The training materials has been developed as an open-ended series of self-contained but interrelated "Units" of instruction, designed for classroom-based, instructor-led but highly interactive teaching of small groups of learners (between eight and twelve at a time). The classroom sessions are supported by practical exercise, both indoors and out, and by organized visits to operational and other port facilities. It is not intended that the Units should comprise a "course" in the conventional sense, but instructors should select and combine groups of individual Units (and possibly sections of Units) to form appropriate training schemes for groups of employees(or, individuals) as their needs and those of their employers. It is planned to continue developing further Units, so that an expanding library of materials will provide a teaching resource from which instructors can, in consultation with port managers, develop training programmes appropriate for all categories of portworkers. To that end, the initial and future Units cover a wide variety of topics, some suitable for all or most port/terminal employees (introductory, general descriptions of ports and terminals, and Units on safe access and working, for example) while others may be targeted much more specifically (e.g. towards supervisors of a container terminal CFS).
The Unit materials are based on best international practice; this is ensured by the employment of acknowledged subject experts in the teams developing the materials, and by basing the PDP approach on the ILO's regulations and guidelines on the health, safety and welfare of portworkers.
Throughout the Programme, the underlying philosophy is to provide not just a series of "how to do it" checklists but simple explanations, and descriptions of the reasons for processes, procedures and practices - the "why do it"! The aim is to create the required motivation to adopt best practices through understanding, so that portworkers acquire a positive attitude to their work, with benefits to organisational efficiency and personal safety.
The ILO Portworker Development Programme for portworkers working in container terminals became available at the end of 1997. It has been implemented in 8 port training centres and organisations. It will be translated into Spanish for implementation in Central and South America. It is also being proposed to translate the PDP training materials into other languages.
Summary
This extract has only highlighted some of the major activities of the International Labour Organisation concerning seafarers, fishermen, port workers and inland boatmen, the principle objectives being the widespread ratification and implementation of international maritime labour standards and the execution of related meetings, seminars and technical cooperation projects. The ILO's work in these areas is growing in importance as all maritime industries have increasingly looked at the role of workers in the safe and productive conduct of their activities.
For further information contact:
Maritime Industries Branch, International Labour Office, 4 route des Morillons, CH-1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland.
Far: +41-22-7997050, Tel: +41-22-7997528, E Mall: marit@ilo.org
web site: www.ilo.org web page: http://mirror/public/english/100secto/sectors/mariti.htm
