IMO : Free to access e-learning course: “Energy Saving at Sea” launched

A new e-learning course aimed at equipping seafarers with knowledge around reducing energy use onboard a ship has been launched.

The free-to-access, self-paced “Energy Saving at Sea” online course comprises two separate modules, one tailored to crew working in the engine department and the other tailored to crew working in the deck department.

The course covers practical aspects on how seafarers can contribute to enhancing energy efficiency at sea with interactive lessons, videos, resources, and quizzes to support ease of learning. 

Learners can choose to study one, or both modules and certification is awarded to any participant that successfully completes both modules. Each module takes on average one hour to complete.

For participants with limited internet access or time online, a PDF version can be downloaded to allow for offline learning. The quiz that concludes each module can be taken at any time when access to the internet is possible. Take the course by clicking here.

The course has been developed and funded by the Global Industry Alliance to Support Low Carbon Shipping (Low Carbon GIA), a partnership under the framework of the IMO-Norway GreenVoyage2050 Project.

The course is designed by specialist e-learning provider, Videotel (now part of the Ocean Technologies Group). The course builds on the “Introduction to Energy Efficient Ship Operation” course launched in May 2021.

To-date, over 12,000 participants have participated in that course and over 6,300 certificates of completion have been issued.

The “Energy Saving at Sea” e-learning course is hosted on the UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:e-Learn) as part of their Affiliation Program.

UN CC:e-Learn is a joint initiative of more than 30 multilateral organizations helping countries to achieve climate change action both through general climate literacy and applied skills development.

“Supporting crew on board ships with a course specifically created to provide practical measures for saving energy while at sea was an important next step taken by the Low Carbon GIA following the launch of the first e-learning course last year.

Making resources that are accessible and in a format that is easy to digest will encourage seafarers to use this free resource which in turn can contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of shipping activities,” says Minglee Hoe, Project Technical Analyst at IMO’s Department of Partnerships and Projects.

“We are extremely pleased to be supporting the IMO-Norway GreenVoyage2050 GIA to disseminate information on how to reduce GHG emissions from shipping,” says Raal Harris, Chief Creative Officer at Ocean Technologies Group.

“Climate change is going to be the defining issue of our lifetime and it is vital that seafarers have readily accessible information to get up to speed with industry best practices so that they can play their part in our global efforts to save the planet.

The high participation for the first course sets a precedent for continued learning by an engaged maritime workforce and we look forward to celebrating the success of this new e-learning module.”