Intelligent Seas Group is thrilled to announce the appointment of Adrian Economakis as CEO.
Adrian brings with him extensive experience in leading the development and commercialisation of innovative and market leading products and services for the maritime and energy industries.
Prior to this appointment, Adrian was Chief Strategy Officer, member of the Board of Directors and Shareholder of VesselsValue, until its acquisition by Veson Nautical in 2023.
Adrian was one of VesselsValue's founding employees in 2010. He started as an analyst and progressed through a number of senior product development, commercial and leadership positions as the company grew from a start-up to the market leader employing over 200 people across seven international offices. Before this, Adrian spent three years as a supply chain consultant at Accenture, spending the majority of his time developing and implementing cutting edge demand forecasting solutions for BP's refined products business throughout Europe.
Adrian, who is joining the executive team along with the two co-founders, Martin White (Director) and Tim Love (Director) along with COO Steven Matthew, has an MsC with distinction in Shipping, Trade and Finance from Cass Business School London and a BA in Economics and Philosophy from York University.
Adrian said of his appointment: “I am honoured to assume the role of CEO at ISG. This is a company at the forefront of using technology, innovation and expertise to provide market leading virtual training to help our clients improve safety and regulatory compliance. ISG has grown fast over the last 18 months and now counts many top owners, operators, energy companies, cruise and ferry lines as clients. I am very much looking forward to building on this to significantly scale up the business across the major maritime and energy markets.
“Apart from the top-quality products and growth prospects, what attracted me to ISG was the fantastic team of people including the founders and key development and commercial staff. Each one of them is not only highly capable and experienced, but also of great character and morals. This is hugely important to me and something I will be looking for vigilantly in the significant recruitment of development and commercial staff we will be making over the next years," he stressed.
Welcoming his appointment, Martin White added: “After a long and detailed search for a CEO to lead us through our next stage of growth, I am incredibly excited to welcome Adrian to the company. His experience in developing and commercialising market leading products and services for the maritime and energy industries, as well as scaling up from a start-up to a highly successful business is critical to our ambitious plans."
ISG, whose staff are located in London, Aberdeen and throughout the UK, was formed in 2021 in response to massively growing demand for high quality, impactful and cost-effective virtual training for seafarers and energy workers. In a short time, the company has grown significantly and has an impressive list of international clients including Oil Majors, Ship Owners and Operators, Cruise, national and regional ferry lines across the US, UK, Canada, Middle East and Asia Pacific.
Traditionally, regulations required that most operational training be performed in a physical classroom. However, following Covid restrictions and increased adoption of remote technologies, increasing amounts of training can, and are preferred, to be provided virtually through phones, tablets and laptops or as a blended virtual/physical solution.
Additionally, demand is being further driven by changing technologies, new vessel types, cargoes and fuels, decarbonisation, evolving regulations, increased demand for operational staff/seafarers, new threats such as cyber-crime and an ever-growing focus on safety and environment. The challenge which ISG has taken up, is to meet this demand through providing virtual or virtual/physical blended training is of the highest possible quality, relevance, impact and cost-effectiveness.
New for 2024! We have recently added Hand Safety to our continually growing catalogue. This eLearning course highlights the importance of keeping your hands out of harm’s way while working onboard your ship. 🛳
Proper hand safety is crucial for both everyday life and work, especially in the maritime industry, where complex machinery and heavy equipment are used almost daily. Even simple tasks, such as carrying equipment or using hand tools can result in hand injuries and significant damage.
Did you know that hand injuries account for the majority of non-fatal work injuries, making up a quarter of all non-fatal injuries! Along with this, around 68% of these hand injuries resulted in the worker requiring over 7 days of absence to recover.
Here are some useful tips that will keep those hands safe: 🛡
☝ WEAR APPROPRIATE PPE: You should wear gloves that provide grip and protection, ensuring that they are appropriate for the specific task.
☝ TOOL SAFETY: Select the right tools for the job and use them as intended. You should make sure every tool you use is in working order and maintained properly, faulty equipment should be reported and isolated.
☝ MACHINE SAFETY: When using machines, make sure that the safety guards are in place and any loose clothing is tucked away to prevent any snagging.
☝ IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING: You should be trained in the use of equipment and should always follow said training, cutting corners can lead to cut hands.
☝ IDENTIFYING HAZARDS: Before any task is started, all hazards associated with the task should be identified, risk assessed and controls put in place to eliminate the risks to as low as reasonably practicable.
Our eLearning course aims to provides learners with material that will help them recognise the types of hazards that they are likely to come across and the main causes of hand injuries onboard ships, as well as methods to prevent these injuries from happening.
Training is crucial for seafarers who are working in and navigating polar regions, due to the unique challenges and risks posed by the extreme environments. Polar simulation training helps seafarers to understand the complexities of polar climates, ice navigation, extreme weather conditions, and safety measures that are required to safely operate in these areas.
We offer three different polar simulation courses to best fit the delegates’ knowledge level: basic training, advanced training, and combined training. Each of these have been developed to meet the STCW standards and are approved by the Bahamas Maritime Authority. The courses are delivered over a 5-day period through a blend of online webinars and online simulation training, allowing delegates to carry out their training remotely from any location.
The training material covers the requirements to operate ships in polar waters and addresses necessary provisions of the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions, ensuring delegates consider the climatic conditions of polar waters and are able to meet the appropriate standards of maritime safety and pollution prevention. Our courses are delivered by ship Masters and Captains each with ice navigation experience in the most difficult conditions, so you can be confident that you are receiving the best possible training. The use of high quality images, videos, and presentations ensure that the training material is enjoyable as well as informative. Scenario-based simulated exercises allow for delegates to apply their learning in a practical and engaging way, as well as draw on the real world examples that are provided to them throughout the learning material.
What is covered in this training?
While the type of content covered will vary depending on the type of simulation training that has been selected, all of it is in line with the STCW standards and IMO Polar Code. The training will extensively cover:
What is simulation training?
Simulation training utilises technologically created environments to educate senior maritime professionals in the care and mastery of the navigational bridge, electronic charting systems, dynamic positioning stations, and liquid cargo shipping systems.
Who is this training aimed at?
This training is aimed at navigational officers and has been designed to meet the Mandatory Minimum STCW requirements for the training and qualifications of Masters and Deck Officers on ships operating in polar waters, by the 2010 Manila Amendments.
Many of us have likely encountered alcohol or drugs at some point in our lives, and many of us have witnessed or experienced the affects that they can have. But it’s important to remember that there is a time and place for such things and that we have a responsibility to not misuse or abuse substances.
A review by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found that since 1992, alcohol was a significant contributing factor in 62% of fishing vessel fatalities while at port. A separate study conducted by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse found that those who consumed a moderate amount of alcohol scored significantly poorer on recall tests. For those who understand how alcohol can affect people’s judgement and behaviour, this isn’t too surprising, but it is very concerning. Alcohol and drugs alter the way our brains work, leading to tiredness, slower reactions, poor judgement, increased irritability, and long term health issues.
The environments onboard ships are unpredictable and require strong cooperation and communication to operate effectively and safely. For these reasons, substance abuse onboard ships is very dangerous as it doesn’t only impact the user but fellow seafarers too. Substance abuse can lead to ship and equipment damage, poor working relations, injuries, and in some cases death. All maritime companies will have policies regarding the use of substances which must be adhered to, but it is important that seafarers understand why these policies are in place, as well as the impacts that these substances can have on them and those around them. Our Prevention of Drugs and Alcohol at Sea eLearning course aims to inform learners of the serious effects and legal consequences of substance use and abuse. Through the use of case studies we are able to draw on real life events and present learners with practical and engaging learning materials.
We are delighted to announce that we have partnered with Helideck Certification Agency in providing a Dangerous Goods by Air eLearning course!
At Intelligent Seas Group, we are always striving to provide learners with the best eLearning content that not only offers relevant and informative material but presents it in an engaging and enjoyable way. We are excited to partner with the Helideck Certification Agency to supply our clients with a Dangerous Goods by Air eLearning course. Having spent years approving many dangerous goods by air courses and with over 33 years of experience in the industry, we couldn’t ask for a more knowledgeable and qualified partner for this course.
Our Dangerous Goods by Air eLearning course has been created to be accessible and relevant to staff of all levels, with the aim of providing training that will improve the overall safety for helideck operatives. Course content has been specifically developed in line with key regulations, including the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, ICAO guidance, and CAA CAP393. This ensures that all staff are trained to the proper standard and are equipped with sufficient knowledge to carry out their duties effectively and safely. Not only does this course provide exceptional training material, but it also fulfils the prerequisite requirement for the OPITO Helideck Operations Initial Training (HOIT) standard.
We are thrilled to be partnered with HCA and to be able to offer this course to our clients. HCA provide helideck services to numerous industries, as well as offering inspections and certification to offshore helideck on vessels and installations operating in UK waters. The HCA certification is recognised by major regulatory authorities around the world and with their vast amount of expertise in this field, our clients will receive the very best training material in this eLearning course.
To learn more about HCA and their story visit here: https://www.helidecks.org/about/
As you may already know, ballast water plays an important role onboard a ship, from maintaining balance and stability to aiding in reducing stress on the hull. Ballast water helps to offset any weight changes that may occur on your ship. When carrying out any uptake or discharging of ballast water, it must be done in a responsible and safe manner. You may think, it is just sea water, surely it wouldn’t matter where in the ocean it is released, but you’d be wrong. Ballast water will often contain organisms and pollutants that if released into the wrong environment, could have disastrous effects on the local ecosystem.
It is vital that we are aware of the impact that ballast water can have if incorrectly handled. Taking ballast water from one area of the ocean and discharging it in another area can lead to invasive species and pathogens being introduced. Ecosystems are extremely complex and require a steady balance in order to be maintained, invasive species can disrupt this balance leading to loss of habitats, competition, disease, economic impacts, and even extinction of species.
Did you know that according to the IPBES, invasive species played a role in 60% of global plant and animal extinctions? And that the current cost of combatting and preventing invasive species is a staggering $423 billion! The incorrect handling of Ballast water can not only cause damage to the local wildlife and environment, but can affect humans too. One such example is the outbreak of cholera in 1991, which was brought in through ship ballast water and led to over 9000 deaths across South America.
Many communities and industries around the world rely on the ocean and all that it provides, which is why it is so important that we all do our part in protecting and sustaining it for generations to come. At ISG we are passionate about eLearning and are conscious of our carbon-footprint. Which is why we are excited to be able to provide an eLearning course that helps learners understand various aspects of ballast water management and ballast water treatment, as well as the environmental impact that ballast water can have. Through the use of interactive and engaging content, our Ballast Water Management eLearning course ensures that all learners are aware of how to handle ballast water effectively and responsibly.
Check out our Ballast Water Management course here: https://intelligentseas.b-cdn.net/uploads/eLearning-Brochure-Ballast-Water-Management.pdf
Seafarers frequently face various dangerous and emergency situations while at sea such as fire, flooding, collision, or cargo-related accidents. In such situations, the crowd can panic and become difficult to manage, posing a risk to everyone on board. The primary objective of every crew member is to bring the situation under control as quickly as possible, to minimize or eliminate any potential danger to life, the environment, or the ship itself.
In the maritime industry, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members during emergencies is of greatest importance. Key aspect of this safety is effective crowd management. The Crowd Management elearning course's objective is to provide guidance to seafarers on how to handle large crowds and passengers in emergency situations.
The course delivers a comprehensive overview of the ship's emergency plans, instructions, and procedures related to crowd management and evacuation protocols. It thoroughly explores crowd management techniques. Furthermore, the course provides guidance on how to effectively give clear orders and how to search for passengers leaving no one behind during evacuations. Additionally, one of the key aspects of the course is how to maintain order in crisis and how to avoid or handle panic situations.
Crowd management on ships is important to protect life, increase emergency preparedness and maintain order during critical situations, ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on board.
To learn more about our Crowd Management eLearning course, click here to download our brochure. For bulk purchases or for a large number of delegates, contact us for a quote.
Unfortunately bullying and harassment in the workplace does take place, and at sea, it is no different. The isolation and intense environment of a ship can amplify these issues, making it all the more important for ship owners and operators to take steps in addressing and preventing bullying and harassment. Working and living on a ship can be especially tough for victims due to their close quarter nature and the limited options for escape.
Bullying can take many forms, from physical violence to verbal abuse and can have a significant toll on those who experience it, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, and worthlessness. Harassment can also be a serious issue on ships, particularly for women who may be in the minority. Harassment on ships can include unwanted attention, sexual advances or other forms of hostile behaviours that create an uncomfortable work environment.
Research conducted for Marine Policy found that up to 25% of seafarers and over half of all women seafarers have experienced bullying or harassment, while working on a ship. These issues need to be addressed, as many times they are brushed off as part of the workplace culture for those working at sea. It can be hard to recognise bullying and harassment, as there is not one clearly defined action or behaviour that constitutes bullying or harassment. It can be just as hard when it comes to actively addressing and preventing these issues. This is why proper education and training need to be provided if the problem is to be effectively managed and removed.
ISG is proud of the Bullying and Harassment eLearning course that we have created. This course helps learners to identify the types of bullying that may occur at sea as well as how to effectively handle issues of bullying and harassment. In February of 2023, the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) agreed to draft amendments to the STCW standards. These amendments will introduce ways to prevent and respond to bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH). We are soon to be releasing a separate course regarding SASH, which details consequences and the appropriate actions to take. Establishing a safe and comfortable work environment benefits all and allows seafarers to be operate at their best and reach their full potential.
If you are experiencing any form of bullying or harassment and are struggling to reach out to someone, you can contact these organisations for support:
Intelligent Seas Group (ISG) and Ripple Operations are delighted to announce a formal collaboration that marries ISG’s eLearning content library with Ripple’s maritime-specific learning platform, which includes a highly-configurable LMS and live skills assessment tool.
This new venture has international reach with partners in the UK, USA, Canada, Bahamas, Qatar and the Philippines. It enables marine operators to implement the most innovative, engaging and up-to-date eLearning content for the maritime sector, hosted on a highly advanced training delivery platform optimised for deployment in low and zero bandwidth areas. Both the content and the LMS is fully customisable to meet the unique demands all types of vessel and operational conditions. As maritime specialists whose focus is on quality, customer service and training innovation, this partnership provides a turnkey, yet highly flexible, digital learning offering to the onshore and offshore maritime industries.
ISG’s eLearning content uses the most up-to-date software packages and techniques. Each course uses real-life maritime case studies, immersive environments, and regular knowledge checks to ensure learner engagement and knowledge retention. Offerings include generic eLearning, blended learning with optimised practical sessions for STCW Updaters, and bespoke eLearning content that reflects each client’s facilities, operations, vessels, procedures, and branding.
Ripple’s highly adaptable, enterprise platform supports the unique training and assessment workflows which maritime operators require in order to optimize competency. The LMS is accessible at home or on-board vessels in environments where internet connectivity is not guaranteed. Updates to ISG content, user information, and software are automatically synchronized from shore to vessel. All on-vessel data are automatically sent to shore, allowing administrators to access training progress and compliance across the organization, anytime.
The focus is not just on eLearning content but on the competence of learners, using workshops on vessels with competence assessed exercises and Ripple’s SkillGrader tool. This packaged solution is customised to be most appropriate for each individual customer, ensuring a tailored experience and the highest quality training.
Tim Love, Co-Founder from ISG commented, “We are delighted to be in partnership with Ripple to service our mutual customers with a unique, specialised offering for the global maritime industry. Our joint value proposition has already been successful in winning new customers who are looking to leverage the most impactful learning technologies to drive knowledge and skills performance improvements across their businesses."
“We are thrilled about the partnership with ISG. We share a vision for helping the maritime industry to ensure competency and to leverage learning insights to continuously improve,” said Peter Frankel, VP Sales and Marketing of Ripple.
Dangerous goods in the shipping industry are substances or materials that pose risks to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation. They range from chemicals to explosives and can be obvious, hidden within products or undeclared.
Proper handling, labelling, and documentation are crucial to ensure safe transport and prevent accidents or environmental damage. International regulations, such as the IMDG Code, provide guidelines for the classification, packaging, and transportation of dangerous goods by sea. Shipping clerks and port personnel must complete International Maritime Dangerous Goods Shipping Training to comply with the IMDG Code.
Our IMDG Code elearning course is for anyone engaged in the transportation of dangerous goods, and covers the international regulations governing the safe maritime transport of hazardous materials. Upon completion of the course, you will understand the packaging and labelling standards according to the IMDG Code and you will gain the knowledge of the safe handling and storage of goods with hazardous properties. You’ll also be prepared with the essential steps to take in the event of an incident involving dangerous goods.
Our course follows the latest IMO guidelines on the shipping and handling of dangerous goods. Interactive elements, engaging assessments, and user-friendly design make this online course suitable to all learners. The course is entirely online, allowing you to progress at your own pace. Enrol today!
Did you know that we offer bespoke digital LNG familiarisation training? With the rapidly growing demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a clean and efficient fuel source, it's crucial for maritime professionals to stay ahead of the curve and acquire the necessary expertise to navigate this exciting industry.
Building on our successful track record, we recently had the privilege of partnering with a boutique cruise operator to deliver bespoke LNG training for their bunkering operations. The collaboration resulted in enhanced crew knowledge, improved efficiency, and a competitive advantage in the market. Now, we're excited to extend these capabilities to other maritime companies seeking tailored LNG training solutions.
So, why choose ISG for your LNG training needs?
🔹 Customised Programs: We understand that every maritime company has unique requirements, and we can tailor our courses to address your specific needs. Whether you operate a large shipping fleet or manage a smaller vessel, our experts will design a digital training solution that aligns with your goals, vessel specifications, and operational challenges.
🔹 High Quality Digital Training: Our comprehensive digital training platform uses the latest technologies to deliver an immersive and engaging learning experience. Through detailed animations, interactive exercises, and real-life scenarios, we ensure your team gains the fundamental knowledge required to handle LNG operations safely and efficiently.
🔹 Subject Matter Experts: Our team of industry experts have extensive knowledge of LNG operations and maritime competency requirements. ISG will bring a wealth of real-world experience to the training material and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
🔹 Learning Management System: Schedules and logistics can vary, and our Learning Management System can be accessed at anytime, anywhere in the world. Our in-house support means that we are always on hand to provide a seamless and convenient learning experience.
🔹 Cut Costs, Maximise Learning: Choosing eLearning can reduce your familiarisation training costs by up to 60% compared to traditional training methods, without compromising on knowledge retention. Plus there is no need for any unnecessary travel or accommodation – it’s a win-win situation!
With our proven expertise in delivering bespoke LNG training for bunkering operations, we're confident in our ability to equip your team with the necessary knowledge to excel in the ever-evolving maritime industry. Join us on this exciting journey towards a sustainable future.
Contact us today to discuss how our bespoke digital LNG training can benefit your company.
Accidents and incidents are an everyday occurrence while at sea with a total of 621 crew injuries occurring during the year of 2021. Incidents at sea can lead to damage to ship and equipment, and sometimes even death. It is important that these accidents and incidents are properly investigated to ensure that a similar incident doesn’t occur again.
All seafarers should understand their roles and responsibilities in the event of an accident taking place onboard their ship. It is useful for crewmembers to know how an incident investigation is conducted, so that they can provide effective assistance with the investigation. A 2012 report from Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty found that over three quarters of all marine casualties are in part attributed to human error. Everyone must do their part in improving the safety of all those who work at sea and avoiding human errors. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by ensuring all seafarers are sufficiently trained.
Our Introduction to Incident Investigation elearning course provides learners with relevant training and information, based on the IMO resolution for the Investigation of Marine Casualties and Incidents and guidelines from the ILO Maritime Labour convention 2006. Learners will receive training on a variety of areas surrounding incident investigation, including the relationship between cause and effect, how to establish root causes of incidents, methods for collecting evidence, and shipboard personnel’s roles during an investigation. All of this material is delivered in an engaging and interactive way using animations, learning models, relatable characters and case studies based on real world events.
We strive to provide you with training that is not only educational but enjoyable as well.
The prevention of fires and the ability to fight them effectively is paramount for all those working at sea. While we hope you will never need to use your firefighting skills and knowledge, fires present a real danger for those working onboard vessels and must be taken seriously. It is vital that you are able to respond appropriately and act accordingly in the event of a fire. Knowing how to prevent and fight fires will help to keep you, your fellow crewmembers and everyone else onboard safer.
Fires can occur from a wide range of tasks and operations performed onboard ships. If the fire is not dealt with it quickly, can spread throughout the whole ship. Fires at sea have led to countless seafarers and passengers being injured or even losing their lives. According to the Nordic Association of Marine Insurer’s (Cefor) Annual Report 2021, the frequency of casualties due to incidents is decreasing in every area except for fires, which has continued along the same trend for years. Casualties resulting from fires need to be properly addressed and the best way to improve these figures is through training and education.
Our Proficiency in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting Updating (FPFFU) elearning course provides seafarers with effective training on how to prevent fires from occurring and how to fight fires using the appropriate methods and equipment. Our FPFFU course is STCW certified by the Bahamas Maritime authority, ensuring that you receive quality training materials that are relevant, accurate, and in line with industry standards. This elearning course is designed to be coupled with practical training, but works perfectly as a standalone refresher course or as part of a blended training solution.
If you would like to learn more about our FPFFU elearning course, head to our contact page to ask us for more information.
Intelligent Seas Group’s LMS (Learning Management System) provides a powerful and flexible platform for delivering learning materials and training. Using our LMS allows learners to have a central hub where they are able to find all their available eLearning courses, track their individual learning progress and view their certificates and achievements.
What are the advantages of using our LMS?
A survey conducted by Bay View Analytics on behalf of the Online Learning Consortium found that 73% of students in higher education said they would prefer to take fully online courses. We are embracing this shift in learning preferences and styles by providing accessible and engaging online learning material. Our LMS can also be used to schedule, manage, resource, and track practical training, as well as host elearning courses, making it a perfect platform for blended learning programs. At ISG, our aim is to produce high quality courses through a streamlined online learning space, where users can take advantage of all that a modern LMS can provide.
We hope you have enjoyed reading about our LMS and how learners can benefit from its use. To learn more check out the ‘Learning Management System’ page, in the ‘ABOUT ELEARNING’ tab on our website.
Protecting the environment and the sea is essential for a sustainable future. By taking action to preserve our biodiversity and mitigate climate change, we can ensure the survival of countless species and safeguard the health of our planet. We all have a shared responsibility to protect our seas and the environment, so future generations can enjoy it for years to come. Making small changes can have a huge impact in saving our planet, including choosing sustainable foods, conserving water, recycling, driving less and much more.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of MARPOL (the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships), we feel there has never been a better time to bring awareness to the ongoing environmental issues. According to UK Research and Innovation, while the shipping industry accounts for 90% of global trade, it contributes to just under 3% of the global green house gas emissions. The IMO are committed to their mission in making the seas cleaner for all, with strategies and objectives in place to reduce these emissions by half by the year 2050.
ISG are always looking at ways to reduce our impact on the environment and are proud of our company’s low carbon footprint. We provide a comprehensive Environmental Awareness course. This course helps you understand the impact of shipping on the environment, your environmental responsibilities, how to prevent pollution when at sea and identify ways to be more eco-friendly.
The preservation of our planet is everyone’s responsibility, but change starts with you!
To learn more about IMO’s goal and MARPOL visit here: