About IAMI
IAMI membership is open to Colleges, Universities and Training Providers who offer maritime education & training programs to seafarers worldwide.
The International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) is the network of colleges and universities which have worked together for over 100 years. Whilst originally a UK centric operation, IAMI have branched out worldwide over the last 10 years, and the members list can be seen below.
The main role of IAMI is to act as the conduit with the various UK maritime regulators, employers and education bodies; including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the deep sea employer group via the Chamber of Shipping (at the Merchant Navy Training Board), the Maritime Skills Alliance, and at European Union based educational forums.
IAMI operate four separate sub-groups, including the Deck/Navigational Training, Engineering Training, Small Craft Training and from January 2019, Marine Hospitality Training.
IAMI welcomes new members who share their vision and goals in the improvement in training and education for seafarers. Members are invited to attend any of the relevant Sub Groups to discuss the issues on current training and demand for new training and qualifications development.
In addition, IAMI hold an annual conference and AGM in May each year which all IAMI members are welcome to attend.
Aims Improvement & development in Maritime Education
The aim of the Association is to provide a platform for an exchange of views between colleges and a channel of communication between the colleges jointly and the various national bodies involved in the training and certification process. The Association is on the consultation list of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the UK regulatory body for marine matters, and its members are frequently in touch regarding both day to day practicalities and future developments.
Representation International Maritime Education Policy
We are represented on the Technical Committee & Careers Forums of the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), and work closely together with the industry and the MCA though that mechanism and through various working parties and sub-committees to agree standards and develop provision. In addition to an Annual Conference, at which colleges meet to discuss marine education and training issues with each other and with representatives of MNTB and MCA, IAMI is expanding its representation through events and further membership and affiliations with other international training organisations so as to increase its influence and recognition.
Activities
Some of the major areas of activity over recent years include the take-over of the GUEST Program of education aimed at crew working hospitality and service departments in the Superyacht sector, and subsequently the formation of the Maritime Hospitality Sub Group; as well as the breakthrough development of new routes to Certification based on the occupational requirements of the industry and STCW 95 while working with MNTB, MCA and industry to develop and maintain Occupational Standards and devise schemes of training for entrants at a variety of levels to meet the needs of different sectors of the industry.
Affiliations
IAMI is formally affiliated by membership to several sister organisations such as IMarEST and extends and receives mutual invitations to engage in joint areas of interest. These links help to forge alliances that enable effective lobbying of government at both national and international levels. It likewise is proactive in areas of marine training where there is rapid growth in demands for qualified mariners such as Superyacht and the renewable energy sectors
Qualifications
Marine higher education diplomas and degree courses have been developed over the last 50 years to deliver and accredit the required underpinning knowledge for a wide and diverse range of marine professionals. IAMI members have created appropriate mechanisms to enable those partially qualified within or outside of the core marine industry to meet the necessary standards to obtain higher academic qualifications. Revised competence based qualifications have also been devised and accredited to the required standard to guide and measure on board development for seafarers. The Association also participated in the formulation of the standard, published by MNTB on behalf of MCA, for statutory short courses to meet STCW 95 requirements.
Member
Institutions The founding UK Member Colleges (most now having become Universities) have a combined wealth of experience in marine education, with committed and well-qualified staff offering an excellent range of modern facilities for simulation and practical training. They pride themselves on maintaining the highest standards of teaching and of integrity, particularly in relation to assessment, and in responding to the needs of the marine industry at large, both specific shipping companies and to the individual mariner.
Examinations
IAMI members individually deliver the full range of maritime courses from higher marine education (degree level), training of all professional mariners’ qualifications (short courses) and GUEST Approved training programmes. A major area of educational activity for IAMI over recent years has been the active development of new routes to marine statutory certification based on the occupational requirements of the industry and the requirements of STCW 95 – as amended. For example, IAMI is closely involved in administering the certification process for STCW certificates of competency on mega yachts up to 3000grt. IAMI host the GUEST Modules Certification platform and in addition undertakes the key role (on behalf of the Maritime Coastguard Agency) to prepare written examinations and manage the assessment of students on the Large Commercial Yachts (Super yachts) Deck Yacht examination modules and STCW, including Engineering Officer of the Watch and Boat Master Examination modules.
About IAMI MHSG
The IAMI Maritime Hospitality Training Development Sub Group is made up of volunteering IAMI Members who have an interest and influence within Hospitality and Service education for the Maritime sector.
Key objective is:
Promoting and Delivering Professional Standards for Luxury Maritime Hospitality
With 3 meetings a year and breakout groups working on various projects the members of this Sub Group are dedicated to meeting the objectives for Hospitality and Service education and recognition of GUEST qualifications throughout other relevant sectors.
About GUEST
The GUEST Program is accredited by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), and is the only Internationally Accredited Maritime Hospitality Program available to Crew working in the Luxury Super Yacht sector.
The Impact of GUEST
The GUEST Program provides Interior Yacht crew an opportunity to follow a defined and formal progressive career path. The benefits of this bespoke training make onboard duties and hospitality services easier to deliver due to increased practical knowledge and greater confidence. This training produces a more professional crew member who is better equipped to meet the expectations and demands of the owners, on any yacht. This training is not mandatory, yet through an “Industry Standard of Training” GUEST provides a common base line to better serve the needs of the owner’s expectations onboard
For those pursuing a career as Interior Yacht Crew the GUEST structure provides a balance of work experience with formal training, through both onboard experience combined with qualifications achieved at introductory level and advanced level, leading on to a managerial level. Establishing a comprehensive industry standard for Professional Interior Crew, interior crew can now benefit from a clearly defined training route, leading to an industry recognised GUEST Certificate of Competence.
GUEST Training Standards
The GUEST Program is defined through a set of Guidelines outlining the certification route of training, which is modular in structure, through specifications, learning objectives and assessment criteria for each individual module. These Guidelines are benchmarks to allowing each Training Provider to adapt their own training styles to include the minimum standards of training expected by the yachting industry. This ensures a unified, comprehensive & bespoke training for each student. Through audits and continued monitoring, IAMI can ensure that the training standards being delivered follow the standards set out in the GUEST Guidelines.
Consultation & Development
The GUEST Program guidelines were developed over 5 years by the PYA CPD workgroup who created a comprehensive, unified and bespoke career structure for training and certification for those working in Superyacht interior departments. The workgroup included PYA CPD members, Owners Representatives, Captains, Chief Stewardesses and Stewards, Sommeliers, Charter Agents, and Training Providers. Following the IAMI takeover of GUEST in January 2019, and subsequently through the IAMI Maritime Hospitality Training Development Sub Group team, the GUEST Program is now in a position to benefit and mature from influences such as the Maritime Skills Alliance Qualifications route and other Hospitality sectors. The IAMI MHSG is committed to continuously improve the training structures and objectives through continuousreviews to advance the value of the training as demands and trends change.
GUEST is recognised, supported and endorsed by the major Super Yacht Associations and heads of industry, who consider the GUEST Program the global standard for Hospitality and Service training provision for crew working in the interior department’s onboard Super Yachts.
ISS Endorses GUEST
The mission of the ISS is to ensure sustainability and excellence in the global superyachting industry. The ISS Board of Directors is united in viewing the positioning of this unparalleled experience to potential new owners and promoting superyachting favourably for the enjoyment of owners and charter guests alike as paramount. A cornerstone of achieving these goals is promoting professionalism throughout the industry, particularly to those who are in direct contact with our customers, namely, crew. We believe that by endorsing GUEST Program, we are meeting this objective twofold. First, GUEST provides direct training for the improvement of services provided onboard; and, second, GUEST provides educational opportunities while encouraging professionalism to the very individuals who set the tone through their direct interaction with yachting families and their friends. ISS is therefore pleased to support the training offered through the GUEST program and acknowledges that training leads to higher levels of service and hospitality through learned competencies of excellence.”
MYBA Endorses GUEST
“MYBA is a worldwide professional trade association dedicated to the sale, purchase, charter and management of crewed superyachts. Our objectives are to foster the highest standards of professional principles throughout the industry and this includes managing the expectations of our discerning clients. As soon as our clients step on board, we hand responsibility for their well-being to the yacht’s crew, especially the interior crew, so it is crucial that we as an Association have complete faith in those charged with meeting their expectations. The GUEST program is the platform for the improvement and recognition of professional standards amongst interior crew in the superyacht industry and MYBA is proud to support & endorse it.”
SYBAss Endorses GUEST
“One of the main goals of SYBAss is to elevate the level of professionalism throughout the superyacht industry, and professional training and qualifications play a vital role in achieving this. SYBAss is therefore pleased to support the GUEST programme, recognising as we do that the first-class yachts built by our members are only enjoyed to their full potential when operated by a first-class crew.” ,“The superyacht lifestyle that we as industry advocate towards (future) clients as ultimate and unrivalled experience, is majorly determined by the crew operating the yachts. The hardware our members build can be of the highest quality, but if the software is not in balance, the overall experience fails. The professionalism and consistency of crew service is therefore vital for the superyacht industry in order to thrive and further grow. SYBAss members recognize this importance and take responsibility by supporting its partner associations in developing training programmes.”
GUEST Unit & Progression Charts
Includes GUEST Purser Program & IAMI Leadership Program
Updates 2020:
Reviews of the specifications and assessment criteria are identified annually and updated in this section of the Guidelines.
Unit 04 includes interior Administrations recommended as the underpinning knowledge & prior learning for Unit’s 05, 07, 08 & 09.
Alternatively the Training Provider may provide the Administration elements either through additional learning hours or through prior learning or assignment learning. The Student Assessment Form for Unit 04 will be used as part of the Assessment criteria for each of these named Advanced Modules.
Unit 08 & 09: It is recommended to have the underpinning knowledge learnt in Unit 08 Laundry Service Module prior to completing Unit 09 Valet Service Module
IAMI Leadership Program: Designed for all onboard HoD’s and teams, and forms part of the GUEST Management Training and GUEST Purser Program, leading to issue of COC
Combined Modules: Unit numbers 25 to 28 are available to approved Training Providers on a case by case basis. It is expected that these modules would be completed on consecutive days
About SAMSA
Established under the SAMSA Act 5 of 1998, The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of life and property at sea, combating marine pollution, and promoting South Africa's maritime interests both locally and on the global stage.
Why SAMSA Matters to Us and You
The objectives of the Authority are:
To ensure safety of life and property at sea;
To prevent and combat pollution from ships in the marine environment; and
To promote the Republic's maritime interests.
SAMSA has also been charged with the responsibility of executing the following:
Administration of the Merchant shipping (National Small Vessel Safety) Regulation, 2007, as amended (the Regulations).
The Regulations extends SAMSA's Core mandate to include inland waterways (only waterways accessible to the public) within the Republic. That is to ensure boating safety on our waters.
Implementing and executing the Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) of vessels along the South African coastline.
The Long-Range vessels monitoring system assist in securing South Africa's coastal waters in the midst of the rising lawlessness at sea, with particular reference to the worrying scourge of pirate attacks along the east coast of Africa.
SAMSA's stringent objectives and responsibilities resonate with our core values at Trilogy Luxury Placements. By adhering to SAMSA's standards, we ensure that our courses, processes and training materials not only meet but exceed the industry's expectations for safety, quality, and environmental protection.
VISION
The Authority Championing South Africa's Global Maritime ambitions.
MISSION
To promote South Africa's maritime interests and development and position the country as an international Maritime Centre while ensuring maritime safety, health and environmental protection.
In line with its objectives, as stated in Section 3 of the SAMSA Act, the SAMSA’s primary areas of responsibility include:
Participating in the development and implementation of national and international maritime safety and marine environment protection standards;
Enforcing technical and operational standards for all shipping operations in South African waters and for South African ships anywhere, to promote responsible operations in terms of seaworthiness, safety and pollution prevention;
Enforcing training standards and competency of Seafarers;
Managing the national capability to respond to marine pollution incidents and other maritime emergencies;
Operating the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre to coordinate maritime assistance services and to detect, and co-ordinate the location and rescue of people in maritime distress situations throughout the internationally agreed South African Search and Rescue Region;
Overseeing the provision of maritime distress and safety communications services to discharge South Africa's responsibilities under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System;
Administering South Africa's voluntary ship reporting system (SAFREP) for identifying and tracking ships at sea for safety purposes and to provide a ships' database for responding to marine emergencies;
Investigating maritime casualties; and
Delivering related services including:
Public awareness and education in marine safety and pollution prevention;
Administration of South Africa's ship registration system; and
Publication of, and access to, ship safety and environmental standards.
SAMSA delivers four main outputs consistent with its mandate and responsibilities:
Safety and environment protection standards for responsible maritime transport operations;
An infrastructure for monitoring and enforcing compliance with safety and environment protection standards;
The capability to respond to marine pollution incidents and other maritime emergencies; and
The capability to detect, locate and rescue people in maritime distress situations.
Ensuring Compliance and Excellence
Audits and Accreditation:
Our operations undergo regular audits by SAMSA to ensure continuous compliance with their exacting standards. This includes everything from the examination and certification processes to the accreditation of our training programs and the equipment we endorse.
Training Institutions and Medical Practitioners:
We work exclusively with SAMSA-accredited training institutions and medical practitioners, ensuring that all educational curricula, lecturers, and medical examinations for seafarers meet SAMSA's rigorous standards for quality and safety.
Service Stations and Lifesaving Equipment:
In our recommendations for vessel and seafarer equipment, we rely on service stations and maintenance facilities approved by SAMSA, guaranteeing the reliability and safety of the lifesaving equipment essential to our industry.
STCW I/10 Recognition:
Our compliance with the STCW I/10 Recognition agreements underscores our commitment to international conventions and agreements, further elevating our standing in the global maritime community.
About Highfield
Highfield is not just an awarding organization but a global leader in compliance, work-based learning, and apprenticeship qualifications, renowned for setting the gold standard across numerous industries including hospitality, which is at the heart of the yachting sector.
Highfield Qualifications has carved a niche for itself as one of the UK’s most prestigious awarding organizations, regulated by several esteemed bodies including Ofqual, Qualifications Wales, SQA Accreditation, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), and the Security Industry Authority (SIA). This widespread recognition underlines the credibility and high standards of the qualifications Highfield offers.
Furthermore, as a government-regulated end-point assessment organization (EPAO), Highfield has developed over 300 qualifications designed to significantly enhance the career prospects of learners. These qualifications are delivered by more than 40,000 trainers and training providers across over 100 countries, covering a wide array of sectors that are vital to the global economy.
Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety at Sea (RQF)
We are a Highfield Qualified center, and offer the Highfield qualification of Level 2 Award in Food Safety at Sea (RQF) in our Level 2 Food Hygiene Course. This course is indispensable for any culinary professional aiming to work in the yachting industry, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of food safety and hygiene on board.
The curriculum and examination for this qualification are spearheaded by Richard Sprenger, a leading figure in food safety globally. His expertise and insights ensure that the course not only meets but exceeds the requirements set by enforcement officers and industry standards, providing our candidates with unparalleled knowledge and skills in food safety.
Why Choose Trilogy Luxury Training for Your Highfield Qualification?
Expertise: As a Highfield Qualified Centre, we are equipped with the resources and expertise to deliver top-notch education and training in food safety, tailored specifically to the unique demands of the yachting industry.
Global Recognition: The qualifications you earn with us are recognized and respected worldwide, opening doors to opportunities in the global maritime sector.
Industry Relevance: Our training programs are designed with the specific needs of the yachting industry in mind, ensuring that you gain relevant and practical skills that enhance your employability and career growth.
Quality Assurance: With Highfield's rigorous standards and Trilogy Luxury Training’s commitment to excellence, you can rest assured that your education is in good hands.
At Trilogy Luxury Training, we are committed to providing our candidates with the best possible start to their careers in the yachting industry. By partnering with Highfield Qualifications, we ensure that our candidates are not only prepared to meet the challenges of their roles but also to excel in them, setting a new standard of excellence in maritime hospitality.