HOTA on programme of expansion

AN expansion at Humberside Offshore Training Association (HOTA) is set to increase marine firefighting training opportunities by 50%, to offer resources to work with an extra 400 people.

The training organisation based in Hull, has opened its second fireground at its Malmo Road site.

This growth comes as the East Yorkshire organisation prepares for amendments to the maritime industry, which will mean seafarers have to renew their certificates to work at sea.

The new requirements and extended facilities will also see growth in capacity for the provision of offshore basic and refresher training courses and HOTA said there is potential to increase total delegates trained in 2014 by 1,700.  

In line with the projected increase, HOTA is planning to expand into another building on Malmo Road in the near future, too.

General manager, Karen Shepherd, said: “The further planned expansion of the Malmo Road site is essential due to the changes within the maritime industry.

“The ability for additional courses to be run along with HOTA’s existing timetabled courses will mean delegates can attend their required refresher training without delay.”