneside College, which is the UKs National Nautical Centre of Excellence, enjoys an international reputation for the quality of its marine training. In a recent report by government inspectors the college received an outstanding grade one for Nautical Science and Marine Engineering.

ENDS

Notes to the Editor:

South Tyneside College
School of Maritime Studies & Engineering

South Tyneside College is among the worlds premier institutions for the provision of marine and offshore training, designated the UKs National Nautical Centre of Excellence. The college, based at South Shields in the North East of England, offers tailored courses for deck, engineering and electrical personnel, including full safety training facilities. Around 5,000 students each year attend the School of Maritime Studies & Engineering for full-time courses, with around 50% coming from overseas, representing 74 countries around the world. Staff are recruited from specialist sectors within the maritime industry, bringing with them the knowledge and experience needed to ensure the highest standards of teaching. Companies who use the College for training include BP, Shell, P&O Princess Cruises, P&O Nedlloyd, Maersk, Clyde Marine and a large number of companies from the Arabian Gulf and the Far East. In a recent government inspection, the college received top grades for the provision of training in Nautical Science and in Marine & Mechanical Engineering.

Issued on behalf of South Tyneside College by Robson Brown Public Relations

For more information contact:

Marine

Aston Bowles on (0191) 244 6663
Email: astonb@robson-brown
OR
Rob Lawson on (0191) 244 6662
Email: robl@robson-brown.co.uk   

General

Lesley Gosling on (0191) 244 6658
Email: lesleyg@robson-brown.co.uk
OR
Liz Simpson on (0191) 244 6659
Email: lizs@robson-brown.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPH

A photo is available as a 'jpeg file by calling Rob Lawson at Robson Brown on (0191) 244 6662 or Email robl@robson-brown.co.uk