Marine training course provider Stream Marine Training (SMT) has run its first Battery and Fuel Cells Awareness course to arm seafarers with the knowledge on the potentially life-threatening risks of lithium-ion batteries.
As a fast-growing new energy storage system, shipping companies are set to have new challenges around the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries. It has been found that vessel fires caused by these batteries and fuel cells can be extremely violent and difficult to control. SMT has created this emergency response and awareness course to help crews prepare for the possible dangers.
The course offers a full eco-system of competency and training awareness for batteries and fuel cells systems, and implementing the correct procedures with confidence within the safety management systems. It also provides a more detailed look at the hazards and practical elements of batteries and fuel cells as a bunker fuel.
SMT aims to offer innovation and new courses for emerging technologies and products to support the knowledge and understanding of seafarers at managing new and alternative fuels. The new battery courses at SMT will offer insight for seafarers, shoreside management and operators.
CEO SMT Group, Martin White, said: “We are proud to be taking a pro-active approach in teaching the industry on handling battery and fuel cells safely. They carry huge risks, so it is vital that anyone who will be working with them receive a high standard of training around handling them safely. SMT is delighted to be leading the way in preparing the industry as it moves towards a more sustainable future. We already offer training courses working with alternative fuels, so we are delighted we can now offer this course.”
The SMT Battery and Fuel Cells Awareness course is aimed primarily at management teams and onboard crew working on ferries and car carrier vessels.
