Younger persons are, in general, more susceptible to (new) modern
technology than older people are. At the same time, the seniors had to work with cadets
and junior officers who, at least theoretically, had the same knowledge in their field of
expertise, which expertise was until now, strongly related to seniority. In view of the
traditional (hierarchical) top-down structure on board, this gave some of the older
officers such a shock that they retired as quickly as possible. Those who could not, or
were not able to retire, attempted to prove themselves: sometimes at every cost.
Dual-licenced officers work in/with a horizontal structure instead of
top-down. This was sometimes very difficult to establish because of obstruction by senior
officers. Students sometimes stopped immediately after their cadet period. Those, junior
and senior, who were flexible enough to face reality survived and formed a new generation
of ship's officers.
Crews from developing countries were able to adapt, and showed that the
ability to perform in certain fields of expertise is not the privilege of traditional
industries, but often based on personal intelligence, and dedication.
7 The Future
It is not only the above-mentioned points which play a role in
adaptation of the new curriculum in The Netherlands. Under the rules of the European
Community, it becomes possible to work within the E.C. free of any restrictions. This
applies to ship's officers as well as for crew which will influence each other
(Endorsement of Recognition, and will have great consequenses?).
Use of simulators, not only for ship's handling and engine room
control, but also for team management, will significantly change the relations on board.
Besides: the strict recommendations of the STCW-convention is often
seen as 'down-grading', although 'different-grading' would
