KOTUG Training & Consultancy, the training and consultancy division of KOTUG – and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) , signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership. The MoU encompasses exclusive training of (Escort) Tug Masters, Officers, crews and pilots in Canada by certified KOTUG trainers at the BCIT Marine Campus in North Vancouver, Canada.
BCIT is located on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish Nations of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam). BCIT has been educating and inspiring students for over half a century on their unceded traditional lands – a privilege for which both BCIT and KOTUG are profoundly grateful.
Facing an increasing demand for qualified maritime professionals in Canada, BCIT is seeking ways to increase its capabilities whilst maintaining its best-in-class training, for which the institute is renowned. KOTUG fulfils this requirement by offering first-class trainers and training materials. As the only ISO 9001 certified tug training company in the world, KOTUG Training & Consultancy sets high standards for the training facilities it uses. With its training and consultancy division, KOTUG aims to create safe and sound operations with respect for the environment and an excellent level of training and competence while safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved. With a fully equipped modern Maritime Simulation Centre, located in North Vancouver, and operating with similar corporate values, these standards are perfectly met by BCIT.
Joint Pilot Tug Master training is requested more and more by various operators, ports and terminals in the world to increase port safety and efficiency; therefore, effective and efficient teamwork between Pilot and Tug Masters is one of the key training programmes to be delivered by KOTUG at the BCIT Marine Campus in North Vancouver.
Patrick Everts, Director of KOTUG Training & Consultancy:
“We are thrilled with this strategic partnership. Canada is a key growth market, and with its modern facilities, BCIT meets our high standards for training. Our training method combines three components, classroom training, simulator training using state-of-the-art simulators, and onboard training. This proven didactic approach delivers the best results, preparing students for both expected and unexpected real-life situations. We look forward to starting the training and providing students with our highly regarded KOTUG Training Certificate, contributing to enhanced safety and efficiency in the maritime industry.”
Laurens Korporaal, Business Development Manager KOTUG Canada
“The strategic partnership with BCIT enhances KOTUG Canada’s (a partnership between KOTUG and Horizon Maritime) ability to locally train both existing and future crews in British Columbia to the highest industry standards. KOTUG’s extensive maritime experience combined with BCIT’s state-of-the-art facilities and 60+ years of educational excellence will be pivotal in securing both today’s and tomorrow’s maritime workforce in B.C. This partnership creates valuable local career opportunities, including for current and future Indigenous seafarers, with whom KOTUG Canada is proud to collaborate. We embrace our responsibility as a company and employer to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92.
Steve Perry, Dean, BCIT School of Transportation:
“This partnership between BCIT and KOTUG Training & Consultancy represents a significant step forward in strengthening Canada’s maritime workforce. By combining BCIT’s training facilities with KOTUG’s world-class expertise, we are equipping mariners with the critical skills needed to safely and efficiently navigate an evolving industry. This collaboration not only reinforces BCIT’s commitment to excellence in maritime education but also supports the growth of local talent and ensures a strong and sustainable future for the sector.”