This document aims to set out a framework for a training course suitable for supervisors and team leaders from all areas within the marine contracting sector, both on and offshore. It can also be applied to newly appointed managers and those who have some experience of managing but who have received no formal training. The syllabus seeks to provide clear guidelines on supervisory and leadership skills, as this aspect of the role of the supervisor or manager is a difficult and important one.

IMCA members have previously discussed the need for guidance on the training of offshore supervisors, noting that those who have demonstrated technical competence can often be promoted to positions of responsibility, whereupon it may be found that they have inadequate competence in supervisory skills, and an incomplete or superficial understanding of the business of leading and managing their fellow employees.

A number of IMCA members submitted details on their own in-house courses on leadership, management and supervisory skills. IMCA has drawn together some of the key subject headings from these courses to form this proposed syllabus for the training of supervisors, which can be used by members and other training providers to develop a course appropriate to their specific needs.