More seafarers wanted

Ambassador Stale Torstein Risa of Norway, as the keynote speaker of the two-day International Maritime Conference hosted by John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JLFMU), sounded a warning that there is a shortage of ?quality? seafarers around the globe. He encouraged maritime schools in the country to give importance to quality-based maritime education and training to meet the demands of the global shipping industry.

The conference which was attended by various stakeholders in the shipping industry was held at the JLFMU Arevalo Campus in the Philippines and carried the theme: ?Sharing best practices in maritime education and training to meet world shipping needs.? Risa noted that most of the world’s global trade is by sea and that globalization has entirely changed the world’s trading patterns with new emerging markets requiring more transport services than ever before. Aside from the expanding offshore exploration of petroleum resources the cruise industry also continues to grow, said Risa.

These developments, the ambassador said, entail a growing demand for maritime workers. “There is a serious problem even today when it comes to officers for the worldwide fleet, both for bridge and engine room. To put it bluntly: there is a shortfall of supply, due to increasing demand.”

Risa stressed that the role of maritime schools in producing quality seafarers is crucial.

“I believe schools should even seek to follow-up and evaluate their graduates’ employment experiences,” Risa said adding that “a recent graduate after some time at sea could offer valuable insight in determining if the level of training is adequate, and even offer advice on issues such as job satisfaction.”

There are 91 maritime schools in the Philippines offering Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering programs, however, only an average of fifty percent usually pass the board examinations. Risa said that DNV of Norway recognized JLFMU?s qualities and has certified its Quality Assurance System, the first of such certification in the Philippines and the second in Asia.

Risa added that the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association has also chosen JLFMU as one of the very select group of schools in its Norwegian International Ship Registry Cadet Program.