12 countries take part in event held in partnership with IMO
The Federal Authority – Land & Maritime Transport successfully organized today (Monday, September 23, 2019) a ‘Regional Training Course for Assessment and Examination for Officers and Marine Engineers.’ The event, which was held in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority – Land & Maritime, will run until September 26, 2019. The training is being organized in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and with high-level participation from more than 12 countries around the world. Held every year under the patronage of Abu Dhabi Ports, the event is aimed towards supporting the efficiency of international maritime transport and to build a safe, secure and clean shipping industry through the proper implementation of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) including assessment and inspection of seafarers.
The training course brought together participants from various government entities and ports who presented their insights, experiences and best practices in the assessment of seafarers’ performance within the IMO model. Participants in the training course stressed that maritime training and education is one of the pillars of the maritime transport industry, especially as this sector is considered to be a modern, technical and professional specialty that requires great skill, knowledge and experience from the maritime workforce.
H.E. Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Federal Authority – Land & Maritime Transport, said that the UAE strongly believes that the growth and development of the maritime sector depends on the safety, security and efficiency of the international maritime transport industry and in line with the regulatory framework developed by IMO. Al Nuaimi stressed on the UAE’s keenness to support all IMO activities through its re-nomination for IMO Council membership under category B as a country of great interest in international maritime trade.
Al Nuaimi said: “Organizing a Regional Training Course for Marine Engineers and Officers Assessment and Examination, demonstrates UAE’s belief in the importance of the seafarer’s role and their impact on the safety of the maritime shipping sector. We believe that providing training and assessment for seafarers should be an ongoing process aimed at maintaining high levels of efficiency within the maritime shipping sector, as their role is fundamental in the global trade. The training is an opportunity to discuss all issues related to the assessment and examination of seafarers, as well as a chance to tackle latest practices and knowledge in this area.”
As of this year, 164 Member States, representing 99.2 per cent of the global freight load, have approved the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Sentinel for Seafarers, which reflects their keenness to improve the safety of the marine environment through the advancement of international standards for training and assessment levels for seafarers.
