In detail, it is of vital important for each flag state to cooperate to
exchange information with each other so that standard syllabi and maritime education and
training methods that will satisfy the newly agreed IMO's requirements can be produced.
Under such circumstances, it is very adequate and timely to have
selected "Advanced Technology and Manning" as the Conference Theme and that all
of the titles of respective sessions in the Conference along with the Workshop contents
are completely suitable for this purpose, I believe.
In the meantime, I appreciate if I can take this opportunity to refer
to something about what has been practiced and is now underway in Japan concerned with the
main theme, please.
The 1st one is the project called Modernization of Seafarer's System,
in which I myself was deeply involved as one of the key persons and the 2nd, Mixed Manning
System.
In Japan, the Modernization Experiment on Seafarer's System took place
during the long period of about 15 years since 1977. This project was a full-scale huge
experiment aimed at exploring the most reasonable combination of shipboard work and
manning without breaking a balance between the accumulated technical innovations aboard
ships and the shipboard work force, keeping ships' safety and economical merits. Nothing
to say, this experiment couldn't be possible unless it had stood upon the most developed
high-grade shipbuilding technology.
Afterwards the economical circumstances encircling Japan have varied so
remarkably that no economical merits are now expected, thus inviting a pause of the
experiment by Japanese seafarers solely.
Furthermore, various voices have been heard with regard to this trial
to be sure. However, it is true that Japanese seafarers have learned quite a few to
enhance their application abilities for the advanced technology and overcome the barriers
between shipboard departments through this experience so that they could attain a new
sensibility really applicable for their future's sea life.
The 2nd one is the introduction of Mixed Manning System into Japanese
flagships. Shipping industry is the most international business, compared with other
industries. As long as it preconditions free competitions at the single global market that
is the high sea area, the Mixed Manning System is regarded as a natural shape
