Customer Solutions

Seal Training for Maritime TechniqueTraining in Compliance with an InternationalConvention（STCW Convention）
1. Introduction

obtained certification, and the background which led
to the enactment of an international convention on

Sealing engineering is a core technology of VALQUA

seamen’s skills. Based on these, as well as the efficacy

which has been developing solutions for the issues facedof Certification of Maritime Education & Training, weby customers amid the changing times. Recently, we aim

explain the seal training.

to provide customers with essential sealing engineering
services. To achieve this goal, we have been actively
developing and providing our original services.

2. Nippon Kaiji Kyokai
The Japanese classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

training service, which we aim to introduce in various

is internationally known as ClassNK. ClassNK aims toindustries and areas, and completed the development

secure safety regarding human life and property in theof a maritime technique training in October 2017, as

marine environment and to prevent marine pollution.

described in this article.

With these missions, ClassNK’s business includes theThis training has now obtained Certification offollowing: 1）Registration and inspection of ships’

Maritime Education & Training（Figure1）
from Nippon

classification, for which classification societies areKaiji Kyokai（ hereafter called“ClassNK”）. This

responsible, 2）Certification of management systems

training complies with the STCW Convention, anbased on international standards including ISO, and 3）

international convention. Currently, two training bases

Certification of Maritime Education & Training inare certified, one in Machida, Tokyo and the other incompliance with international conventions. ClassNK hasGojyo, Nara.

a history of more than 110 years, has the largest numberThis article explains ClassNK, from which weof ship classifications（approximately 20% of overall shipclassifications among more than 50 classification societies
worldwide by March 2018）, and an international
reputation.

3. The STCW Convention,
an international convention
To prevent maritime accidents resulting from seamen’slack of skills regarding ship operation, an international
convention called the STCW Convention （TheInternational Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978）,Figure1 ClassNK’s Certification of Maritime Education & Training

which sets standards for skills and knowledge, was2

Summer 2018

We have been expanding seal training as a skill

No.35

Seal Training for Maritime Technique Training in Compliance with an International Convention（STCW Convention）

2010
Revision of Convention
Manila Amendments

1978

Seamen’s competence was standardized
based on STCW Convention Standards
regarding engine departments（A-3-1）, anddescribes abilities related to seals.
Seamen’s competence

presentPast

the handling and knowledge of seals as on-the-job

Non-Japanese/
Filipino crews

STCW Convention standards

Filipino crews
Country of origin

including new employees, depend on the informationon sealing skills and knowledge handed down by olderworkers.
Over many decades, VALQUA has accumulated much

Seamen’s competence varies depending on
nationality.
Seamen’s competence

Stranding of an oil
tanker in the English
Channeltransportation company provides its own education on
training during voyages. Inexperienced seamen,

Japanese crews

I M O（ I n t e r n a t i o n a lStandard Organization）
adopted the STCW
Convention.

1967

Therefore, after hiring seamen, each marine

Japanese crews
Non-Japanese/
Filipino crews

Filipino crews
Country of origin

Figure2 Background resulting in establishment of the STCW Convention

knowledge on sealing materials at VALQUA andcustomers’ sites, which it uses to provide sealingengineering. Seal training was developed based on
sealing engineering, and is intended to ensure thatparticipants acquire optimal techniques for selecting andconstructing sealing materials. The training is practical:
participants learn knowledge and acquire techniques

Summer 2018
No.35

adopted, thus standardizing seamen’s skills. In thethrough practice. Also, unique characteristics of thepast, qualification systems regarding seamen’s skillstraining not found in other types of training include

and competence varied among countries, and sovisualizing individual skills through an original system,

seamen’s abilities also varied. However, after anand hands-on construction education in which various

accident in 1967, seamen’s technical standards wereon-site techniques are simulated. This training has

revised mainly by the International Maritime

received positive feedback as being effective for seamenOrganization（IMO）. Then, in July 1978, the STCW

（navigation officers, engineers, and crews）from marine

Convention was adopted and international standards

transportation companies as off-the-job training, and isregarding seamen’s training and qualifications weresuperior to on-the-job training.

set （Figure2）.

As mentioned above, this training targets seamen

The STCW Convention’s Code A shows seamen’s

mainly related to the STCW Convention（navigation

obligation and abilities. A-3-1 of Code A describes

officers, engineers, and crews）. However, ClassNK1）

In addition,

recognized the need to ensure security and safety forbased on this convention, the IMO started the IMO

not only marine transportation companies but also for

Model Course as a basic training program to encourage

all those involved in ships and vessels. Therefore, theeffective training, which includes more detailed

training is also provided for those engaged in ship-training methods. Sealing skills are indispensable forrelated works（shipbuilding, ship maintenance, public３）

organizations including maritime training institutions）,

skills and knowledge regarding sealing.

the safe operation of ships.

２）

and those handling ship devices and equipment.

4. ‌Seal training for maritime
technique trainingThe curriculum of the two-day course covers bothclassroom education and practical training on gaskets,rotary seals including gland packing, and mechanical

To become a seaman, a seaman’s competency certificate

seals. After participants complete this training, theiris needed, for which special education at institutions

understanding is then tested, and each successful

including universities is needed. Such institutions

participant is issued a ClassNK-certified certificate ofissue the certificate. However, the knowledge andcompletion（Figure3）.

skills required differ depending on the type of seaman,and so the time allocated to sealing is limited.
3Customer Solutions

offer ClassNK-certified training. We encourage

Classroom
education

Practice

Basic knowledge
・Functions of gaskets
・Types of gaskets
・Selection methods・‌Construction theory,etc.

Construction/response methods
・Fastening methods
・Creep mitigation
・Effects of flanges
・Sealing properties

Japanese marine transportation companies toparticipate in the training. We also have similar
training bases in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand,
and South Korea, where we will arrange a training
system to offer certified training.
We also offer sealing engineering services including
seal training as a skill training service. Based on theseservices, we will contribute to the development ofConfirmation test
Confirmation tests throughwritten examination

Acquisition of knowledge
and skills

world marine transportation markets and to thesecurity and safety of the industry.

6. References
１）‌Seamen’s qualification based on STCW Convention,etc., Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport andTourism, http://www.mlit.go.jp/sogoseisaku/kotsu/
bunya/kaiji/stcw.html

Figure3Curriculum summary

5. Conclusion
Currently, VALQUA has two training bases, one in２）‌2010 STCW Convention（Manila Amendments）inEnglish and Japanese（official translation）, supervisedby the Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land,Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, published by
Seizando-Shoten Publishing Co., Ltd.

Summer 2018

Issuance of certificate of completion（ClassNK-certified）

３）
‌（Model course 7.04）Officer in charge of anEngineering Watch, 2014 Edition

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Machida, Tokyo and the other in Gojyo, Nara, which

Takahiro Yamamoto
H&S BUSINESS GROUP

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