The RAK Ports Marine Training Institute recently delivered its first Oil Spill Response course, which was developed to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standard and is the latest addition to the overall syllabus of classes offered by the RAK Ports Institute, which includes the STCW 2010 Basic Safety Course and the vessels under 12m driver license course.
Captain Mike Magee, harbour master of RAK Ports, commented: Launching the Oil Spill Response Course is an important step to raise awareness, improve standards, and introduce international best practice to local industry and help protect the marine environment. The course is accredited by the Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre (MEMAC), established 1982, in accordance with Article III of the protocol concerning regional co-operation in combating pollution by oil and other harmful substances in case of emergency.”
The first delivery of the course took place on Oct 17-18 in RAK Maritime City, one of the leading waterside-access freezones in the UAE, and included a practical oil spill exercise using the RAK Gas vessel the SLS Lion.
The RAK Ports Training Institute was set-up in January 2017 to meet growing demand for specialist marine training in Ras Al Khaimah and the
Northern Emirates. Magee added: “Since its launch, the institute has been a catalyst for the further expansion of our programs, and launching this latest international standard course is an important step in developing a wider-ranging offering for the maritime community not only in the Northern Emirates but also the wider UAE.
“The RAK Ports Training Institute will continue to offer high quality training to the maritime and marine communities within the wider regions, and we are currently in the process of developing further accredited courses and services, including the option to provide different training courses remotely on behalf of individual companies or groups.