Seaways - September 2022
Preparations for the next tranche of 50th Anniversary technical events and celebrations are well underway. Singapore kicks off September for us and we look forward to an outstanding range of speakers on their theme: Navigating through a digital age: Towards a Green Future.
Recognising excellence
At one of the key maritime centres of commerce and influence the event promises to highlight key issues facing industry and mariners. Join us at Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City, Singapore on 1 September.
Next in line will be our event in Perth, Western Australia on Friday 16 September at The ANZAC Club, 28 St Georges Tce Perth. The event there is especially important in the context of the Western Australia maritime economy: Maritime Leadership in a Changing World – meeting energy challenges of tomorrow/future fuels for shipping. I am pleased the event has attracted outstanding speakers including a former Senator and a representative from the national regulator, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
In Lisbon, our Iberia branch has worked tirelessly to organise their event on their subject: Over the Horizon – What challenges does the future hold and who will lead us through them?
The event will include a tour of European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) facilities, while the main conference on 21 September will be hosted at the outstanding venue Sociedade Histórica da Independência de Portugal and dinner that evening will include a river cruise on an historical vessel offering wonderful views and dining.
My thanks to all in the branch teams who have put so much effort into developing programmes of great interest to their local communities and that highlight the great work and leadership of The Nautical Institute.
The Luddeke student prize
We are also pleased to recognise individual excellence in maritime studies and the ‘Luddeke Prize’ seeks to do just that. With a generous cash award and free membership, this is a great opportunity for us to recognise personal commitment while in training.
The award has been refreshed for 2022 and 2023 and will enable The Nautical Institute to recognise up to two students per year who have achieved excellence in their maritime studies while at the same time making a real contribution to other aspects of college or university life.
Both components are key to the award and nominations must be supported by a ‘Head of School’ or equivalent. The competition is open to learners at any one of the IAMI or GlobalMET institutions, the World Maritime University or enrolled in The Nautical Institute’s Command diploma. Further details can be found here.
Dynamic Positioning CPD
The Nautical Institute is the most significant provider of certification to Dynamic Positioning Operators and so has an important role to play in helping to maintain professional standards. In Houston, during October, I am pleased to be chairing a session on ‘Competency and Lessons Learned’ at the annual Dynamic Positioning Conference. Leading experts will share how they ensure competency and safety in their DP operations and support Continuing Professional Development of their mariners.
Offshore qualifications for technical staff
For many years now, The Nautical Institute has actively engaged with centres approved to deliver Dynamic Positioning Training as part of our global and worldleading training and certification scheme for DPOs. More recently we have given additional attention to recognising the experience and qualifications of other technical staff in the offshore energy sector through our Dynamic Positioning Vessel Maintainers scheme (DPVM).
This work provides for a harmonisation and international recognition of the special experience and training the technical teams bring to Dynamic Positioning vessels. Our commitment underlines the importance of everyone on board these vessels being properly equipped with the skills necessary and pledging themselves to Continuing Professional Development. Our DPVM is leading the way in this regard and I am delighted it is already becoming the industry standard for marine engineers and electrotechnical officers in the offshore community.
Ukraine shipment
In closing, I wish to acknowledge the challenges that are being faced by the crews of ships leaving Ukraine with essential grain supplies to the world’s food markets. In any conflict area there is always additional risk to the mariner illustrated by the fact special knowledge is needed to guide these ships through the mine fields. We recognise that without their professionalism and commitment these supplies would remain stuck on shore. We wish them safe passage and send our thanks and best wishes.