The drive by digital learning specialist Mintra to create a holistic training solution for the maritime sector has been recognised with a high-profile industry award. The company’s expanded maritime-specific elearning library was named as the winner of the training category at the SMART4SEA Awards last night .

The awards aim to recognise outstanding people and organisations that have made the most significant contribution to any aspect of safe, smart and sustainable shipping. Mintra was announced as winner of the training accolade following a public vote.

Mintra unveiled its extended maritime elearning library, which more than doubled the number of titles available from 107 to 228, last summer as part of a concerted drive into the maritime space. The addition of over 100 new technical and compliance titles was made not only to meet the training needs of seafarers worldwide, but to help the industry rise to the growing challenge of digitalisation.

The project was delivered in partnership with the maritime sector from start to finish, from collaborating with customers on the examination of training matrices to harnessing the knowledge of subject matter experts with decades of experience for the creation of relevant course content.

Gareth Gilbert, chief operating officer of Mintra, said it was an honour to be recognised for contributing to modern, safer shipping. He added: “As a company that’s been developing technology solutions for maritime for decades – starting out away back in 1983 with our OCS HR crewing system – we’re passionate about supporting the sector with digitalisation. So, this is a very special award for us.

“A major project like this – to create a viable, low carbon and cost-efficient digital learning solution – involved a huge number of people, including clients, trade organisations, SMEs and, of course, our own highly skilled team of instructional designers, multi-media developers and quality assurance testers.

“We’re extremely proud of what we’ve created. It’s a solution that both supports the industry on its digital journey and makes maritime a safer place for millions of seafarers.”

The expanded library represents 66 hours of additional maritime learning content and covers a wide range of safety, regulatory, operational and technical subjects, broken down into rank and job role from deck officers to galley staff. Also included are a number of soft skills courses – abilities which are growing in demand given smaller crews and increased automation.

Courses can be delivered via Mintra’s learning and competency management system, Trainingportal, which is also available in a unique offline solution. Designed specifically for vessels moving in and out of connectivity, Trainingportal Offline allows crews to access and undertake elearning even when an internet connection is not available onboard.

The awards are held as part of the annual SMART4SEA Forum, which attracts an audience of over 500 delegates who are involved in a wide range of operations across the shipping sector.