Role of seafarer skills stressed

The Seafarer Competence Forum organised by DNV SeaSkill stressed on the effects and role of the human element in maritime causalities.

To enable ship owners and ship managers establish a strong foothold in the maritime industry, more so during the depressed market coupled with economic uncertainties – without having to face the consequences of ship detention at ports – the DNV team sought focus on addressing the challenges of maintaining staff competence through its Competence Management Systems.



The 'Seafarer Competence through effective MET Forum’ held in Mumbai recently by DNV SeaSkill, the Competence Management Certification arm, was attended by the maritime fraternity, including senior ship owners and managers from high profile companies such as GESCO, Varun Shipping, Greatship India, Mercator Lines and institutes such as Fleet Management Ltd., Tolani Maritime Institute, Anglo Eastern Maritime Training Centre, Marine Training Academy and V-Ships Training Institute.

DNV SeaSkill Manager (India & Sri Lanka), Capt. Vernon Sequeria, who facilitated the forum for the first time in Mumbai, called for building awareness and acceptance of the concept of competence management in the industry. "Maintaining staff competence is important to enable ship owners and ship managers establish a strong foothold in the maritime industry – more so during the depressed market,” he said.

Amit Ray, Head of DNV SeaSkill, Asia, who gave the participants a gist of the various interactive sessions lined up at the forum, said "The essence of the forum is to exchange new ideas and experiences and to essentially learn from each other.”

The first session was addressed by DNV India’s SIO Production Manager, Amit Mital, who deliberated on ‘Port State Control (PSC) - challenges and the way forward’; essentially looking at the effects of the ‘human element’ in PSC related issues. “The focus of this session is to help ship managers and owners to appropriately deal with Port State Control (PSC) inspections and ensure PSC compliance, through improved on board competence,” he noted.

Exchange of knowledge and experiences

Half way through the forum, participants were divided into groups, each consisting of a blend of ship owners, ship managers and senior officers from maritime institutes, advised to give their insight and viewpoints on the significant elements of concerns such as training effectiveness, STCW and improvement in PSC performance.

The individual group presentation brought to light various challenges that the shipping companies face today and significant ideas.

The last session titled 'Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) Compliance: A Challenge and way forward', featured a presentation by Manager, DNV Academy (India), N Venkateswaran, who deliberated on the background and goals of MLC 2006 and also cited 'The International Labour Organisation's (ILO)’ adoption of the MLC.

Venkateswaran pointed out, "As per the mandatory requirements put down by MLC, all ships above 500 tons GRT, engaged in international trade will be required to carry a certificate of compliance valid for five years. Hence, this consequently triggers the need for shipowners to develop and implement measures to ensure ongoing compliance between inspections."