AMC SEARCH, the training and consultancy division of the Australian Maritime College, has signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a long-term strategic partnership with towage company KOTUG.

The MoU encompasses exclusive training of (tug) masters, ships’ crews and pilots in Australia by certified KOTUG trainers at AMC’s training facilities in Tasmania

As the only ISO 9001 certified tug training company in the world, KOTUG Training and Consultancy sets high standards for the training facilities it uses. AMC Search meets the brief, with a fully equipped and exclusive Maritime Simulation Centre in Tasmania.

AMC recently installed two Rotortug simulator bridges, the first of its kind on Tasmania and Australia’s east coast Joint Pilot Tug Master training is requested more and more by various ports and terminals in the world to increase port safety and efficiency.

Effective and efficient teamwork between pilots and tug masters is one of the key training programs to be delivered by KOTUG at the AMC Centre for Maritime Simulations in Tasmania.

The Rotortug was invented by KOTUG and, unlike traditional types of tug, it uses a three-thruster design, which provides manoeuvrability and improved response in the event of a marine emergency.

TasPorts recently added the Rotortug RT Force to its towage fleet at the Port of Bell Bay and all staff received the new training being offered by AMC Search.

Patrick Everts, general manager of KOTUG Training and Consultancy said, “We are extremely happy with this strategic partnership. Australia is one of the key growth markets and with its modern facilities, AMC Search meets our high standards for training facilities.

“Our training method consists of three components, classroom and simulator training at state-of-the-art simulators, and onboard training. It is a proven didactic method for the best training results, preparing the students for expected and unexpected real-life situations.

Dean Cook, CEO of AMC Search said, “The signing of the MoU will lead to a commercial partnership where Australian tugboat and port operators will have access to training services that will be delivered by world-class trainers in state-of-the-art simulators.

“With limited availability of tugboat simulation training capability in Australia, we look forward to working with KOTUG Training and Consultancy to help the sector access the training it needs to maintain safety and improve efficiencies.”