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FIRST GRADUATES ON PIONEERING MARINE ENGINEERING DEGREE COURSE

By Anonymous

The first students have graduated from a pioneering Marine Engineering degree course at South Tyneside College, designed to boost the skills of marine engineering personnel from the UK and around the world.

The B.Eng (Hons) in Marine Engineering was developed to service a demand, identified in the global marine and offshore industries, for a higher academic programme in the sector. The course is a joint project between the college, which is the UK’s National Nautical Centre for Excellence, and the University of Northumbria in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Lasting up to 18 months, the degree programme combines the knowledge of the college marine staff with the engineering skills of the university, allowing holders of a Marine Engineering Class One Certificate of Competency or an HND (Higher National Diploma) to achieve the academic requirements for either a B.Eng or B.Eng (Hons) degree.

Encompassing Naval Architecture, Applied Mathematics, Energy Conservation, Marine Law and a full range of other topics, the course enables marine engineers to expand their practical abilities and theoretical knowledge.

Gary Hindmarch, of the Department for Marine & Mechanical Engineering, has played a major role in the development of the course. He said: “The introduction of a new course, particularly one that is unique to the college, is never easy. The degree has been a huge success, thanks to the efforts of staff and students, and we are very proud to see the first intake reaching graduation.”

He added: “Marine and offshore personnel gain many valuable skills through the course of their careers and training, some of which may not be recognised outside of the core industries. This course takes existing knowledge and expands it to give a full range of skills and a qualification that is universally recognised.”

Testament to the success if the course is John Balai, 51, who first attended the college as an engineer cadet, working for ESSO, in 1967. He returned in 1974 to complete his Class Two Certificate of Competency for a steam ship, and again in 1975 to complete the Class One Certificate of Competency. John last came to the college in 1985 to obtain a Motor Endorsement to his Class One Certificate, remaining with Exxon, ESSO’s parent company, throughout his sea career.

In 2000, Exxon decided to sell its entire fleet of ships and John found himself unemployed for the first time in 33 years. He decided that a change of direction was in order and decided to train as an ISM (International Ship Management) Auditor, an increasingly important role in the global marine industry. After looking at various courses, John read an article on the new Marine Engineering Degree at South Tyneside College and decided to apply.

Less than two years later John is working as a marine consultant for a major oil company, travelling the world to ensure that standards are maintained on vessels chartered by the oil giant. He said: “The course was of immense value in expanding and updating my knowledge of marine engineering. I think there is a certain amount of prestige attached to a degree but, more than that, the course content and quality of teaching is beyond repair.”

The third group of students on the degree programme will commence their study in September. Anyone who would like further information can contact South Tyneside College on (0191) 427 3900 or visit the website at www.stc.ac.uk.

ENDS

South Tyneside College
School of Maritime Studies & Engineering

South Tyneside College is among the world’s premier institutions for the provision of marine and offshore training. The college, designated the National Nautical Centre for Excellence, is based at South Shields in the UK. It offers tailored courses for deck, engineering and electrical personnel, including full safety training facilities. Around 5,000 students each year attend the Marine School, with around 50% coming from overseas, representing 74 countries around the world. Staff are recruited from specialist sectors within the marine industry, bringing with them the knowledge and experience needed to ensure the highest standards of teaching. Companies who use the college for training include BP, Shell, P&O Princess Cruises, P&O Nedlloyd, Maersk, Clyde Marine and a large number of companies from the Gulf region.

Issued on behalf of South Tyneside College by Robson Brown Public Relations

For more information contact:

Marine

Aston Bowles on (0191) 244 6663
Email: astonb@robson-brown
OR
Rob Lawson on (0191) 244 6662
Email: robl@robson-brown.co.uk

General

Lesley Gosling on (0191) 244 6658
Email: lesleyg@robson-brown.co.uk
OR
Liz Simpson on (0191) 244 6659
Email: lizs@robson-brown.co.uk

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