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and fatigue. most basic and often overlooked advice is to ensure you have

Also, remember that overtraining is not the same as over- a structured approach to reviewing it at regular intervals, not assessing. In fact, there are many arguments for an increase on an ad-hoc basis. Periodic reviews offer an opportunity to in the use of assessments. Consider expanding and focusing identify gaps or redundancies in the training program. Are your use of assessments to not only gauge competency, but there areas where the crew is consistently underperforming? to inform training requirements. Regular assessments can Is the training program covering the same material multiple help identify which skills are most crucial. They also can help times without adding value? Answers to these questions can measure knowledge or skill fade which provides concrete data guide revisions to the training program, eliminating unneces- on the ideal frequency for retraining intervals. This approach sary repetition and focusing on areas that need improvement.

helps get to the root of the problem; training what is needed Overtraining is an easy trap to fall into in our quest for rather than training regardless of what is already known. safety and performance. The ? rst step in avoiding the trap is

Another great and often overlooked source of training gov- recognizing that it exists. Once we understand that, give some ernance is the trainees themselves. Involve the crew in the thought to avoiding the trap using some of the above tech- decision-making process by soliciting their feedback on the niques.

effectiveness, relevance, and frequency of both online train- Thanks for reading. Until next time, keep well and sail safely!

ing and physical drills. This is one piece of useful data to be considered in your process of regularly reviewing and updat-

The Author ing your training programs. Both online courses and physi- cal drills can become outdated because of advancements in

Goldberg technology, changes in regulations, or shifts in operational

Murray Goldberg is CEO of Marine strategies. Keeping all of your curricula updated and relevant

Learning Systems. reduces the effects of overtraining.

Email: [email protected]

And in terms of training governance more generally, the

Performance & Emission Monitoring

Coming Soon!

chris-marine.com

MR #9 (1-17).indd 11 9/7/2023 9:33:09 AM