IMarEST accredits Dahra Global's professional development course for Qatari Emiri Navy
The IMarEST has accredited an initial professional development (IPD) programme for the Qatar Emiri Navy (QEN), developed and delivered by Dahra Global Technologies & Consultancy Services. The formal recognition comes as part of IMarEST’s longstanding mission to champion providers of high-quality marine training and foster professionalism across the sector.
Specifically, the approval covered bespoke IPD training syllabuses developed by Dahra Global in close collaboration with QEN for personnel at three key stages: naval cadets who’ve completed their four-year basic training, junior naval officer and mid-level naval officers.
How does accreditation work?
The audit involved close scrutiny of programme content, backed up by a site visit to inspect facilities first-hand. The review panel met with Dahra Global’s training design and development team, the programme leader and management staff to build a full picture of the philosophy and concepts underpinning the training, its management and processes for quality assurance.
IMarEST’s Professional Affairs & Education Committee (PAEC) then deliberated over both the recommendations from the review panel and feedback from the visit to reach its decision in favour of awarding the accreditation, which lasts five years.
What does the accredited programme set out to do?
The programme created by Dahra Global was designed with three core objectives in mind: 1) to enhance cadets/officers domain knowledge using a mix of traditional lectures, computer-based training, and self-paced training videos; 2) to give them ready access to simulator training in areas such as navigation, gunnery, repair & maintenance; and 3) to prepare them for applying their theoretical knowledge in a practical context on board QEN vessels.
What earned special praise?
The panel praised the attention to detail and creativity Dahra Global showed in the development and production of course materials. For example, handbooks and supporting materials are mostly customised for the target audience. A dedicated six-person team was set up to produce and edit video lectures and slide-decks to a consistently professional standard.
What else impressed the review panel?
It was also impressed by Dahra Global’s heavy investment in facilities, including a set of highly-customised simulators at its Naval Warfare & Operations Training Centre, which let trainees gain practical experience in activities ranging from basic ship handling to anti-submarine ops in a safe and controlled environment. The close partnership between QEN and Dahra was undoubtedly evident when, during the on-site visit, a senior QEN commander was observed attending one of the simulation exams.
How does accreditation help trainees?
The training provided by Dahra Global has a direct impact on trainees’ promotion prospects and overall career development within the navy. IMarEST accreditation provides them a head-start, as trainees who complete the Naval Cadet Training Course, Sub-lieutenant Training Course, or Principal Warfare Officers course meet the initial professional development requirements, in full, for registration as a Marine Technologist (MarTech), Registered Marine Technologist (RMarTech), Chartered Marine Technologist (CMarTech) respectively.
What does the future hold?
Since gaining the IMarEST accreditation, Dahra Global’s training programme was assessed and certified by the classification society DNV GL, and it plans to invest in enhancing the training infrastructure available to cadets and officers, and to expand and deepen its integration with QEN operations.
So in a nutshell, what does IMarEST accreditation achieve?
The IMarEST’s accreditation programme offers universities and specialist training providers an independent assessment of their courses in engineering, science and technology. It demonstrates their syllabus meets internationally recognised standards and provides the knowledge, understanding and skills that students need for professional registration. To learn more, visit: www.imarest.org/accreditation.