Training acts not only as a career enhancer, but also plays an essential role in the modernisation of the shipping industry as a whole, said Esben Poulsson, chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) today, as he delivered the keynote speech at this year’s Crew Connect Global Conference in Manila.
“The future sustainability of the industry requires an evolutionary response to the training and retention of seafarers,” he stressed. “We need to do more than simply respond to changing needs, we must learn to anticipate them and thereby control the development of the industry. “
The ICS boss was concerned that the poor shipping economy could lead to poorer training of seafarers.
“There is always a danger in these circumstances that investment in training can be a victim,” warned Poulsson. “Now, perhaps as never before, companies must have an eye to the future and consider that significant growth in shipping could return within the next five years. Employers must recognise that decisions made in these difficult times should not inhibit the future sustainability of the industry. Investment in training and recruitment is an essential part of assuring good industrial health.
On the advent of smart shipping, Poulsson suggested: “Seafarers may no longer be required so much to use machines but rather to collaborate with them.”
With autonomous ships lurking on the horizon (with some already in service), perhaps that closing quote should be scaled down to just the first six words?