In the new situation the challenge is to maintain this reputation with the officers that will be available on the market in the coming decade.

We have now got two new and very helpful "tools" - The ISM-code and the revised STCW-convention. - In this connection

• ISM code will be the umbrella

• STCW - the supportive tool

outlining the new standards of competence and responsibilities for each company. Most essential we think is the onboard training that have to be implemented by each company.

Hopefully this will lead to a shift in our industry from a "compliance culture" to a "safety culture". - This will certainly not be valid for all companies, but hopefully for an increasing number of shipping companies.

5. A possible and practicable solution

5.1 The Norwegian R&D approach

The R&D institutes and the equipment suppliers are working continuously to improve ships equipment. We do not believe that the owners have followed up this, and tried to find out - how to exploit the new technology in ship operation to get maximum benefit from the opportunities new technology represents.

Some years ago we started a R&D program called "Information Technology in Ship Operation" where we study - "How should the shipowners organize to get maximum output from their investment in modern IT and communication technology".

This was the beginning, and we are now planning the next program. - In this program we will study - "How to integrate the knowledge onboard and ashore and develop new technology adjusted to the new generation of officers". We realize that well educated and qualified officers is not the only know-how we need for efficient, safe and environmentally friendly ship operation. We must find an optimum combination of know how and skills between all parties involved in. ship operation combined with development of new technology. And the equipment suppliers, authorities and classification societies should e involved more directly in ship operation than the situation is today.

5.2 Technology development

Some years go we interviewed a number of our member companies and shipping companies in Germany, Japan and Hong Kong to find out something about their experiences with "High tech" ships. Most of the companies we interviewed agreed on

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