At the end of February, the Training Institute for Dredging (TID) successfully conducted a three-day training program for the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) in Durban, South Africa.
The program’s main focus was to provide harbour masters with valuable insights into the fundamentals of dredging projects, types of equipment, working methods and contract responsibilities – while also considering the specific circumstances and environments in which the port authority operates.
The TNPA provides infrastructure and marine services, including dredging activities, to the eight commercial ports on the vast South African coastline. As TNPA’s harbour masters and dredging services are frequently involved in maintenance dredging, a thorough understanding of the practice is required.
In order to further raise these specific knowledge levels, the Training Institute for Dredging was invited to provide an on-site training programme. The main objective was to increase participants’ capabilities to set up, monitor and guide dredging activities, enabling them to discuss the project’s approach and limitations on an equal footing with all of the parties involved.
Training topics ranged from a general introduction to dredging, expounding on the types of dredgers and dredging projects, to more complex material dealing with issues such as measuring dredging volumes and specific equipment limitations. The subject matter was addressed in a variety of engaging ways, including visual presentations, group discussions and case studies.
To supplement the two-day theoretical component, day three featured a visit to a trailing suction hopper dredger moored in Durban. While on board, the group was informed of the vessel’s capabilities and potential application for the authority’s dredging projects.
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Press Release, March 26, 2014