With the implementation of sub-chapter M, training is now a requirement for all vessel personnel. But besides the regulatory requirements, training has numerous benefits for your organization.

• Productivity. Productivity usually increases when a company implements training.
• Confidence. Because employees have a better understanding of their job responsibilities, they’re empowered to make decisions which in turn benefit the company.
• Competence. Employees who are competent and informed about their job and industry changes helps you maintain a competitive edge.
• Flexibility. Training creates knowledgeable employees who can take over for one another as needed without constant help and supervision from others.
• Consistency. Training ensures a consistent knowledge base among employees for things like basic policies and procedures.
• Innovation. Training encourages creativity and problem-solving. New ideas can result from the interaction and open communication associated with training.
• Employee turnover. Because training and development is viewed as a company benefit, it tends to reduce turnover.
• Branding. Training helps to develop your company brand because you are more attractive to applicants if they know you will help them improve their skills.

Training Content.

Training should be relevant to the work activities or job responsibilities. While theoretical concepts can be introduced in training to form the reasoning behind skills presented, the bulk of the training should focus, as closely as possible, to actual workplace activities. More cognitive based skills development like Leadership Training or Customer Service Training should include skill building exercises that employ techniques such as problem-solving, case studies, and role playing. More technical or procedural skills should incorporate simulations, and practical exercises.

Training Methods.

While there are several methods that can be used to conduct training, each has its advantages and disadvantages. One thing to consider is the suitability of the method as it applies to the skill you are trying to develop. If you are trying to develop teamwork or communications skills, self-study may not be as good as other training methods. For things like technical training, however, self-study may be appropriate. Below is a chart of some of the advantages and disadvantages of each training method.

Training Format	Advantages	Disadvantages
On-the-job Training	• Economical • Offers very practical application in developing skills • Training can be tailored to the trainee’s pace and learning style	• May affect worker productivity • Training can be tailored to the trainee’s pace and learning style • May be time-consuming depending on the trainee’s learning abilities
Mentoring	• Economical • Allow for personalized training • Allows for self-directed learning by trainee • Targeted training content	• Dependent on the skill of the mentor. • Can impact worker productivity • Dependent of the trainee’s natural initiative to learn.
In-house Training	• Valuable method for brainstorming and innovation • Builds moral & teamwork • Offers targeted training content	• Costly because of wages and training expense. • Time consuming • Can impact productivity
Computer-based Training	• Cost effective • Offers flexibility in training availability. • Ability to track trainees progress	• May not be the best platform for certain types of skills training • Requires specific technology • May lack specific content requirements
General Session Training	• Offers a diversity of perspectives because of the variety of participants. • Less costly than in-house training • Usually superior quality of content and trainers	• Lacks specificity required for some types of skill development • Difficult to find programs that are exactly what employees need • Trainees may not feel comfortable with interacting within groups • May not be readily available
Self-study	• Very economical • Self-paced to the trainee’s ability to learn the information • Offer flexibility to the learning process	• Dependent on the motivation of the employee • Initial costs associated with development of study materials • Skill development may be slow if used as the exclusive method
Simulations	• Exercise can be formulated to directly relate to work activities • Offers some flexibility in conducting the training	• Costly to develop and conduct • Generally, at a fixed location and not mobile • Limits the number of participants

We recommend a combination of techniques to promote learning and information retention. People learn differently, so by using a combination of training methods you increase the opportunity for the retention of information presented. Further, information should be presented in 20-minute bursts, with practical exercises that require the skill to be applied and demonstrated.

If you have a limited training budget, on-the-job training can be combined with computer-based or self-study training to provide a low-cost, effective training program provided the course content is good. You can purchase prepared materials or develop them yourself, whichever is more cost effective for you.

Training does not have to be a burden. It can be a valuable tool to help your workforce improve. If you need assistance developing something that works for your organization, contact us at www.inlandrivershr.com.