Feature
Needed: more new
quality seafarers to
cope up with hightech advances
By Philip Ortaleza
Being used to roller-coaster rides that enable it to survive turbulent
waters, the maritime industry continues to be a highly globalized
one where everybody benefits. Global standards and regulations set
that ideal balance that works to the advantage to all stakeholders
included: ship owners, shippers, cruise ship operators, seafarers,
hospitality services staff and crew, and much more.
A
slowdown in shipping will translate into
a slowdown in the movement of goods
and of leisure travellers taking cruises,
the laying off of seafarers and putting on
hold the economic growth potentials of all
global markets.
A major dilemma that also confronts the
maritime industry is the shortage of seafarers that wi ll
steer the world’s major sea lanes. Not mere seafarers,
but quality seafarers who will all meet stringent
standards demanded by a sector that becomes highly
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competitive by the day.
In addition to this shortage are the unveiling and
putting into operation of the so-called ‘intelligent’ ships
that utilize state-of-the-art, computerized technology
that may seem to ease the workload of crew members.
These vessels, which contain sensors and other
computerized, high-tech refinements may do their share
in easing certain tasks; au contraire, these ships equally
need staff proficient in these kinds of technology that
may be the standard of the near future.
Along these technological developments, quality