The minimal cost of the Windows version of the software (US $3000,
March 1995) would help the IMO, through its World Maritime University (WMU), to store and
use many databases, in any language supported by Windows. The bilingual database
capability is presently available under DOS but is still under consideration for
development in the Windows version. Other large organisations on the list of users of The
Examiner Software included the World Maritime University, the London Stock Exchange, Hong
Kong Polytechnic, St. Lawrence College at Kingston, ON, the American Hotel and Motel
Association, Toyota, and Detroit-Edison.
Apparent Conflict
There is some fear that the training Institutions may be poised to take
over the AUTOQUEST System once it is in operation and take on the responsibility for
examinations totally. If these institutions were interested then they need not have waited
for AUTOQUEST to show commitment to maintaining the examinations.
In addition, the course approval process does not lead to the full
take-over of the examination process. To consider combining control of the examination
process with delivery of approved credit course by training institutions would undermine
both the purpose of the certifcation regulations and of course delivery at "arms
length" from Ship Safety Branch. There are other strong reasons for maintaining the
two as separate activities that include the following:
i) Course Approval is an institution based system. When the training
institution has developed an instructional system that comphlies with the Approval
Standards Ship Safety issues a document of compliance for the course. The institution then
manages each delivery of the course in accordance with the approved instructional system.
Conversely, examination and certification processes are conducted on an
individual seafarer basis and in isolation from course delivery by training institutions.
ii) There are suggestions that sometimes the examination and
certification system has not been operating satisfactorily. If the Approval system
operates successfully, it will highlight deficiencies in the examination and certification
system and draw attention to poor examination and certification practices. This is a
factor that can arise also through analysis of the internal audit reports by the Program
Evaluation Branch, by the newly formed Ship Safety internal audit group, andby
