British Marine has taken a significant step towards enhancing water safety in the maritime industry with the launch of two new accredited training courses. The Inland Water Safety Management and Marina Water Safety Management courses are designed to equip individuals working near water with the knowledge and practical skills to operate safely within three metres of the water’s edge. This initiative comes as a direct response to feedback from industry members, highlighting the need for more targeted safety training.
The Inland Water Safety Management course is tailored for those working in non-tidal inland waterways, outside the scope of DEFRA’s Flood Rescue Concept of Operations and CDM Regulations. It covers a range of topics, including water-related risks, incident prevention strategies, and emergency response. Participants will learn practical rescue techniques and how to make critical decisions under pressure. The course is particularly relevant for workboat crews, passenger and trip boat crews, marina and boatyard staff, and anyone responsible for safety and emergency preparedness in a waterside environment.
On the other hand, the Marina Water Safety Management course is designed for staff working in tidally affected marinas and harbours. It offers the same robust training but is adapted to address the unique challenges posed by coastal environments, such as changing water levels, reduced visibility, and dynamic tidal conditions. This course is equally relevant for a wide range of roles, including customer-facing personnel, rangers, and wardens.
Both courses are delivered by leading industry trainers at Birmingham and Midland Marine Services Ltd, with Atlantic Crest partnering for the tidal marina course. They are accredited by the Institute of Search and Technical Rescue, ensuring that participants receive high-quality, industry-recognized training. Each course is a one-day, modular program, making it accessible and convenient for busy professionals.
Manj Mahey, Head of Training at British Marine, emphasized the importance of these courses: “Working near water brings unique challenges and risks, and it is crucial that everyone – from marina staff to boat crews – is prepared with the right training. These new courses have been developed in response to feedback from our members and represent a proactive step in raising safety standards across the industry. Whether you are on the riverbank or in a tidal marina, knowing how to prevent incidents and respond effectively can save lives.”
The courses are led by experienced instructors with real-world backgrounds in maritime operations, risk management, and emergency response. This ensures that participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical, actionable skills. The Inland Water Safety Management course is priced at £230 + VAT for British Marine members and £345 + VAT for non-members. The Marina Water Safety Management course has the same pricing structure.
This initiative by British Marine is a proactive step towards enhancing safety standards in the maritime industry. By providing targeted training for different water environments, British Marine is addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by professionals working near water. This could set a new standard for safety training in the industry, encouraging other organizations to follow suit and invest in more specialized safety programs.
Moreover, the focus on practical skills and real-world scenarios ensures that participants are well-prepared to handle emergencies. This could lead to a reduction in water-related incidents and a safer working environment for everyone involved. The accreditation by the Institute of Search and Technical Rescue adds credibility to these courses, making them a valuable addition to any professional’s skill set.
In the long run, these courses could shape the future of safety training in the maritime industry. As more professionals undergo this training, there could be a shift towards a more safety-conscious culture. This could lead to the development of more advanced training programs and a greater emphasis on safety in the industry. Ultimately, these courses could play a significant role in saving lives and preventing water-related incidents.