Wilhelmsen Technical Solutions (WTS) is helping cruise lines Holland America Line (HAL) and Seabourn Cruise Line to meet regulatory and safety requirements through in-house training courses tailored to the requirements of the companies’ respective passenger vessels.

WTS has teamed up with sister company Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) to deliver the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) syllabus on Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) and a basic marine refrigeration training programme, as well as providing training in onboard welding inspection techniques.

Bjarne Snopestad, Technical Sales Manager, HVAC-Refrigeration, WTS, said:

“Training capacity for specialist applications available in the market today is limited. As a result, cruise lines can struggle to source personnel with sufficient experience to operate and maintain vital equipment. This means they must provide training in-house in partnership with an expert supplier. Our ability to offer courses on specific subjects, tailored to their needs makes WTS a trusted partner for HAL.”

The EPA training course covers basic theory, including insight into main HVAC-R components and their functionality, system types, common operational problems and troubleshooting guidelines. The students are also given a study guide to help them prepare for the closed-book test required by the EPA.

The welding training is designed to enable first and second engineers to evaluate welding work done during newbuilding, dry dockings and in service by flying squads and crew members.

Lance Camarena, Holland America Line and Seabourn, said:

“The Wilhelmsen training courses provide an ideal mix of high quality instruction, company-specific customization and flexible logistics, in perfect alignment with the high standards we seek to maintain on the premium and luxury ships of each brand. Feedback from the courses is generally very positive, with our attending personnel often asking for additional Wilhelmsen training in areas such as advanced HVAC-R, electrical instrumentation and automation.”

The courses also enable WTS to develop a closer relationship with HAL and Seabourn officers and shoreside personnel. This interaction provides insight into the operational approach and unique challenges facing HAL and Seabourn onboard and a clearer view of each brand’s needs for maintenance and service.

HVAC-R training is delivered by WTS in Gothenburg, Sweden while the Welding and EPA/Basic refrigeration training is conducted by WSS in HAL’s Manila and Rotterdam training centres. In 2012 WSS will deliver regular courses in Rotterdam and Manila and will hold additional HVAC-R courses for both HAL and Seabourn at WTS’ training centre in Gothenburg, Sweden.