However, modern vessels, with their increasingly sophisticated engines and fishing equipment require higher level engineering skills to ensure safe and effective operation. Recognizing this skills shortage, the College has developed a dedicated marine engineering centre. A key factor for the College has been the availability of European Structural Funds. The North and West Grampian Objective 5b Programme supported the building of the Marine Engineering Centre and Pesca funding has supported the development and delivery of the programmes. The College works in close partnership with the North East Fishermen s Training Association who have also received Pesca support for trainees undertaking programmes at the Centre.
Tutor support an assessments are available to fit in with working patterns of the industry.
Fax e-mail and telephone support is available at other times. Attendance at the College is required only for short periods to demonstrate the necessary competencies in the simulated engine-room. Since the Centre opened, the efforts of the staff have been recognized by many organizations associated with the industry. May companies have supported the Centre through donations of equipment or funding to enable projects to be undertaken. The sponsorships inlude all the major UK fishing vessel insurers, major engine manufacturers and hydraulics and other ancillary machinery manufacturers.