London: The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) has recently launched a campaign to specifically support seafarers with their career development, working in partnership with various organisations to achieve shared goals in advancing progress within the marine sector and inspiring more young people to join the industry.
The UK-based institute is the first membership body to bring together marine engineers, scientists and technologists into one multi-disciplinary organisation. With over 16,000 members across 128 countries, it works with the global marine community to promote the scientific development of marine disciplines, providing opportunities for the exchange of ideas and practices.
“We recognise that many seafarers are looking to maximise their career potential and gain additional knowledge in preparation for more senior positions. Seafarers sometimes feel pressured to leave their jobs at sea earlier than planned in order to try and move up the career ladder, sometimes leaving the sector altogether. This poses a real problem for the sector when we lose this experience and skill set,” says David Loosley, chief executive of IMarEST.
To try and encourage seafarers to progress in their careers and stay in the sector, and also to help them to demonstrate the skills they have acquired, seafarers are now able to use their existing certificates of competency to gain professional qualifications such as chartered or registered status with the IMarEST.
“We recognise certificates of competency – both deck and engine – as equivalent to up to Master’s-level learning, making it easier for seafarers to apply for professional registration and achieve a universally recognised professional status,” Loosley says.
By utilising IMarEST’s latest e-learning technology seafarers can stay at sea longer but continue to develop the skills they need to make the next career step and remain in the maritime profession.
“We believe the upskilling of seafarers will also help towards bridging the skills gap which employers have identified within the sector,” says Loosley, who himself started out as a cadet with the Royal Navy.
Many employers want to utilise the experience of their sea-going staff in shore-based management positions but are faced with the challenge that many lack the required knowledge.
“The IMarEST is committed to supporting the recruitment, retention and professional development of the very best individuals in the maritime and marine sector,” Loosley says.
Moreover, IMarEST’s Sea Your Future campaign aims to inspire school-aged children to consider a marine profession, support students, cadets, trainees and apprentices with their studies (offering free student membership), and helps develop those who are just starting out in their careers.
The society’s biennial European International Submarine Race is another way it engages students with the marine world. Teams of university students must undertake the challenge of designing and building a human-powered submarine to compete in a race around a slalom course.
