RINA has invested in crew training in a bid to help owners overcome the major challenge of manning their growing fleets. Today marks the opening of the Manila-based Italian Training Academy Phils Inc, a training school which will provide top-level training and assessment for up to 480 crew members per year. Roberto Cazzulo, Deputy Director of the Marine Division and responsible for International Affairs for RINA says, “The biggest challenge facing shipowners today is a shortage of high-quality crew. Italian owners have been investing heavily in new ships and their fleets are growing, but they need a reliable source of high-quality manpower to crew the ships. RINA has invested in the Academy along with Italian shipowners’ association CONFITARMA, and Manila-based Elburg Ship Management.