Maritime Certification and Examination System, Maritime Education,
International Cooperation in this field, etc..
In this regard, we are planning and executing government policy for
seafarers including the implementation of the STCW convention, as amended in July 1995, of
which the aim is to upgrade the quality of seafarers worldwide.
Today, the Asian countries are supplying one half of the world
seafarers and demands for greater numbers of seafarers will be increasing in the future.
Asian countries should continue to supply qualified seafarers to meet this future need.
With this in mind, the Japanese government and maritime institutions
will be playing a greater role as one of the major shipping countries in the region. I
think it is significant now that this conference, which has as its main theme
"advanced technology and manning" is being held in Japan.
This is a very fortunate occasion for us all this week, that maritime
lecturers from around the world and Japanese participants not only from shipping and
shipbuilding companies but also from maritime administration are able to meet together and
work towards ensuring the safety of navigation and protection of the marine environment.
In conclusion, I would like to express the hope that all of us gathered
here will actively exchange opinions and build friendships with each other for the sake of
the progress of world maritime education in order to contribute to the welfare of
seafarers, the growth of the shipping industry and to the world maritime society as a
whole.
