Purpose of the model courses The purpose of IMO model courses is to assist maritime training providers and their teaching staff in organizing and introducing new training courses or in enhancing@ updating or supplementing existing training programmes whereby the quality and effectiveness of the training courses may be improved. It is not the intention of the model course programme to present instructors with a rigid ??teaching package?? which they are expected to ??follow blindly??. Nor is it the intention to substitute audiovisual or ??programmed?? material for the instructor??s presence. As in all training endeavours@ the knowledge@ skills@ competence and dedication of the instructors are the key components in the transfer of knowledge and skills to those being trained through utilization of IMO model courses. Rather@ this document should be used as a guide@ with the course duration given as indicative of the time needed to cover the required outcomes. Parties may modify this course to suit their respective training programmes. For those following planned training programmes approved by the Administration@ it is intended that this training form an integral part of the overall training plan and be complementary to other studies. The training may be undertaken in progressive stages and for such candidates@ it is not appropriate to specify the duration of the learning@ provided achievement of the specified learning outcomes is properly assessed and recorded. The educational systems and the cultural backgrounds of trainees in maritime training vary considerably from country to country. For this reason the model course material has been designed to identify the basic entry requirements and trainee target group for each course in universally applicable terms@ and to specify clearly the technical content and levels of knowledge and skill necessary to meet the technical intent of IMO conventions and related recommendations. In order to keep the training programme up to date in future@ it is essential that users provide feedback. New information will provide better training in safety and security at sea and protection of the marine environment. Information@ comments and suggestions should be sent to the Head of Maritime Training and Human Element at IMO@ London.