Posted: October 26th, 2023

Research on the training and certification of dual-purpose seafarers in Asia

Research on the training and certification of dual-purpose seafarers in Asia

Dual-purpose seafarers are those who are qualified to work on both deck and engine departments of a ship. They are also known as multi-skilled seafarers or dual-certificated seafarers. Dual-purpose seafarers can offer several benefits to the shipping industry, such as increased flexibility, reduced crew size, improved safety and efficiency, and enhanced career prospects. However, they also face some challenges, such as the need for adequate training and certification, the recognition of their qualifications across different countries, and the maintenance of their competence and motivation.

This blog post aims to provide an overview of the current situation and trends of the training and certification of dual-purpose seafarers in Asia, which is one of the major regions for seafaring supply and demand. Asia accounts for about 60% of the world’s seafarers, with countries such as China, India, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Myanmar being among the top seafarer-producing nations (BIMCO/ICS, 2020). Asia is also a key market for the shipping industry, with about 40% of the world’s seaborne trade volume originating from or destined to Asia (UNCTAD, 2020).

Training and certification of dual-purpose seafarers in Asia

The training and certification of dual-purpose seafarers in Asia varies depending on the country and the type of ship. Generally, there are two main pathways for becoming a dual-purpose seafarer: one is to start as a deck or engine officer cadet and then obtain an additional certificate for the other department; the other is to start as a rating and then upgrade to an officer certificate for both departments. The former pathway is more common for larger ships, such as tankers and bulk carriers, while the latter pathway is more common for smaller ships, such as offshore supply vessels and tugs.

The duration and content of the training and certification programs for dual-purpose seafarers also differ among Asian countries. For example, in China, dual-purpose officer cadets need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program at a maritime university or college, followed by a 12-month sea service period and an examination for obtaining a dual-purpose officer certificate of competency (COC) (Liu, 2015). In India, dual-purpose officer cadets need to complete a three-year diploma program at a maritime institute, followed by an 18-month sea service period and an examination for obtaining a dual-purpose officer COC (Indian Maritime University, 2020). In Philippines, dual-purpose officer cadets need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program at a maritime academy or school, followed by a six-month sea service period and an examination for obtaining a dual-purpose officer COC (Maritime Industry Authority, 2020).

The recognition of the qualifications of dual-purpose seafarers across different countries is another important issue for their training and certification. According to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), which is the main international framework for regulating the minimum standards for seafarers’ competence, dual-purpose seafarers need to comply with the requirements for both deck and engine officers as specified in the STCW Code (IMO, 2017). However, not all countries have adopted or implemented the STCW provisions for dual-purpose seafarers in their national regulations. Therefore, some dual-purpose seafarers may face difficulties in obtaining recognition or endorsement of their certificates by other flag states or port states.

Challenges and opportunities for dual-purpose seafarers in Asia

The training and certification of dual-purpose seafarers in Asia face some challenges that need to be addressed by relevant stakeholders, such as maritime administrations, maritime education and training institutions, shipping companies, seafarer unions, and international organizations. Some of these challenges are:

– The lack of uniformity and harmonization of the standards and procedures for dual-purpose seafarer training and certification among Asian countries, which may affect the quality and consistency of their education and competence.
– The lack of awareness and acceptance of the value and benefits of dual-purpose seafarers among some shipowners, operators, managers, and crewing agencies, who may prefer to hire traditional single-department officers or ratings due to their familiarity or cost considerations.
– The lack of incentives and support for dual-purpose seafarers in terms of their career development, remuneration, welfare, and social recognition, which may affect their motivation and retention in the industry.
– The lack of research and data on the impact and effectiveness of dual-purpose seafarer training and certification on various aspects of shipping operations, such as safety performance, crew productivity, operational efficiency, environmental protection, etc.

On the other hand, the training and certification of dual-purpose seafarers in Asia also present some opportunities that can be explored and exploited by the same stakeholders. Some of these opportunities are:

– The increasing demand and preference for dual-purpose seafarers in some sectors of the shipping industry, such as offshore, coastal, and inland navigation, where smaller ships with limited crew size and diverse tasks are more common.
– The potential for dual-purpose seafarers to enhance their employability and competitiveness in the global seafaring labor market, especially in times of economic downturn or crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when crew changes and repatriation are difficult or restricted.
– The possibility for dual-purpose seafarers to contribute to the innovation and transformation of the shipping industry, especially in the areas of digitalization, automation, and decarbonization, where multi-skilled and adaptable seafarers are more needed and valued.
– The opportunity for dual-purpose seafarers to promote the image and attractiveness of the seafaring profession, especially among the younger generation, who may be more interested in pursuing a challenging and rewarding career at sea.

Conclusion

Dual-purpose seafarers are a unique and valuable human resource for the shipping industry. They can offer various advantages to both shipowners and seafarers themselves, such as increased flexibility, reduced crew size, improved safety and efficiency, and enhanced career prospects. However, they also face some challenges in terms of their training and certification, recognition of their qualifications, and maintenance of their competence and motivation. Therefore, it is important to address these challenges and seize the opportunities for dual-purpose seafarers in Asia, which is a key region for both seafaring supply and demand. By doing so, the shipping industry can benefit from the skills and talents of dual-purpose seafarers and ensure their sustainable development in the future.

References

BIMCO/ICS (2020). Manpower Report: The global supply and demand for seafarers in 2020. London: International Chamber of Shipping.

Indian Maritime University (2020). Diploma in Nautical Science leading to B.Sc. (Applied Nautical Science). Retrieved from https://www.imu.edu.in/index.php?prod_id=155

IMO (2017). International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended. London: International Maritime Organization.

Liu, B. (2015). Research on the training and certification of dual-purpose seafarers in China. (Master’s thesis). World Maritime University, Dalian.

Maritime Industry Authority (2020). Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) Curriculum. Retrieved from https://marina.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/BSMT-Curriculum.pdf

UNCTAD (2020). Review of Maritime Transport 2020. Geneva: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.