THE IMPORTANCE OF VALUE ADDED TRAINING FOR NEW
TECHNOLOGY AND MANNING
Wan Shukry Wan Karma
and
Sim Lin Woon
Maritime Academy Malaysia (ALAM)
INTRODUCTION
In the last few years it is evident that onboard trends and job
functions have changed quite significantly as a result of the application of new
technology, changing nature of ship operations and reduction in manning
Despite the changes the industry has undergone there has been
surprisingly little parallel development in MET. The recent amendment to the STCW
Convention is perhaps the only significant development adopted in the training of
seafarers so far. And as far as system and structure are concerned the dual certification
and the bivalent schemes are the only major changes introduced. On the whole there has
been no substantive change in MET. This is in stark contrast to other branches of learning
and education including general education where in most countries education and curriculum
undergo periodical review.
The situation therefore requires a radical re-examination of the way in
which seafarers are educated and trained to help ensure outputs match job requirements.
