Contrary to popular perception, Quality Assurance does not carry the
assurance of a normative, satisfactory or internationally homogeneous level of quality. It
will be a separate and distinct task of some magnitude to ensure that the nature of
educational systems that emerge in the aftermath of STCW95 will have those three desired
characteristics.
The accomplishment of such objectives is closely linked to the raison
d' etre of both IMLA and INSLC. The international body of maritime educators who attend
the meetings and workshops of the IMLA Conferences create a movement toward such
objectives. In the future however, the framework of STCW95 will impose a more structured
approach towards the accomplishment of these aims. IMLA and its specialist Conferences
provide the basis for an appropriate structure.
Conclusion
This paper has shown the specific role that INSLC plays within the
overall IMLA framework of maritime education. The history, contributions and future role
of INSLC have been presented and the pervading spirit of cooperation that characterises
these meetings has been sought to be conveyed in the preceding pages. The primary issues
of the future, including those imposed by STCW95, have been discussed The potential of
IMLA and INSLC in the post STCW95 era is presented.
Acknowledgement
Prof. Gunther Zade retired from the Chairmanship of INSLC in 1996,
after guiding the organization since its earliest years. INSLC owes its genesis and
maturity in large measure to his vision, proactive style and altruism. He has however,
agreed to continue to support INSLC in the capacity of Deputy Chairman.
The late Keith Jones of Liverpool Polytechnic and Alan Bole of the same
institution, Bo Hogbohm of Kalmar Maritime University, and Willem Burger of the University
of Wales, were similarly crucial to the success of INSLC by virtue of their contributions
of knowledge, scientific attitude and robust enthusiasm.
References
1. Burger, W. "The History of Radar Simulators", IMLA
Newsletter 16, Malmoe, 1990, p.6
2. ibid., p.7.
3. International Maritime Organization, "International Convention
on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978",
London, p.16.
