LETTERS | On DPO revalidation and the conundrum of quantifying skill fade

We are really pleased to see the subject of CPD for NI DPO/DPVM revalidation being discussed.

We can’t speak for NI or IMCA but we would like to address a few of the items you raise about Keelson. We are not part of DP TEG, who have developed these changes, and we stand as a completely independent commercial organisation.

Keelson started a DP CPD program for the benefit of companies, predominantly vessel owners in 2018. Clients were asking for a way to embed CPD into their SMS systems and meet the needs of IMCA M117. Our CPD is a high quality program that is not only differentiated for role and rank but also refers to MTS as well as IMCA and IMO documentation.

We have been recognised for DP CPD since 2018, and have now sought DP CPD Accreditation for the new NI standard at the explicit request of our clients.

We have no control over who is accredited by the NI and we hope that more providers become accredited to give seafarers more choice.

Whilst we are primarily a business-to-business model, we have been approached by individual practitioners and the program is available to all at a price consistent since 2018.

As part of the launch, we have offered DP individuals a temporary discount to encourage awareness of, and participation in, the program.

Quantifying skill fade is an interesting conundrum. Our evidence, which we have presented at both MTS and DP Asia conferences, shows that robust CPD improves knowledge, engagement, and confidence. For instance, one of our larger clients has been able to map our CPD data output against internal DP events. This is possible because we map responses in detail against standards, guidance, and company specific documents, using BI tools.

We are passionate about this subject. We believe in a collaborative industry approach. We welcome publications such as yours that raise awareness and promote discussion.

Yours in good faith,

Kate Gillespie

Senior Consultant, Keelson Marine Assurance

An injustice on your mind? Want to get something off your chest? Please direct all letters to the editor to [email protected].