Course catalogue

The VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Senior Engine Officers is designed to assist ship operators and employers make recruiting decisions by assessing the English language competency of Seafarers at a Senior Officer position working on board any vessel.

The Test is designed around the approved guidelines for Maritime English developed by the IMO. These guidelines are combined with internationally recognised methods for English language testing to form a rigorous and accurate testing system.

Regulations:

The English Tests are designed from the ground up using approved guidelines from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO Model English course 3.17); IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCPs); and consistent with the framework set out by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

Why Take This Test With VIRSEC:

What makes VIRSEC different from the others? Below are some of the benefits of taking this online Test with VIRSEC:

• CPD Accredited Online Test
• Randomised Questioning
• Adheres to International Standards
• Position-Focused Questions
• Assesses 5 Primary Language Skills

Test Duration:

The user must attempt the Test in 90 minutes, and in one sitting. If a candidate does not complete the exam within the duration, they will fail any unanswered questions.

Presentation

This training course provides a general overview of the SOLAS requirements concerning radio communications and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Know the requirements concerning radio communication equipment on board ships and offshore units.

Understand the GMDSS functional requirements.

Understand the means required for GMDSS tests and drills on board.

Know the requirements for EPIRB, radio lifesaving appliances and sources of energy for radio communication equipment.

Program

Safety radio surveys and certification

GMDSS functional requirements

o Land and satellite communications

o Inmarsat

o Functional requirements while at sea

o Distress urgency and safety radio communications

o Sea areas

o Maintenance of radio installation

o Maintenance of satellite EPIRB

o Maritime safety information

GMDSS equipment

o Equipment to be provided on board

o Core installation

o Inmarsat EGC

o NAVTEX

o Satellite EPIRB and VHF EPIRB

o Search and Rescue Transponder (SART)

o Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

o Two-way VHF radio-telephone

Main, emergency and reserve sources of power

Automatic battery chargers

Uninterrupted power supply (UPS)

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of SOLAS Safety Radio, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of SOLAS Safety Radio is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test.

Who is this course for?
Offshore Marine Technicians

Is previous experience required?
You do not need prior knowledge or experience to complete this course and it is assumed that you are competent in your designated role

How will this course benefit me?
This course provides an introduction to radar systems and their use within the Oil and Gas Industry.

How will this course benefit my company?
By ensuring you are aware of the how phase behaviour and multiphase flow regimes can impact on hydrocarbon delivery.

What standards are referred to in this course?
N/A

Is there an assessment?
Once you have completed the course, you will be asked a series of questions to check your knowledge and understanding. These are based on the learning objectives for the course and have a pass mark of 80%.

Who is this course for?

Personnel who require awareness or understanding of safety measures to take when using grinding equipment.

Is previous experience required?

You do not need prior knowledge or experience to complete this course.

How will this course benefit me?

This course aims to provide personnel with an overview of industry best practice in relation to the safe use of grinding equipment

How will this course benefit my company?

By ensuring you have an overview of the use of industry best practice in relation to the safe use of grinding equipment

What standards are referred to in this course?

This course does not refer to specific legislation or standards but is written according to industry best practice.

Is there an assessment?

Once you have completed the course, you will be asked a series of questions to check your knowledge and understanding. These are based on the learning objectives for the course and have a pass mark of 80%. 

The VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Engine Ratings is designed to assist ship operators and employers make recruiting decisions by assessing the English language competency of Seafarers at a Engine Rating position working on board any vessel.

The Test is designed around the approved guidelines for Maritime English developed by the IMO. These guidelines are combined with internationally recognised methods for English language testing to form a rigorous and accurate testing system.

Regulations:

The English Tests are designed from the ground up using approved guidelines from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO Model English course 3.17); IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCPs); and consistent with the framework set out by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

Why Take This Test With VIRSEC:

What makes VIRSEC different from the others? Below are some of the benefits of taking this online Test with VIRSEC:

• CPD Accredited Online Test
• Randomised Questioning
• Adheres to International Standards
• Position-Focused Questions
• Assesses 5 Primary Language Skills

Test Duration:

The user must attempt the Test in 90 minutes, and in one sitting. If a candidate does not complete the exam within the duration, they will fail any unanswered questions.

The VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Junior Engine Officers is designed to assist ship operators and employers make recruiting decisions by assessing the English language competency of Seafarers at a Junior Officer position working on board any vessel.

The Test is designed around the approved guidelines for Maritime English developed by the IMO. These guidelines are combined with internationally recognised methods for English language testing to form a rigorous and accurate testing system.

Regulations:

The English Tests are designed from the ground up using approved guidelines from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO Model English course 3.17); IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCPs); and consistent with the framework set out by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

Why Take This Test With VIRSEC:

What makes VIRSEC different from the others? Below are some of the benefits of taking this online Test with VIRSEC:

• CPD Accreditated Online Test
• Randomised Questioning
• Adheres to International Standards
• Position-Focused Questions
• Assesses 5 Primary Language Skills

Test Duration:

The user must attempt the Test in 90 minutes, and in one sitting. If a candidate does not complete the exam within the duration, they will fail any unanswered questions.

Presentation

This training course provides a general overview of the MARPOL requirements to prevent air pollution from ships and offshore units.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Know the international regulations related to the prevention of air pollution from ships and offshore units.

Understand the requirements for the control of emissions of substances from ships and offshore units.

Get familiar with the requirements concerning shipboard incineration and fuel oil quality.

Understand the concept of energy efficiency and related MARPOL requirements.

Know the various surveys required and the different certificates and documents to be available on board.

Program

Application

International regulations: ozone-depleting substances (ODS), nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Control of emissions

o Ozone-depleting substances (ODS)

o Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

o Sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter

o Volatile organic compounds (VOC)

Shipboard incineration

Fuel oil quality

Bunker delivery notes

Energy efficiency design index (EEDI)

Ship energy efficiency management plan (SEEMP)

Survey and certification

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of MARPOL Air Pollution, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of MARPOL Air Pollution is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test.

Presentation

This training course is based on the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea - 1972, (COLREG 72), which aims at determining the signalling system requirements for safe navigation.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to: Get familiar with steering and sailing rules. Understand the meaning and the positioning of navigation lights. Know the requirements of the Convention concerning lights, shapes and sound signals.

Program

Application and responsibilities

Definitions

Steering and sailing rules

o Conduct of the vessel in any conditions of visibility

o Conduct of the vessel in sight of one another

o Conduct of the vessel in restricted visibility

Lights and shapes

o Technical specification of lights

o Technical specification of shapes

o Definitions

o Visibility of lights

o Applicability: power-driven vessels, towing and pushing, sailing vessels, fishing vessels, vessels not under command, vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre, vessels constrained by their draught, anchored vessels and vessels aground

Sound and light signals

o Whistle

o Bell

o Gong

o Vessel equipment for sound signals

o Manoeuvring and warning signals

o Sound signals in restricted visibility

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded the following qualifications:

Certificate of COLREG awarded by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of COLREG, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore, is obtained after completing the course and passing the qualification examination.

Presentation

This training course provides general information about cybersecurity in the Maritime Industry. It describes the main cybersecurity issues regarding the use of computer-based equipment in the professional environment and proposes ways to protect oneself from hackers.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Understand that we are living in a digital ultra-connected world;

Know about main cyberattacks and ways to keep protected from them;

Enforce main cybersecurity rules on ships;

Understand Internet best practices and implement them;

Be cautious when using social networks.

Program

Digital revolution

o Digitalization transforms the world, your environment, your work on ships

o You are connected = you are vulnerable

o Internet is NOT a lawless zone

Cyberattacks on board and on a daily basis

o What is ransomware, and how to react to it

o How to use antivirus

o How to care about and protect data

o Why updates are necessary

o Why be cautious with unknown Wi-Fi networks

E-mail (professional and personal) best practices

o How to recognize corrupted e-mails from legit ones

o Think before you click

o How to react to the detection of a suspicious e-mail

Passwords

o How to protect them, how to generate them

Social networks

o Have you become a “like” addict

o Protect your e-reputation

o Protect your Company e-reputation

Your digital environment on board

o Your ship is like a connected factory

o How to react in case of a potential cybersecurity breach/incident

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of Cybersecurity Awareness in Maritime Environment, issued by Bureau Veritas

Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of Cybersecurity Awareness in Maritime Environment is obtained after completing the course and passing the online test.

Presentation

This training course composed of 2 modules provides an overview of the requirements of the Ballast Water Management International Convention and the technical aspects related to the ballast water treatment equipment.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Understand the background of the Ballast Water Management Convention, its structure and the most important regulations

Know the difference between the ballast water exchange and the performance standards

Understand the role of all stakeholders and actors

Be familiar with the approval, inspections, commissioning and tests of Ballast Water

Management systems

Understand the survey and certification requirements

Be familiar with the different technologies used and the installation requirements

Program

Module 1 – BWM Regulatory Aspects

Background

The Ballast Water Management Convention

Duties of the main stakeholders 

Ballast Water Management Standards

USCG Position 

Module 2 – BWM Technical Aspects

BWM Surveys

International Ballast Water Management Certificate

BWM System Approval

Sampling

Ballast water treatment systems technologies

Ballast water treatment systems installation

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of Ballast Water Management, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of Ballast Water Management is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test. 

Presentation 

This training course provides general information about welding of aluminium structures. It contains an introduction to aluminium properties and describe the main issues regarding weldability of aluminium and its alloys. 

Objectives 

On completion of the training, students will be able to: 

Know the properties of aluminium and its alloys comparing to steel 

Understand the issues regarding weldability of aluminium alloys 

Recognize the main problems that can arise during design and production of aluminium ship’s structures 

Know the suitable welding processes for joining of aluminium ship hull 

Understand the application of bimetallic joints. 

Program 

Properties of aluminium alloys 

o Specific properties 

o Heat treatable and non-heat treatable aluminium alloys 

o Marine aluminium alloys 

o Designation of aluminium alloys 

Weldability of aluminium 

o Characteristics of aluminium referring to welding 

o Main issues: gas porosity, oxide inclusions and lack of fusion, hot cracking, reduced 

strength in the weld and heat affected zone, distortion 

o Choice of filler material 

Welding processes for aluminium 

o MIG aluminium welding 

o TIG aluminium welding 

o Typical defects in aluminium welding 

Joining of steel and aluminium in shipbuilding 

o Bimetallic strip for transition joints 

Preparation and design of welds 

o Guidelines for aluminium joint design 

o Examples of joints 

o Application of backing 

o Defects caused by poor preparation 

o Recommendations for aluminium welding

Certificate 

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded the following qualifications:

Certificate of Aluminium Welding awarded by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of Aluminium Welding, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore, is obtained after completing the course and passing the qualification examination. 

Presentation 

This training course provides a general introduction to dynamic positioning systems, which are computer-controlled systems that automatically maintain the vessel's position and heading by using their propellers and thrusters. 

Objectives 

On completion of the training, students will be able to: 

Get familiar with dynamic positioning systems. 

Know the main components of dynamic positioning systems, equipment used and installation. 

Know the Class requirements in terms of surveys and tests of dynamic positioning systems 

Program 

History 

Characteristics and scope of DP systems 

Applications 

Equipment class 

Classification notations 

System configuration: power system, thruster system, control system, position reference systems, computer system, display system 

Redundancy 

o Redundant systems 

o System failures 

o Redundancy concept 

o Terms 

o Single fault tolerance 

o FMEA 

Design environment 

Essential non-DP systems 

Performance analysis 

Operational requirements 

System components 

o Power system 

o Thruster system 

o DP control system 

o Position reference system: acoustical, taut-wire and other reference systems 

Scope of DP surveys 

o Inspections at works 

o Surveys during construction, tests and trials 

o Surveys during operation: Annual and Renewal surveys, operational test, Occasional surveys

Certificate 

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded the following qualifications:

Certificate of Introduction to DP System awarded by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of Introduction to DP System, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore, is obtained after completing the course and passing the qualification examination.

Strict regulations and procedures exist for the safe and efficient operation of ships - and UK regulations and procedures may differ from those you may be familiar with in other flag vessels. 

This online course will help to comply with UK requirements by focusing on the guidelines set out in 'A Master's Guide to the UK Flag', released by the UK DfT Maritime and Coastguard Agency.  

This course aims to allow the learner to train themselves in vital regulation and procedures in the most efficient way possible - by studying each of the 14 subjects in this course, with learning consolidated via confirmation and assessment questions.

Presentation

This training course aims at providing an overview of the Port State Control background, organisation and procedures. It includes a description of the Port State Control inspection process, the criteria for selection of ships for inspection and the most common detainable deficiencies.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Know the background and organisation of the various Port State Control regimes around the world

Understand the Port State Control procedures, the criteria for selection of ships for inspection and the inspection process

Know the various publications issued regularly by the different Port State Control regimes 

Get familiar with the most common deficiencies which may lead to ship’s detention

Program

PSC background and organisation

Purpose

Regulations

Regional Port State Control organisations

PSC procedures

Relevant instruments

Selection of ships for inspection

Inspection and selection scheme – Scope, priority and frequency of inspection

Paris MOU – New Inspection Regime (NIR) factors

PSC inspection process

Initial inspection

Clear grounds for more detailed inspection

More detailed inspection

Ship detention

Banning of ships

Publication of information

Detainable deficiencies

Examples of detainable deficiencies

Under SOLAS Convention

Under Load Lines Convention

Under MARPOL Convention

Under Chemical and Gas Codes

Under STCW Convention

Under ILO Conventions

Statistics from various PSCs

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded: 

A Certificate of Port State Control, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of Port State Control is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test.

Presentation

This training course provides a general introduction to the most important maritime regulatory bodies: the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Understand the mission and structure of IMO, know the IMO requirements and the main International Conventions, and understand the process of acceptance, adoption and implementation of International Conventions.

Know the history of IACS and its mission, understand the IACS organization and the role of each entity, and know the main types of documents issued by IACS and how they are implemented.

Understand the European context, the role of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), and know the key points of the EU Regulation on common standards for ship inspection and survey organisations.

Program

Module 1 – IMO

IMO Mission

IMO History

IMO Organisation

IMO Regulations

Implementation of IMO Regulations

IMO Technical Assistance

Module 2 – IACS

IACS History

IACS membership evolution and current members

Membership criteria

The mission of Classification Societies and what Classification Societies do not do

IACS aims

IACS values – Leadership, technical knowledge, quality performance, transparency

IACS Organisation

Work programme and work process

IACS Panels

IACS main documents

Module 3 – EMSA

The European context

EMSA purpose and mission

EMSA structure

Regulation (EC) No 391/2009 

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of Maritime Regulatory Bodies, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of Maritime Regulatory Bodies is obtained after completing the course and passing the online test.

Presentation

This training course provides a general overview of the MARPOL requirements concerning the protection against oil pollution from machinery spaces.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Understand the means for control of discharge of oil residues and the requirements for oil filtering equipment and 15 ppm alarm.

Get familiar with the Oil Record Book, SOPEP booklet and the required drills.

Know the details of MARPOL surveys and the certificates to be issued.

Know the most common PSC deficiencies related to MARPOL Annex I.

Program

History of MARPOL Convention

Survey and certification

Sludge tanks

Oil fuel tank protection

Standard discharge connection

Oil filtering equipment: 

o Bilge water waste system

o Oily water separator

o Piping system

o Documentation

Control of discharge of oil

Oil record book

Shipboard oil pollution emergency plan

Scope of the different surveys required

PSC inspection and most common deficiencies

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of MARPOL Oil Pollution from Machinery Spaces, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of MARPOL Oil Pollution from Machinery Spaces is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test.

Presentation

This training course describes the classification and statutory certification processes and provides an overview of the class and statutory surveys.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Understand the classification process and get familiar with classification terms, definitions and rules.

Understand the process of Statutory Certification and get familiar with Statutory Certification terms.

Know the scope of Classification and Statutory Certification

Program

Module 1 – Classification

History of classification

History of Bureau Veritas

Classification Societies and IACS

Definitions

Scope of classification: Classification tasks, responsibilities of other parties, classification certificate, request for intervention, surveyor's intervention, operation and maintenance of ships, flag and port state control inspections 

Classification notations: Class symbols, construction marks, service notations, navigation and operating area notations, additional class notations

Classification process: Assignment of class for new buildings, classification after construction, class reassignment, maintenance of class

General principles of surveys: Survey procedure, definitions, survey preparation and conditions for surveys, terminology

Survey types: Class renewal surveys, other periodical surveys, occasional surveys

Suspension and withdrawal of class

Scope of surveys: Annual surveys, intermediate survey, class renewal survey, bottom survey, tailshaft survey, boiler survey

Module 2 – Statutory Certification

History of statutory conventions

Definitions

International conventions: SOLAS, COLREG, Load Lines, MARPOL, AFS, BWM 

Recognitions and authorisations

IMO RO Code

Statutory surveys

Periodicity of statutory surveys

Survey findings

Types of statutory certificates

Issuance of statutory certificates

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded the following qualifications:

Certificate of Introduction to Class and Statutory Surveys awarded by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of Introduction to Class and Statutory Surveys, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore, is obtained after completing the course and passing the qualification examination.

Presentation

This training course provides a general overview of the requirements of the International Load Lines Convention and the conditions of assignment of load lines.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Know the general requirements of the International Load Lines Convention and understand the conditions of assignment of load lines.

Know the different types of surveys; understand the scope of each survey and the certificates, records and documents associated with the Load Lines Convention.

Know the most common deficiencies and PSC detainable items in connection with the Load Lines Convention.

Program

History of Load Lines Convention

Purpose of the Convention

Definitions

Freeboard calculation

Load line marks

Conditions of assignment

o Information to be supplied to the Master

o Doors

o Cargo and other hatchways

o Machinery space openings and miscellaneous openings

o Ventilators and air pipes

o Scuppers, inlets and discharges

o Scuttles and windows

o Freeing ports

o Protection of crew

o Special conditions of assignment for Type A ships

Special requirements for ships assigned with timber freeboards

Certificates, records and other documents

Scope of Load Line surveys

o Initial survey

o Annual survey

o Renewal survey

Common PSC deficiencies related to Load Lines

o PSC statistics

o Detainable deficiencies

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of Load Lines, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of Load Lines is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test.

Presentation

This training course provides a general overview of the MARPOL requirements concerning the protection against oil pollution from cargo spaces of oil tankers.

Objectives

On completion of the training, students will be able to:

Understand the MARPOL requirements for the prevention of oil pollution from cargo spaces of oil tankers.

Get familiar with the pollution prevention equipment required by the MARPOL Convention.

Know the requirements for survey and certification of oil tankers.

Program

Segregated ballast tanks

Double hull and double bottom

Pump-room bottom protection

Subdivision and stability

Slop tanks

Pumping, piping and discharge arrangements

Oil discharge monitoring and control system

Oil/water interface detector

Crude oil washing system

Control of discharge of oil

Oil record book part II

Ship-to-ship transfer

Survey and certification, type-approval certificates

Different survey types

Certificate

On completion of the training program, the student will be awarded:

A Certificate of MARPOL Oil Pollution from Cargo Spaces, issued by Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore.

The Certificate of MARPOL Oil Pollution from Cargo Spaces is obtained after completion of the course and passing the online test.

It is important that a ship can demonstrate compliance with the ISPS Code through the provision of an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC), or in circumstances where there is an obvious security failing; otherwise, difficulties may be experienced at ports of call-in relation to the Port State Control Authorities. For this reason, this course is intended to align UK flagged cargo ships with the UK Department for Transport Maritime Security (formerly TRANSEC) with UK flagged passenger ships and port facilities, and to help in the generation of practical and sustainable regimes that balance the security of the ship with the wellbeing of the crew.

The course conforms to CSSI guidelines provided by the UK Department for Transport Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), which specifies the baseline protective security measures to be taken by ships at all ports around the world and at each of the Security Levels, and aims to ensure consistent, proportionate, and practical measures are in place.

The UK Department for Transport (formerly TRANSEC) and The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have responsibility to ensure the safety of port facility and cargo/freight & passenger ship security, within a policy framework demanded by international maritime legislation and codes outlined in SOLAS Chapter X1-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

This applies to the following types of ships engaged on international voyages:

• Passenger ships, including high-speed craft.

• Cargo ships, including high-speed craft, of 500 gross tonnage and upwards.

• Mobile offshore drilling units as defined in Regulation XI-2/1.1.5. (SOLAS)

The course can be used as an intrinsic part of an organisation's overall risk management and has been created to advise and educate senior personnel, senior officers, and specific security personnel in the application of security measures contained in UK Flagged Cargo Ship Security Plans (SSPs) at the different Security Levels.