PRESS RELEASE

RP, Others Sailed Away for Manning and Training Conference
12 December 2008

Manning and training experts from the Philippines and abroad met at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila from November 4 to 5 for the 9th Asia-Pacific Manning and Training Conference.

Carrying the theme, “Applying New Strategies to Address the Crewing Crisis”, the conference focused on the current crisis experienced by the whole industry, specifically, the significant decrease of seafarers that has been affecting operations of several ships throughout the world.

During the event, manning and training experts discussed solutions and presented actions of manning agencies in the country to assure continuous supply of Filipino seafarers worldwide. International and local maritime experts talked about the analysis of current manpower supply and demand, appraisal of industry and training institute initiatives in retaining crews and enhancing standards, as well as a review of international regulations. Special focus were given on enhanced onboard and onshore training schemes and assessing pioneering technologies used to empower seafarers.

A pre-conference workshop on International Maritime Resource Management was held on November 3 at the same venue.

The 9th Asia-Pacific Manning and Training Conference was organized by Lloyd’s List Events and made possible with the support of Pandiman Philippines Inc., International Maritime Employers’ Committee, International Ship Managers' Association, Nautilus UK, International Shipping Federation, International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations, Global Maritime Education and Training Association, The Nautical Institute, Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment, Inc., and Joint Manning Group.

Official Publications are Lloyd’s List, Lloyd's Ship Manager, and Maritime Asia. Supporting publications are PortCalls, Global Process Managers Inc., Harborscope, The Marine Café, Transport Weekly, Seaway Shipping Digest, Tinig ng Marino at DWIZ, Sailor Today, Ahoy! Magazine, Maritime Review, Marino World, ShipTalkjobs, Buhay Marino Dyaryo, and The Maritime Observer.

Sponsors and exhibitors include Walport International, Transas, Seagull, International Marine Travel Group, Det Norske Veritas, Videotel, Kongsberg, Lloyd's Maritime Academy, Instone International, Ship Equip, IDESS Interactive Technologies (IDESS I.T.), Inc., Griffin Marine Travel, WhatIf, Concateno, Maritime and Corporate Administrator of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Wartsila, Smart Link, and Professional Gear Inc.,