While the ITF itself is not in the business of training individual seafarers, we encourage and support both formal and vocational training. Over the last three years the ITF Seafarers' Trust has given millions of dollars to training schools, notably in Germany, India, the Philippines and the USA. Funds have been allocated to upgrade training facilities in Africa, India and the Philippines to meet STCW standards, directly or through contributions to the IMO Technical Assistance and Co-operation Programme. On a more individual scale, scholarships are financed for students from developing countries at the World Maritime University. The ITF is working to link trade union based training centres around the world with the aim of pooling experience and raising standards of training overall.
In this regard, ITF will look with interest at any proposals which are made for funding specific initiatives for maritime education, although the prime responsibility for maritime education and training should lie with the above mentioned groups.
This is the first appearance of the ITF to AMETIAP meetings. I hope my contribution today has given you some idea about the ITF activities especially in the field of maritime education and training. The ITF looks forward to developing co-operation with you. I wish every success for your important Conference.
