Introduction:
The “European Scientific Association for Health and Hygiene in Maritime Transport” (EU SHIPSAN ASSOCIATION) was established in 2018 to sustain activities of EU SHIPSAN ACT joint action (2012-2017) and future actions. A key focus has been training for public health authorities and the maritime industry. This study presents the results of these training activities.

Methods:
Training courses combined on the job training, audits, face-to-face learning, self-paced online learning and live streaming and were structured using the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation)¹. Learning objectives were tailored to the specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes required by each target audience. Training syllabus and materials were adapted from materials developed from EU SHIPSAN TRAINET project (2008-2011) and EU SHIPSAN ACT joint action (2012-2016). An evaluation strategy was implemented using Kirkpatrick’s model of four levels of evaluation² to asses perceived impact.

Results:
From 2017 until 2024 EU SHIPSAN association organised nine courses for the maritime industry, training 318 crew members in health, hygiene, public health operations, housekeeping and food safety. Additionally, two courses trained 114 port health officers (PHO) on hygiene inspections according to the European Manual³. Since 2017, a total of 362 PHOs received training via the e-learning platform on conducting inspections. Evaluation results showed that 95% of crew members found course content clear, 89% were satisfied with the knowledge gained, and 97% would recommend the course. All PHOs indicated they would apply the new skills, with 96% recommending the training. Notable improvements were observed in pre- and post-course assessments for industry participants.

Conclusions:
Training provided by EU SHIPSAN association enhanced the competencies of PHOs and passenger shipping industry crew in implementing hygiene standards and conducting inspections. Future evaluations will assess the long-term impact on task performance following the training. Accreditation of the EU SHIPSAN association as a training provider is ongoing.