fleet requirements, especially for the old type of merchant vessels,
which are specified separately in the navigation, engineering and electrical departments.
- A more detailed analysis shows that the training programs are based
strongly on the academic subjects and supportive prerequisite subjects which cover 70% of
the duration. The credit which is set aside for practical exercises is very small in
comparison with the time for theoretical learning consequently, the graduates must spend a
long time on sea training to he promoted to officer positions (24-month sea service).
- Regarding the new requirements which allow for the minimum number of
seafarers on board modem ships, the MET is not adequate since the graduates of this MET
can manage only mono -functions such as Navigator, Engineer or Electrician.
- Another serious disadvantage of the present MET is that the duration
of study is too long (5 years) during which it educates only mono - functional seafarers.
If anyone wishes to study another profession, they have to take at least 3 more years.
This is a waste of time because many supportive subjects are useless for a seafarering
career but time still has to be spent on these.
III. VIETNAM MARITIME EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE FUTURE
3.1. Government policy towards the Maritime Industry
In May 1993, the Vietnamese Government made a decision of strategic
importance towards the maritime economic section that from the year 2000 to the year 2010
Vietnamese shipping has to speed itself up in order to undertake to transport 30-40% of
the export and import volume of goods and to take part in international shipping charters
and sea transportation. The goals, which must be achieved in the years 2000 and 2010 are
as follows:
- The national fleet must be increased in total to a capacity of
1.700.000 DWT by the year 2000 and 4.900.000 DWT by the year 2010.
- To increase the investment capital for shipyards and shiprepair
yards. By the year 2000 Vietnam should be building merchant ships of middle class (10.000
DWT to 15.000 DWT) for interior needs, as well as for export.
- To increase the investment capital for the reconstruction at ports,
especially for the deep water ports in the Northern, Middle and Southern parts of Vietnam.
Generally speaking, Vietnam, the country with a population accounting
for 75 milion in 1996, has to exploit the maritime industry in the best way to feed at
least one third of the population.
