Why a training centre should be accredited by The Nautical Institute?

• You will have approval to deliver to the biggest pool of customers.
• You will be accredited by a company (The NI) that has set up a benchmark in the maritime industry, having approval from various flag administrations.
• You will be accredited to offer BCO Courses based on a scheme which is robust, recognised and accepted by the Flag Administrations.
• You will receive the NI’s largest discount on publications (Up to 40 percent).
• You will participate in a scheme which is managed by The Nautical Institute.
• Your accreditation will have a validity of 3 years.
• Your audit will be supported by the engagement of independent auditor and consultant.
• You will be re-accredited on a three-yearly cycle to ensure that you maintain the highest standards.
• You will receive support throughout the auditing process and beyond, while your accreditation remains valid with a world-wide network of technical and administrative support.

What steps will a training centre take to be accredited for the first time?

You will initially receive the following from the NI:-

• Accreditation Application
• Accreditation Agreement
• Confidentiality Agreement
• Plagiarism Contract
• Account Holder Details (for the Contact Person)

Email invite to upload documents in the NI “Sharefile” system

Before the Audit

• Application and other forms to be filled up to register the request.
• All documents related to the audit must be uploaded into the respective folders and sub folders in the NI ShareFile System 3 months before the agreed audit date for a pre-audit check by auditors. (Shorter lead-time may be considered in exceptional cases.)
• On request, The NI may grant approval to run test courses (maximum two) before the audit.
• You will need to agree audit costs.

Audit

• You will need to be delivering a BCO Course at the time of the audit.
• One auditor (for Admin and Technical Audits) will be made available for the audit.
• The scope of the audit will be compliant to all the requirements outlined in The BCO Accreditation Standard.

After the Audit

• The audit report will be discussed with the auditee.
• The formal accreditation report will be generated from The NI based on the audit report.
• In the event there are no non-conformities or requirements a full term 3-year license will be issued.
• In the event there are non-conformities or requirements a temporary license will be issued. The non-conformities or requirements must be closed within the validity of the temporary license.
• Your centre will be added to the list of accredited training centres on the NI website.

Are there any minimum entry requirements to attend the course?

No, there are no minimum entry requirements, but the required standard is quite high. Therefore, experience in stability of ships or MODU would be an advantage.

Does the NI provide the certification for Ballast control - Course operator or Course B?

Yes, this certificate for the operator is issued and provided by The Nautical Institute.

Does the NI provide the logbooks for Ballast control & stability training?

Yes. The BCO logbook can be obtain from the NI approved training centre or contacting the NI by email: pubs@nautinst.org

Who recognises this certificate?

Vanuatu and Marshall Island flag states recognizes the certificate but is a requirement that most Oil and Drilling companies would insist that the operator holds this certificate.