Frederick University: Maritime training needs to keep pace with changes

While the voting procedure for the 2019 SMART4SEA Awards is open, Dr. Angelos Menelaou, Head, Department of Maritime Transport and Commerce, School of Business and Law, Frederick University, refers to innovative training programs available for the maritime industry for which the University has been shortlisted in the ‘Training’ category alongside other distinguished nominees. Given that maritime industry operates in a dynamic and changing environment, it is vital to keep pace with latest developments; thus training should not be limited only to technical and operational skills, Dr. Menelaou says. In general, the young generation needs knowledge and skills which could assist in their personal development as well, he further notes.

SAFETY4SEA: Your organization has been shortlisted for the 2018 SMART4SEA Awards in the ‘Training’ category alongside a number of other distinguished nominees. What would you like to share with industry’s stakeholders with respect to this development?

Dr. Angelos Menelaou: The faculty members of the Department of Maritime Transport and Commerce of Frederick University in Cyprus are delighted and honoured to have even been nominated for such a prestigious award. To gain such a nomination is an achievement in itself and what makes it even more important is the fact that it came directly from the industry’s stakeholders. This is a great achievement since it shows that the reputation and the quality of training taking place at Frederick University is already recognised by the international maritime community.

S4S: What are the key challenges surrounding the training of seafarers today?

Dr. Ang.M.: Cyprus has a very high reputation as an international maritime hub for ship management companies. However this is not the case with the employment of Cypriot Nationals in shore side technical departments and as licenced sea going engineers. It is this challenge that is a priority for Frederick University to overcome.

S4S: In what way do you believe training needs to be developed in order to keep up with industry’s dynamic environment and technological developments?

Dr. Ang.M.: Educators should maintain continuing dialogue and links with shipping companies to understand their operations and their problems. Course content, presentations and material should be continually updated to meet these requirements, in addition to following the requirements of IMO STCW. Frederick University, having realized that rapid technological advances in the industry require marine engineers with strong academic background and leadership skills, introduced in September 2018 an innovative training program suitable for holders of BSc in Mechanical Engineering leading to their certification as Engineer Officers of the Watch, Second and Chief Engineers. The first graduates –being the ‘first’ Marine Engineers graduated from a Cypriot Maritime Academy- have already been offered very challenging career opportunities in the industry both ashore and onboard vessels.

S4S: How training in shipping could be developed to meet the needs of Generation Z?

Dr. Ang.M.: Training for shipping in all spheres should always keep pace with changing modern developments in technology and operation, whilst not forgetting tried and tested traditional methods. It is not only the technical and operational skills that must be maintained and developed, but also keeping abreast of new laws and rules and regulations, especially those with respect to on-board safety and protecting the environment.  In a world where superficial image and posture are promoted as “advantages”, we have selected to remain committed to our tradition and offer true paideia pertaining managerial and critical thinking, high-quality and progressive training.  This way, we offer the young generation the necessary skills and knowledge that will be useful not only for their professional but for their personal development as well; so that they establish themselves with values and genuine self-esteem.

S4S: What is your key message to the industry stakeholders with respect to the future of maritime training?

Dr. Ang.M.: Think positively and support the work and programs that are developed by Frederick University. There is the old saying “together we stand, divided we fall”, unless the maritime stakeholders all work together the industry will not be able to accomplish its full potential.

You may cast your vote for Frederick University in Cyprus at 2019 SMART4SEA Awards dedicated webpage till 21^st of December 2018!

The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and not necessarily those of  SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion  purposes only.