Over 1,300 seafaring officers and crew attended INTERTANKO’s Seafarers’ Vetting Seminar held last week at the NYK-TDG Maritime Academy in Laguna in the Philippines.
The packed auditorium demonstrated the need and the desire for up-to-date and practical information on tanker vetting –successful vetting inspections are a crucial part of the commercial operation of any tanker. The seminar was conducted in response to INTERTANKO’s focus on the human element and the emphasis by INTERTANKO’s Vetting Committee that all seafarers should be actively involved in the ship inspection process.
INTERTANKO’s Vetting Committee recognises the hunger for knowledge on all aspects of the ship-vetting process and regularly hosts vetting seminars around the world. First held in 2007, this seminar for the seafarers is unique in that it is aimed specifically at providing guidance and training to the seafarers themselves, highlighting the fact that they are at the sharp end of vetting inspections and, as such, play a vital role in the tanker vetting process.
The seminar, free of charge to seafarers serving with INTERTANKO member companies, comprised presentations designed to enhance the seafarers' understanding of the vetting inspection system, and provide advice and guidance on how to prepare for, execute and conduct an effective close-out meeting following the inspection. The Seminar was chaired by Capt Michael Wilson, President of Laurin Maritime (America) Inc and Chairman of INTERTANKO’s Vetting Committee. “The response to this Seminar has been tremendous and demonstrates the strong desire that seafarers here have for learning,” said Capt Wilson. “INTERTANKO will deliver these seminars regularly and support seafarers from all regions of the world.”
The keynote address was given by Atty. Nicasio A. Conti, Officer-In-Charge of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) under the Department of Transport and Communications of the Government of the Philippines. Acknowledging the impressive number of seafarers (1,324) present, Atty. Conti highlighted the important role that the Philippines plays in providing the maritime industry with quality seafaring personnel. He expressed his pleasure at being able to provide the keynote speech and thanked Capt Wilson and INTERTANKO for hosting the event.
Capt Wilson delivered a strong message on the need for leadership and responsibility at all levels of a ship’s staff, encouraging everyone to follow INTERTANKO’s headline message of “leading the way, and making a difference”.