Virtual Maritime Academy

This course is for:

To give the essential education and training meeting the requirements set out in the following the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. This course is designed for anyone who seeks a DPA position, Nautical Officers, engineers, Superintendents, Shipping Companies, Assistant DPA’s, Quality Managers and Personnel involved in Safety Management Systems.

According to the ISM Code the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) plays a key role in the effective implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS) and takes responsibility for verification and monitoring of all safety and pollution prevention activities. To comply with the ISM Code a shipping company should be able to provide documentary evidence that the DPA has received sufficient training to undertake the necessary duties.

Approved Training Courses:

Virtual Maritime Academy, a DNV Certified Maritime Training Provider, this course is  DNV Certified Learning Programme in accordance with DNV ST-0008. Additionally, Virtual Maritime Academy is recognized as an institution approved for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This course has been accredited by the CPD Group, awarding 14 CPD credits, and is globally recognized.

Prerequisite:

No formal prerequisites are required; however, experience in shipping and ship operations, along with a solid understanding of the ISM Code, is recommended. Familiarity with MLC, STCW, and MARPOL will also be highly beneficial.

Aims of this course:

This course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding for individuals designated to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. It is based on the guidance provided in MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.5, outlining the qualifications, training, and experience necessary for effectively undertaking the role.

Participants will gain the essential knowledge required to ensure compliance with the ISM Code’s provisions, enabling them to support the safe operation of vessels and promote a robust safety culture. This course equips learners with the theoretical foundations necessary to fulfill the critical functions of a DPA within the maritime industry.

Regulations, Code, Convention Addressed:

• The International Safety Management (ISM) Code,
• Safety of Life At Sea Convention (SOLAS)
• Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
• International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)

Learning Objectives:

To provide comprehensive training related to the implementation and maintenance of a company’s SMS in compliance with the requirements of the ISM Code.

This course fulfills the IMO MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6 “Guideline on the qualification, training, and experience necessary for undertaking the role of the Designated Person under the provisions of the ISM Code”.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the ISM Code and its application in maritime safety management.
2. Identify and apply mandatory rules, regulations, codes, guidelines, and standards relevant to the maritime industry.
3. Utilize assessment techniques, including examining, questioning, evaluating, and reporting, to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
4. Analyze technical and operational aspects of safety management systems in the maritime context.
5. Exhibit appropriate knowledge of shipping practices and shipboard operations essential for the Designated Person Ashore role.
6. Receive principles and methodologies of marine-related management system audits to evaluate compliance and effectiveness.
7. Communicate effectively with shipboard staff and senior management to support the implementation and oversight of safety management systems.

Course Structure:

The DPA course is fully online and consists of:

• 10 separate chapters and the final assessment & course feedback.
• Confirmation questions after each section & Homework Assignment.
• Course Manual.
• A Final Official Course Assessment.

Assessment:

There are multi-choice questions to complete at the end of each chapter and a final assessment. The passing mark is 70%. The Final Assessment is fully online and no need to attend any classroom. A Proctor will be assigned to you to monitor your during your Final Assessment. You will need a computer(not a tablet) with a webcam and an ok internet speed for your Final Assessment.  If for any reason you do not pass with a mark of at least 70% your Final Assessment there is a fee a 75$ + applicable taxes to re-attempt the Final Assessment.

Length:

Approximately 14 hours.

You can enter and exit this course as often as you require.

Delivery:

The course is 100% online and no requirement to attend a test in a classroom.

Student Verification Requirements:

The student is required to complete a simple online verification form which links from the course, where they will submit a scan of an official photo ID such as a passport, CoC or similar. This is a requirement under Transport Canada. 

Training Certification:

This online DPA Course is a DNV Certified Learning Programme and recognized worldwide.

Certificate:

A hardcopy will be posted to your address free of charge.

Online Course Subjects:

A course meeting with the requirements.

• understanding of the ISM Code
• requirements for the company’s SMS
• duties of a DPA as defined in IMO MSC – MEPC.7 Circ 6 provided you are qualified according to this circular
• requirements included STCW 2010 and MLC 2006 for better understanding of ISM effect
• understand the background and objectives of the Code
• guidance for participation in a marine-related management system audit
• shipping and shipboard operations
• applicable convention, codes, guidelines and standards as appropriate and the relevant mandatory rules and regulations
• responsibilities and authority of the DPA, possible legal exposure, as well as other potential difficulties
• effective communications with shipboard staff and senior management
• assessment techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating and reporting
• technical and operational aspects of their Safety Management System.
• And the list can continue……..
• Download the Official Course Syllabus HERE

Revision: 6, 2024