There were presentations by Dr. Marcella Castella, lecturer at the Polytechnical University of Catalonia on simulation-based model courses to demonstrate seafarer’s competence. She pleaded to include navigation simulator sessions in refresher courses as mentioned in the 2010 Manila
amendments to the STCW 1978 convention of the IMO.

Mr Cees Muyskens of the Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz (Terschelling, the Netherlands) elaborated on the theme ”Navigation Simulators, present and future”. In this context, IMO initiated an International Simulator Working Group in order to organize and structure simulator related matters for inclusion in the STCW revision.

Mr. Boran-Keshishyan, Head of Navigation Department of the Maritime State Academy of Novorossiysk (Russia) gave an overview of the present curriculum of the maritime education in Russia which comprises 5 years including 12 months of on board and simulator training.

Capt. Bill Kavanagh, CESMA councilmember of the Irish Institute of Master Mariners and lecturer in Nautical Science at the National Maritime College of Ireland in Cork, represented CESMA, by elaborating on “Design of bridge navigation simulation exercises for effective training and education”. Capt. Kavanagh also pleaded for yearly refresher simulator sessions for every navigation officer, including masters. These sessions should be COLREG orientated.

The afternoon was dedicated to an ”open table” discussion which was moderated by Captain Mariano Badell, President of the host association ACCMM. The theme was simulator time as replacement for actual sea time to obtain a STCW certificate for watch keeping officer. After some
lengthy and fruitful discussions, the meeting came to the following conclusions:
   1. 12 months is actually already too little to serve as head of the navigational watch.
   2. more simulator training courses are advocated as useful.
   3. however not as replacement of actual sea time which is already considered minimal.

The next day, the CESMA Council meeting took place at the board meeting room of the Barcelona Port Authority (WTC). 14 associations from 11 EU nations had delegated representatives to Barcelona. Internal and husbandry issues are being discussed in these closed meetings. Important discussion was the intention to nominate a fourth member of the board as activities and expansion of the Confederation mean too much work for only three board members, especially for the General Secretary. It is proposed to nominate a vice president as is also mandatory according to the Statutes.
Previously this stipulation was ignored due to economic restraints as travel expenditure for board members is born by the confederation. Relating to this, it is proposed to slightly raise subscription rates. This is the first raise in subscription in 8 years. The proposal is accepted unanimously by the
council members present.

Next the General Secretary presented the financial papers for the year 2013. The year was the most active in the existence of CESMA (see CESMA logbook 2013) which resulted in a relatively small infringement of the reserves. Yet the financial situation of CESMA is sound and the accounts and the budget for 2014 are approved by the Council.

On membership, the board was glad to announce the new membership of the Portuguese Shipmasters’ association SINCOMAR, in 1995 one of the supporters of the initiation of CESMA. There are negotiations with associations from Poland, Greece, Estonia and Turkey. A proposal of KBZ (Belgium) to base the organisation also on shore based masters and calculate subscription accordingly, was not found feasible with regard to the ultimate aim to preserve CESMA only for active seagoing masters, which is also stipulated in the Statutes. Individual membership is slightly decreasing. There are only 4 individual members left.

View relations with other maritime organisations, it is decided to look for good relationship with f.i.
the Nautical Institute and IFSMA. Especially the NGO status of IFSMA with the IMO is seen as very
important. Mutual invitations for Annual General Assemblies will be considered to exchange ideas
and information. Also the participation in the European Nautical Platform will be continued.

The Annual General Assembly was held on 17th May in the conference hall of the Maritime Museum of Barcelona. Apart from the 14 CESMA council members, many members from the ACCMM and other interested parties were present.

For more CESMA News click on link: CESMA News July 2014