SEAWAYS ADVISORY

Testimonials

What our clients and graduates say about the SeaWays training experience.

Seaways Advisory

FEATURED TESTIMONIAL

Arie Nygh’s philosophy stemmed from his own bad experience of poor training and feeling out of his depth. Rather than succumb, Arie developed an analytical approach to tug-handling and formulated a proficiency-based training — borrowed from his son’s Air Force training to fly F-18 jets. Using this technique, Arie went on to train 350 tug masters over the last 15 years.
Port Otago asked Arie to train four novices — three pilots and one GBO — to complete Module 1 Tug-Handling over a 10-day period. All four trainees showed great enthusiasm and commitment. No such training is wasted: all tug personnel learned masses of value which will improve their performance in fuel economy, minimising cavitation, precision-driving and tow-rope use.
Arie also introduced the concept of the annual audit, which has been taken up by several ports in Australia. This is more than a formality: it is an ongoing and maturing process which provides resilience. Some skills acquired may only ever be used once in their lives — but that might be the one time that prevents serious damage to personnel, tug or ship.
Without a shadow of doubt, Arie’s visit has been of enormous benefit to the port and we look forward to continuing the momentum thus imparted.

CAPT HUGH O’NEIL

Pilot, Port Otago, New Zealand

More from Our Clients & Graduates

Arie quickly picked up on all the bad habits I had taken on over the years of operating ASD tugs and took me back to basics — gradually building me up to speed, gaining confidence and finesse until I could master the competency course. The SeaWays training has enabled me to operate with confidence and safety and allowed me to advance my career. I would highly recommend SeaWays training to all Tug Masters.

STEVE LINTON

ASD Tugmaster — Barrow-in-Furness UK & Port Hedland Australia

The seaways training course modules one and two is without doubt the most frustrating but yet rewarding course I have attended. I found an excellent balance between theory and practical. The training was delivered by a number of highly experienced, enthusiastic instructors, each of them leaders in the field of ASD and Harbour towage. The training had a strong focus on ASD/Towage safety and provides you with the tools to respond positively in any situation.

STEVE WALL

OMSA Tugmaster — Chevron’s Gorgon Project

“I believe that not only have I learnt how to drive an ASD Tug but the correct and safest way to drive one. This course has given me a platform to start with and to build on. You have inspired me not only to become an ASD Tug Master but to become a better Master in all aspects of my career.”

MATT EVERETT

SeaWays Graduate

I completed my Azimuth training with Seaways in early 2006 and cannot thank Arie enough for the knowledge and experience he provided. Not only did we complete the hands on ASD training but covered aspects of professional development that I still use in my everyday operations. I still refer to my training almost daily and always have my training manual at hand. I would highly recommend this training to any of my officers or anyone serious about becoming a professional ASD Tugmaster.

CAPT JAYNE HOGARTH FITA

Master “Mermaid Sound” — SeaWays ASD Master #99

As an alumnus of the Seaways training system I feel confident that the skills taught allow me to do my job effectively, efficiently and safely. Harbour towage is a dynamic activity and I now feel able to get the best out of the boat and myself in responding to the ship’s needs. As a Seaways trainer I have the privilege of helping to equip future tugmasters with the skills needed to do the job well and safely, hopefully raising the industry standards as we go.

CHRIS STOCKMAN

PB Towage Training Master — Melbourne, Australia

Arie has over the years shown great commitment and professionalism in the development of standards in safety and competence management of harbour and terminal towage. His development of training and assessment programs to provide standard to safety and efficiency to these operations is remarkable. I have always found Arie a first class professional with ability to both be a team leader and to listen and evaluate others — seeing the detail but also understanding the big picture.

CAPT JARKKO TOIVOLA

Chief Maritime Specialist — Finnish Transport Agency