A FORMER merchant navy officer and college lecturer from Clarkston is launching the first instructor-led e-learning platform for seafarers studying for nautical exams.
Hailed as a disruptor for the industry, it offers people the opportunity to avoid taking time off work and enrolling at college to do the courses.
Angus Ferguson has developed Onboard Maritime he said provides an alternative to traditional college-based studying for professional qualifications.
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He said: “Until now you have had to go to college or a similar course to study for maritime industry exams.
“This can be expensive for students or employers, not just in terms of course fees but also in terms of time off work and lost earnings as well as accommodation and living costs if there is no course close to where you live.
“But Onboard Maritime allows students to access all the course materials they need online leading up to exams so they can learn wherever and whenever they want.
“Course materials can be downloaded so that you can learn at your own pace and convenience.”
He said there are “instructor-led virtual classes, but students can also contact an instructor if there are any areas they don’t understand or need extra help with”.
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More than 5,000 members of the merchant navy sit Maritime and Coastguard Agency exams each year. All require study for oral and written exams as well as practical experience.
Mr Ferguson is a Master Mariner who spent 14 years at sea before joining the staff of the Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, now part of the City of Glasgow College. He has also authored textbook Seamanship Notes.
Courses include junior and senior officer-level Maritime and Coastguard Agency qualifications such as Officer of the Watch and Chief Mate.
Mr Ferguson said seafarers have to pass the oral and written exams at each level and Onboard Maritime has courses for both. There are also options for individual modules said seafarers can download a copy before going to sea.
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