Exis Technologies launches e-learning courses to aid compliance with CTU Code and container VGM requirements, 10 May 2016
Exis is pleased to announce the introduction of two new
e-learning courses for safe handling and packing in accordance with
the CTU Code and to assist compliance with the SOLAS Verification
of Gross Mass (VGM) regulation. TT Club has provided sponsorship to
support development of the courses.
As consistently evidenced by the experience of both global
freight transport insurer, TT Club and the Cargo Incident
Notification System (CINS) Organisation, poor CTU packing is
responsible for an alarmingly high number of incidents leading to
damage, loss, injuries and fatalities. Additionally, the
declaration of incorrect container weight (or Gross Mass) also
contributes to adverse safety conditions.
There have been two recent, important developments that are
aimed at improving this situation. The first is the introduction of
the Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU
Code) formulated jointly by three United Nations bodies, IMO, ILO
and UNECE*, and approved as non-mandatory international law. The
second is the amendment to SOLAS** to require verified gross mass
(VGM) for packed containers, which enters into mandatory force on 1
July 2016.
Exis Technologies, a leading supplier of compliance systems to
the freight transport industry, has responded to these positive
initiatives to improve transport safety by introducing two new
e-learning courses.
- Introduction to the CTU Code Course provides an overview to the
CTU Code. It highlights how to navigate the key sections of the
Code and how it can support training in the packing and securing of
cargo into/onto CTUs. The course is aimed at all those who are
involved in packing and consigning goods through the supply chain,
including warehouse operators, forwarders, freight depot staff,
hauliers and logistics service providers. This practical course
contains direct links to the electronic version of the CTU
Code.
- Introduction to Freight Container VGM Course explores the
verified gross mass requirement, including the two methods
permitted in obtaining VGM, being weighing the container once it is
packed (Method 1) or weighing all the constituent parts and adding
that to the tare mass of the container (Method 2). This course is
designed to provide all the information needed to understand why
this legal requirement was developed, its objectives and offer
practical solutions.
The new courses will follow the tried and tested e-learning
format already being used for the Exis IMDG Code e-learning
courses, launched in January 2010 to meet the mandatory
requirements for training of shore side staff involved in shipping
dangerous goods by sea.
The end of course review and assessment will provide a final
summary and test understanding of the material covered. A
course completion certificate will automatically be generated that
can be printed out and kept as a record of training.
The courses are available for the web or as SCORM (learning
management system) compliant content packages for national,
regional or global training programs. The courses are set up on an
e-learning administrator system to enable in-house management for
staff undertaking the training, including course configuration,
setting pass marks and timeframes for completion and progress
monitoring.
Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk Management Director, TT
Club, commented, "TT Club has long been concerned over the
safety implications of badly packed cargoes in containers and other
cargo transport units (CTUs). The CTU Code and changes to
SOLAS requiring Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of packed containers are
important steps in promoting good practice and improving efficiency
in the supply chain. Training is clearly the number one loss
prevention measure and, if adopted as a core feature of the
operator's culture, can greatly reduce the number of incidents
incurred globally each year throughout the industry. These
e-learning courses offer high quality and easily accessible
training for all those involved in freight transport, each of whom
materially impact safety."
The new courses are also supported by the International Cargo
Handling Association (ICHCA).
More information is available at www.ctupack.com
*International Maritime Organization, International Labour
Organization, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
**International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea