North P&I Club Welcomes International Delegation to Renowned Residential Training Course
North P&I Club has successfully hosted its annual industry-renowned residential training course. Running for over 20 years the course is held at Lumley Castle and South Shields Marine School in Northeast England each June. According to analysis by NewcastleGateshead Initiative it has injected approximately £135,000 into the local economy.
North’s residential training course is considered by many to be the global benchmark for excellence in marine insurance training. Attended by a large number of delegates spanning the shipping industry, including shipowners, lawyers, surveyors, club correspondents and insurance professionals from 15 different countries, the unique course is delivered via a series of expert-led presentations and discussions to help attendees develop real world skills in both a practical and theoretical manner through focused workshops, lively debates and role-play exercises.
North’s commitment to education and training has underpinned its service to members for many years. According to Tony Baker, Director of Loss Prevention at North P&I, the skill mix required by shipping companies is continuing to change, meaning that shipping personnel must continue their professional development throughout their careers. “The most successful leaders are the ones who continue to learn and grow. Equipping seafarers and shore staff with these skills not only benefits their organisation through improved working relationships and enhanced performance, but also provides them with a proven framework to build understanding and develop the skills necessary to solve a wide range of problems. As well as this, shipping is a close-knit community and our delegates meet fellow professionals from around the world and make professional connections that can prove invaluable.”
The delegates from across the maritime industry enjoyed ship visits, a simulated collision exercise conducted in partnership with South Shields Marine School, as well as networking with peers, course leaders, and in-house experts. North works closely with the Port of Tyne to ensure that its delegates gain direct expose to both shipping and the infrastructure that it surrounds and supports it, for a holistic understanding of the wider shipping supply chain and the potential challenges that may be faced by ship owners.
Tony Baker continued, “The cycle time for new technology has compressed and will continue to do so. If people are an organisation’s best asset – and at North we believe that they are – then the skill level of their staff must be continually developed, from cadet level to the boardroom. A strong learning culture is a source of sustainable competitive advantage and companies that invest in their employees’ education will reap the dividends by expanding their capabilities and future-proofing their businesses.”
Since North began its residential training course in 1993, the North East of England has warmly welcomed hundreds of delegates from across the globe.
ENDS
For further information contact: Kim Heaselden on +44 191 232 5221, or Nick Arthur on +44 1865 514214
Notes to editors
1. North P&I Club is a leading global marine insurer providing P&I, FD&D, war risks and ancillary insurance to 140 million GT of owned tonnage. Through its guaranteed subsidiary Sunderland Marine, North is also a leading insurer of fishing vessels, small craft and aquaculture risks. The Standard and Poor’s ‘A’ rated Club is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK with regional offices and subsidiaries in China (Hong Kong and Shanghai), Greece, Japan, Singapore and Sunderland Marine offices worldwide. North is a leading member of the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG), with over 12% of the IG’s owned tonnage. The 13 IG clubs provide liability cover for approximately 90% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage and, as a member of the IG, North protects and promotes the interests of the international shipping industry. For further information visit: