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ONE of
the largest Japanese shipping companies has begun
operating its training vessel in Manila, which will be
used to help Asian seafarers—including Filipino
sailors—gain professional experience.
Owned by
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) Ltd., the 30-year-old T/S
Spirit of MOL can train 180 cadets who will all embark
on a four to six month voyage around Asia starting late
July.
Although
the ship is currently training Filipino and Russian
seafarers, the vessel will soon visit countries such as
Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Ukraine and Croatia to scout
for talents.
“We are
expanding training operations around the world to
provide classroom and practical training for future
seafarers that will ensure safe and top-quality vessel
operations,” said MOL executive officer Soichi Hiratsuka
during the training vessel’s inauguration last Friday.
The
vessel will be used by the Japanese shipping firm to
augment the global maritime manpower shortage.
MOL
needs more seafarers, especially officers, which will
staff its new vessels as it expands its fleet through
2010.
The
company, which has partnered with the Magsaysay Group,
operates an estimated 800 ships worldwide and employs
over 12,000 Filipino seafarers.
Since
last year, the shipping operator has been beefing up its
measures to ensure a steady supply of seafarers to its
new vessels. Its joint venture with Magsaysay, called
Magsaysay Mitsui O.S.K. Marine Inc., is expected to
provide officers and crew to 200 MOL vessels by 2009.
“The
[vessel] will give cadets onboard experience, which is
essential for getting international mariner
certification, as well as having passed the necessary
curriculum in a designated educational institute.
Graduates from this new training system will soon
contribute to safe operations throughout the MOL Group
fleet,”
Hiratsuka
said. |
