The Maritime School in Gdynia has been conducting courses related to jack-up vessel operations. Due to the extreme operating conditions of these vessels, the course was attended by selected employees of the maritime administration that issues permits for operations and controls their enforcement in Polish territorial waters.

- Given the recent acceleration, we have seen an increasing number of students at all offshore wind farm training courses - says Alfred Naskręt, director of the Maritime School in Gdynia.

An unusual incentive for employers is the "Boat Transfer" component, implemented using the original CTV (crew transfer vessel) simulator, the only one in Poland for transporting crew and operating offshore wind farms.

- Descending from a waving vessel to a tower is an activity that requires special skills that need to be well practiced. Using the CTV simulator allows you to gradually get used to the sea state. So you can train those necessary skills for the job in controlled and safe conditions, without risking your health and life - explains Director Naskręt.

And, as he calculates, thanks to the simulator, it is possible to simulate three sea states enriched with the effects of increased waves, radio communication interference, engine noise, wind gusts, thunderstorms, or rainfall.

- The escalation of difficulties quickly results in the intended results that the trainees and principals have been waiting for - the director stresses.

Training on the CTV simulator is conducted as part of Global Wind Organization (GWO) training courses. They are recommended especially in the context of the aforementioned safety of workers who will undertake future work at Polish wind farms in the Baltic.

Employees of the Supervision and Monitoring of Sea Traffic Safety Inspectorate in Maritime Office in Gdynia recently took part in training courses organized by the Gdynia Maritime School. It was the Jack-Up Simulator course, which presents the specifics of the operation of self-supporting vessels adapted for the construction and operation of offshore wind turbines.

Employees from the offshore wind energy team expanded their knowledge. The course was an opportunity to learn about the problems of operation of jack-up 4-leg units in the construction and operation of offshore wind turbines.

As assessed by Capt. Maciej Jeleniewski of the Maritime Office in Gdynia, the presented scope of basic theoretical knowledge, as well as participation in a simulation of the approach to the monopile, crane loading of heavy elements and pre-loading, will allow the offshore wind energy team to more fully understand the issues related to the safety of handling operations in the port and during the installation of offshore wind turbine elements in offshore waters.

The course also provided knowledge of the latest international safety standards applicable to offshore wind farm construction vessels.

- Thanks to participation in such a training course, it will be possible to carry out the tasks envisaged for the maritime administration in ensuring the safety of navigation in areas of offshore wind farms under construction - Alfred Naskręt stressed.

We should add that as of June 15, the Gdynia Maritime School has been recognized as a Knowledge Partner of Ocean Technologies Group (OTG), while the 25-year cooperation with the Norwegian company Seagull will expire on December 31, 2022.

The good news is that Seagull has become part of OTG.

- As a result, its products and services have been merged with other brands involved in education and assessment of crew knowledge and skills, which will further meet maritime training needs. The OTG library currently available contains a powerful knowledge base for anyone interested. What's more, further expansion is planned and the Gdynia Maritime School has also been invited to further activities - concludes Alfred Naskręt.