News

On 4 June in Chisinau, maritime professionals, educators, and industry experts gathered at the SCOCEEN Conference organized in cooperation with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association to discuss current challenges and future developments in maritime education and training.

KMSTC Director Captain Sergiy Dudchenko, PhD, participated in the event and delivered a presentation entitled “Ukrainian Maritime Education: Challenges and Resilience.”

The presentation highlighted the current state of maritime education and training in Ukraine, the challenges faced by the sector during wartime, and the solutions that ensure the continuity of seafarer education while maintaining international quality standards. Particular attention was given to a detailed analysis of the quantitative capacity of cadets enrolled in Ukrainian maritime educational institutions, underscoring Ukraine’s continued ability to supply highly qualified maritime professionals to the global shipping industry.

Particular attention was also given to the fact that, despite unprecedented circumstances, Ukraine remains one of the world’s leading suppliers of maritime officers to the global shipping industry. The resilience of the educational system, together with the professionalism and dedication of maritime educators and training providers, continues to support the preparation of highly qualified seafarers for the international maritime workforce.

#KMSTC #MaritimeEducation #MaritimeTraining #Shipping #Seafarers #MaritimeIndustry

🔹 IMO continues to shape the future of safe, digital and technologically resilient shipping.

During the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111), held in London from 13–22 May 2026, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted several important decisions that will influence the future of the maritime sector.

Among the most significant outcomes was the adoption of the first global International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code), establishing a framework for the safe integration of autonomous and remotely operated ships into international shipping.

The Committee also addressed a range of strategic issues, including maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz, seafarer training and certification in crisis-affected regions, alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia, further development of LRIT, and the digitalization of maritime communications.

In this context, particular attention should be given to the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) — often referred to as the next generation of AIS, or AIS 2.0.

While traditional AIS primarily supports the transmission of vessel identity, position, course and speed, VDES significantly expands the capability for secure data exchange between ships, shore-based services and satellite infrastructure.

VDES will support:

• More secure exchange of navigational information
• Improved situational awareness at sea
• Enhanced e-Navigation services
• Two-way digital communication via VHF
• Reduced vulnerability to data spoofing
• New opportunities for vessels, maritime administrations and digital service providers

Importantly, IMO is incorporating VDES into the international regulatory framework as an alternative to the current AIS system, with relevant provisions expected to enter into force on 1 January 2028.

For navigators, fleet operators, maritime administrations and maritime education and training institutions, the message is clear: understanding VDES, e-Navigation, cybersecurity and digital data exchange is becoming an essential component of modern maritime competence.

The future of shipping depends on safe, standardized and secure digital communications that support better decision-making at sea.

KMSTC continues to implement modern digital solutions in maritime education and professional training within the maritime industry ⚓️

In May 2026, KMSTC successfully delivered the Train the Trainer for Wärtsilä Cloud Engine Room Simulation course for the first time. The program is aimed not only at maritime professionals, but primarily at developing the competencies of active instructors. This time, the participants were instructors from UMTC 💻

The course was conducted by KMSTC instructor Artem Ivanov, PhD, Electro-technical Superintendent. The development of the program was the result of long and detailed work focused on integrating modern digital solutions into instructor training and advancing cloud-based simulation learning.

The program combined theoretical sessions with an extensive practical training component. Participants worked with OLP, the Wärtsilä Portal, available vessel models, and scenario development tools within the e-Tutor Scenario Editor. A strong emphasis was placed on hands-on use of modern simulator solutions and digital training platforms 🌊

KMSTC remains committed to advancing innovative, practice-oriented, and internationally recognized maritime training 🚢

OPITO Global 2025

OPITO Global 2025 – Day 1

OPITO Global 2025 is underway in Abu Dhabi – the world’s leading event on safety and workforce training in the energy and maritime sectors.

As part of the global OPITO network, KMSTC is represented by Serhiy Dudchenko – KMSTC Director, Master Mariner, and Associate Professor at the Department of Navigation and Ship Management, Kherson State Maritime Academy, strengthening our Centre’s role among international leaders in safety and competency training.

Day 1 brought powerful insights: AI in training, innovations for safer operations, and a fresh vision of workforce development.

The second day of OPITO Global 2025 focused on OPITO-approved centres and their future development.

Highlights included:

• an inspiring keynote by renowned sailor and adventurer Pete Goss MBE;an official welcome from Alex Spencer, COO OPITO;

• an industry address by Ibraheem Al Za’abi, ADNOC Technical Academy;

• a series of practical workshops delivered by the OPITO team, covering product development, quality assurance, and strategic partnerships.

These sessions provided valuable insights into how technology is transforming training and shaping the future of safety, learning, and competency.

OPITO Global 2025 – День 1

В Абу-Дабі стартувала міжнародна конференція OPITO Global 2025 – головна світова подія у сфері безпеки та підготовки кадрів для енергетичної та морської галузей.

KMSTC, як частина глобальної мережі OPITO, представлений Sergey Dudchenko – директором KMSTC, капітаном дальнього плавання та доцентом кафедри навігації та управління судном Херсонська державна морська академія. Це ще один крок у зміцненні ролі нашого центру серед світових лідерів галузі.

Перший день приніс потужні ідеї: штучний інтелект у тренінгах, інновації для безпечніших операцій та нове бачення розвитку робочої сили.

OPITO Global 2025 – День 2

Другий день конференції OPITO Global 2025 в Абу-Дабі був особливим — адже саме центри, схвалені OPITO, стали головними учасниками дискусій та воркшопів.

Серед головних моментів:

• надихаючий виступ відомого моряка та мандрівника Pete Goss MBE;

• офіційне вітальне слово від Alex Spencer, COO OPITO;

• промова від Ibraheem Al Za’abi, ADNOC Technical Academy;

• серія практичних воркшопів від команди OPITO, зосереджених на розробці продуктів, забезпеченні якості та стратегічних партнерствах.

Цей день подарував багато ідей та практичних інсайтів про те, як технології змінюють тренінги та формують нові стандарти безпеки і компетентності.

#kmstc #opito_global_2025 #training #safety #maritime #innovation

Seafarer’s Mental Health Awareness online course aims to cultivate mental resilience, enhance understanding of mental health challenges specific to maritime life, and equip participants with practical skills to support themselves and their colleagues.
The course delegates will get awareness mental health training onboard, how to educate the crew on recognizing signs of mental health issues, offering peer support, and understanding when to seek professional help.
Also, the course participants will be provided with access to mental health resources such as helplines, wellness apps, and workshops that promote mental health awareness.

Новий онлайн тренінг від ХМСТЦ, спрямований на розвиток ментальної стійкості, покращення розуміння проблем психічного здоров’я, та надання учасникам практичних навичок підтримки себе та своїх колег.

Учасники курсу пройдуть навчання з питань психічного здоров’я на борту, навчать екіпаж розпізнавати ознаки проблем із психічним здоров’ям, пропонувати підтримку і розуміти, коли потрібно звертатися за професійною допомогою.

Крім того, учасникам курсу буде надано доступ до ресурсів психічного здоров’я, таких як телефони довіри, оздоровчі програми та семінари, які сприяють обізнаності щодо психічного здоров’я.

On December 19, 2024, KMSTC KSMA was successfully recertified by “Bureau Veritas”, confirmed the compliance and effectiveness of the QMS that meets the requirements of the Quality Management System standards of the international standard ISO 9001:2015 and the national standard DSTU ISO 9001:2015. The BV auditors checked and noted high level of completeness and implementation of the Quality Management System that was confirmed by the absence of nonconformance.

19.12.2024 ХМСТЦ ХДМА успішно пройшов ресертифікаційний аудит, підтвердив відповідність та результативність системи управління якістю, яка відповідає вимогам стандартів Системи Менеджменту Якості міжнародного стандарту ISO 9001:2015 та національного стандарту ДСТУ ISO 9001:2015. Аудитори компанії «Bureau Veritas» перевірили та зазначили високий рівень забезпечення та виконання системи менеджменту якості, що підтверджено відсутністю невідповідностей та зауважень.

Дорогі друзі, ми раді повідомити Вам про початок онлайн Bulk Carrier Course. Курс передбачає ознайомлення та навчання складської підготовки, включаючи процедури розрахунку сипучих вантажів, вантажно-розвантажувальних робіт, транспортування та контролю, безпечні процедури розвантаження. Деталі курсу доступні за Посиланням.

Dear friends, we are pleased to announced you about the start of the Instructor Led-Training Bulk Carrier Course Online. The course provides familiarization and training for stowage preparation including calculation procedures of bulk cargoes, loading operations, transportation and monitoring care, safe unloading procedures. Details available by Link.

Дорогі друзі, раді повідомити вам про старт онлайн курсу Heavy Lift Carrier, комплексна навчальна програма якого розроблена з метою надання морським професіоналам необхідних знань та навичок для виконання ефективних вантажних операцій на великовантажному судні. Деталі курсу доступні за Посиланням.

Dear friends, we are pleased to announced you about the start of the Heavy Lift Carrier online course, the comprehensive curriculum of which is designed to provide maritime professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform effective cargo operations on a heavy-duty vessel. Details available by Link.

Наразі ХМСТЦ надає високоякісні онлайн курси. Курси проводяться висококваліфікованими інструкторами із унікальним багаторічним досвідом роботи на суднах різного типу. Для деталей натисни на Посилання.

Currently KMSTC provides high-quality online courses. Trainings are conducted by highly qualified instructors with unique many years of experience on different types of vessels. for details click on Link.

ВАЖЛИВО! ХМСТЦ ТИМЧАСОВО ПРИЗУПИНИЛО ПРОВЕДЕННЯ НАСТУПНИХ КАТЕГОРІЙ КУРСІВ:

• ПДНВ
• ДЛЯ КАДЕТІВ
• ОФШОР

IMPORTANT! KMSTC TEMPORARY SUSPENDED THE DELIVERY OF THE CATEGORIES BELOW:

• STCW
• FOR CADETS
• OFFSHORE

On 23.02.24, “Bureau Veritas” checked KMSTC KSMA Quality Management System and recognized it meets the requirements of the standards of the Quality Management System in accordance with the requirements of the international standard ISO 9001:2015 and the national standard of DSTU ISO 9001:2015. The auditor noted the high level of completeness and implementation of the Quality Management System, which was confirmed by the absence of nonconformance.

23.02.24 аудиторська компанія «Bureau Veritas» перевірила та визнала, що система управління якістю ХМСТЦ ХДМА відповідає вимогам стандартів Системи Менеджменту Якості у відповідності до вимог міжнародного стандарту ISO 9001:2015 та національного стандарту ДСТУ ISO 9001:2015. Аудитор зазначив високий рівень забезпечення та виконання системи менеджменту якості, що підтверджено відсутністю невідповідностей та зауважень.

On November 8-9, the OPITO GLOBAL 2023 conference was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The key slogan of which was cooperation and general contribution to the global energy transition.

Ukraine was represented by the Kherson Maritime Specialized Training Centre and its director Serhiy Dudchenko. World-class speakers took part in the event.

It is a great honor and motivation for us to continue applying of existing OPITO training standards and implementing new ones.

Special thanks to the OPITO team for supporting our country and the KMSTC in these trying times.

We are sure we will return to a peaceful life and the usual services of our Centre very soon!

A new tailor-made course “Tropical Storm and Heavy Weather Navigation” was successfully launched on the KMSTC online platform.

The instructor-led training was delivered by captain Dmytro Makarchuk.

The instructor used modern techniques on learning management system Moodle Workplace.

A complex of different blended learning solutions made knowledge gaining process easy and successful.

The 3-day course consists of two modules: 1 – General Aspects of Tropical Storms and Navigational Measures necessary to avoid Tropical Storms; and 2 – Maneuver and Handle the Ship in Heavy Weather and Sea Conditions. Roll Resonances, Route Optimization & Weather Routing Services.

During the course participants studied and applied correctly anti-collision plot and 1-2-3 Mariner’s rules to avoid Tropical Storms.

A final workshop on avoidance of roll resonance was completed successfully by all learners.

The gained knowledge will help them in future to apply correctly required control measures to avoid tropical storms or severe weather conditions, maintaining safe ship handling principles even during the navigation in adverse weather conditions.

All course participants left positive feedbacks.

We are glad to present you a new Marlow Navigation Training Journal. The latest industry news, modern systems of maritime education, remote learning for seafarers and much more are represented in it. Also, you can read the article dedicated to the 10th anniversary of KMSTC.

Click for details