About the Project
Safety is of paramount importance for maritime transportation, especially in narrow waterways. TheTurkish Straits are one of the narrowest and most critical waterways with respect to the navigation constrains due to the harsh physical environment.The maritime accidents occurred in this sea area pose acute dangers for human and maritime environment. The congested local ship traffics including ferries, passenger ships, fishing vessels, sailing vessels, etc. and crossing passage frequently interfere with navigation of commercial ships. In order to avoid ship accidents, training of seafarers is required. Increasing knowledge and skills of seafarers and local traffic users about navigation requirements, VTS (VesselTraffic Services) communication and reporting procedures, currents and weather conditions, procedures for emergencies etc. are crucial to enhance safety in the Turkish Straits.
On the other hand, the Covid-19 pandemic has strongly affected face-to-face learning and teaching activities. Therefore, online/digital platforms have been preferred for these purposes more than in previous years. However, the performance of maritime practical trainings in particularly for critical waterways such as Turkish Straits, is insufficient in digital platforms. In this context, the objectives of SafeSTRAITS project is to introduce a practical web-based on-line training system to increase knowledge and ability of Turkish Straits users. The online training will include two modules, which for international seafarers (masters and officers) and local traffic users (skippers of fishing vessels, passenger ships, special yachts etc.). For the end of the project, it is expected to reduce potential risks by improving navigational safety and preventing pollution in the Turkish Straits.
