Marlins Approved Test Centres Open in Panama, Ethiopia
By Aiswarya Lakshmi
Friday, August 25, 2017
Marlins, V.Group’s training business, has approved two new test centres in Panama and Ethiopia. The test centre in Panama is the first Marlins approved test centre in Central America.
The centres – E4Seafarers in Panama and Andromeda Marine Surveying and Consultancy PLC in Ethiopia will offer both Marlins UK Maritime and Coast Guard Agency (MCA) approved STCW testing and certification as well as English language testing. .
Darren Cassidy, sales and marketing manager, Marlins said: “The provision of Marlins UK MCA approved assessment and certification continues to expand, with 200 Marlins approved test centres in 42 countries, we are reaching more seafaring communities than ever before.”
This was an important achievement explains Captain Francisco Tajú Guardia, general manager, E4Seafarers: “Seafarers from Central America can now demonstrate to ship operators and maritime administrators that they have been assessed on their ability to communicate in English – a requirement that has been given additional emphasis with the implementation of the STCW Manila amendments.”
Bisrat Hailu, general manager, Andromeda Marine Survey and Consultancy plc adds: “Our aim is to support Ethiopia’s efforts to become a force in the shipping industry by providing high-end training and consultancy services to existing as well as prospective seafarers in the country. We identified that the Marlins English language testing was a critical element in achieving this aim and believe that as a result of the assessment, it will improve their chances of getting jobs in the international shipping sector.”