The seafaring skills shortage will be addressed on day one of the biennial Seatrade Offshore Marine & Workboats Middle East (SOMWME) 2017 exhibition and conference at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 25-27 September. A panel of thought leaders at the “Manning Update” session will look at the viability of automation tackling the skills shortage.
New technologies, ships and requirements are advancing quicker than the rate of seafarers with relevant competencies. The severe shortage of skills is prompting crew to master new technologies, but what does this mean when recruiting and retaining seafarers with practical, hands on experience?
“The last 20 years have seen an unprecedented increase of ships and whilst it takes nine months to build a ship, it takes ten years to build a captain,” commented Captain Michael Elwert, group ceo, Elektrans Group.
The advance in engine technology has led to a need for engineers with specialised knowledge and experience. The trend for engineers to become operators rather than maintainers has provoked a gradual decline in crews being able to carry out major machinery overhaul or repairs.
Elwert added, “The overwhelming opinion of the industry is that maritime competencies can be best taught hands-on (onboard vessels). It is said that 60% of competencies are taught on-board by doing.”
The industry faces a case of compromise. It must act with thought and commitment as demand for seafarers with more technological skills look to outweigh those with more practical skills in the short term. Join the conversation during SOMWME and voice your opinions.
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