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Is your online learning delivering real value for money?


 In the maritime industry, where safety and efficiency are critical, investing in effective training is more important than ever.


Often, training programs focus heavily on meeting compliance requirements without addressing real-world skills and behaviours needed for safe and efficient operations. Outdated content, lack of interactivity, and generic materials can lead to disengaged learners and minimal impact on performance.


 Without regular updates and alignment with industry needs, these programs risk becoming irrelevant, offering little return on investment. Effective maritime content development must go beyond ticking boxes—it should engage learners, build practical skills, and drive meaningful improvements in crew performance


In this blog, we will consider some of the items that have to be considered if you are to get value for money for your online learning or e-learning provision.


Rethinking Traditional Training Methods

Traditional maritime training often relies on structured courses, manuals, and compliance materials. While these meet regulatory needs, they may not fully support skill growth and behavioural changes needed for safe and efficient ship operations. Organisations should consider more flexible, accessible, and interactive training materials tailored to different learning needs.


Sometimes, organisations may not need a full training course to meet their goals. Clear information, standard operating procedures (SOPs), equipment manuals, quick guides, and timely updates can often be more effective. Delivering the right information at the right time can improve decision-making and operational efficiency.


Measuring Training Impact

If you decide to create a training course, measuring its effectiveness is essential. This should include not only compliance but also return on investment (ROI), learning outcomes, behaviour changes, and overall performance improvements. ROI can be measured by evaluating several factors:


  1. Performance Metrics: Comparing operational performance before and after training can reveal improvements in efficiency, safety, and task execution.

  2. Error Reduction: Tracking reductions in incidents or errors highlights how training impacts safety practices.

  3. Knowledge Retention: Pre- and post-training assessments show how well learners retain and apply information.

  4. Employee Engagement: Increased engagement and satisfaction levels, measured through surveys and feedback, indicate successful training.

  5. Cost Savings: Reduced operational costs, fewer incidents, and less downtime demonstrate financial benefits.

  6. Retention Rates: Quality training can improve employee retention, lowering recruitment and turnover costs.


Feedback tools like surveys and continuous professional development (CPD) tracking offer useful insights into training effectiveness and areas for improvement.


Pyramid diagram with colored layers measuring training: Reaction, Learning, Behaviour, Results, ROI. Header text: How do you measure your training?
Jack Phillips' 5 Levels of Evaluation

Using Technology to Improve Learning


Investing in technology must serve a clear purpose. Consider the following options:


  • E-learning: Structured modules with text, videos, and quizzes. Accessible but may lack interactivity.

  • Serious Gaming: Uses game-based learning to engage learners, particularly for soft skills and procedural training.

  • Augmented Reality (AR): Enhances real-world tasks with digital content, supporting technical and on-the-job training.

  • Virtual Reality (VR): Offers fully immersive simulations, ideal for practising complex or hazardous procedures safely.


The right technology depends on learning goals, interactivity, accessibility, and the required skillset. Serious games are effective for strategic thinking, while VR excels in hands-on, complex training scenarios.


Table comparing E-learning, Serious Gaming, AR, and VR on aspects like immersion, context, and engagement. Blue and gray tones.


Creating Effective Training Programs


Effective training begins with a clear understanding of training goals and crew competency needs. Key steps include:

  1. Defining Objectives: Establish clear learning goals aligned with operational needs.

  2. Setting Goals: Identify measurable outcomes to track progress.

  3. Conducting Training Audits: Review existing programs to identify gaps.

  4. Developing Engaging Content: Create interactive, relevant materials that resonate with learners.

  5. Choosing Delivery Methods: Combine blended learning, mobile access, and microlearning for flexibility.

  6. Continuous Evaluation: Gather feedback and track performance to improve training strategies.

Boosting Maritime Students and Crew Performance with Innovation


Effective training should enhance both maritime students' learning experiences and crew performance. A competency framework ensures that training aligns with operational goals, equipping students with practical skills that transition smoothly into the workplace. Regular evaluations and manager support can further enhance results, leading to stronger crew performance and more confident maritime graduates entering the industry.


Conclusion

As the maritime industry evolves, maritime academies and companies must invest in effective, high-quality training. By leveraging technology, setting clear objectives, and regularly evaluating outcomes, organisations can deliver meaningful learning experiences. This approach not only ensures compliance but also drives skill development and improves behaviour. A strong, well-designed training program leads to safer, more efficient ship operations and a highly competent maritime workforce.


Flowchart titled "Make Your Training Impactful" with colorful hexagons. Features goals, content, delivery methods, and performance metrics.

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