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. Angelos Menelaou, Frederick University says. In general, the young generation needs knowledge and skills which could assist in their personal development as well, he further notes
It is a fact that in year 2018, seafarers’ non-technical skills are overlooked by recruitment departments, although digitalization and automation on board ships is creating demand of seafarers with skills that go beyond what machines are capable of and therefore are a crucial part of fostering a dynamic workforce. What differentiates the low performing from the high performing crews, though?
Mr. Patrick Ho Maxwell, Vice President of Magsaysay People Resources Corporation notes that the current landscape poses many challenges for the training of seafarers; thus high level education and development of both their technical and soft skills are vital. Mr. Maxwell notes that above all, operators need to invest in people, concluding that in order to attract the younger generation, we have to ‘transform from teaching to learning strategies’.
Dr Marina Papaioannou, DNV GL’s Maritime Academy Hellas, emphasized on investing in training noting also that new generation has need of ‘blended learning’. The aim should be to involve Generation Z and keep it interested but also make them realize the importance and use of face-to-face training for their social skills, exchange of knowledge and ideas.
Mr. Nikolaos Stefanis, Key Support Manager at Kongsberg Maritime, Hellas notes that training needs to follow developments and align with latest rules, needs and technologies. It is important to focus on the new needs with new technology solutions in order to provide efficient training experience, he concludes.
The European Council reached a general approach on a proposal to bring together all reporting formalities associated with a port call, under a European maritime single window. The proposal is expected to increase efficiency of operations by ensuring reporting procedures are the same for all port calls, aiming to boost competitiveness of the maritime sector in the long-run.
The European Council adopted its position on a proposal to simplify and streamline the existing EU regulatory framework on seafarers’ training and certification. The aim is to change the centralised mechanism for the recognition of seafarers from third countries and increase legal clarity regarding the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates.
A new maritime rescue training center was inaugurated on November 15, at the ma-co maritime training center in Hamburg. The center aims to train seafarers, offshore wind and oil operations personnel, according to international standards. The new training centre will also expand to provide training for cruise companies, regarding safety and security.
The US Office of Naval Research Global and the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division collaborated to create a training simulator for aircraft carrier flight deck crews. The simulator has 3D technology and enables the communication of the full flight deck team with akey decision-makers.
There is no doubt that many times hazardous situations surround the organizations’ operations, increasing the risk for a catastrophic failure during their day to day operation. A High Reliability Organization operates in such a manner that error rate is low, despite the difficulties and risky operations.
