Monday, January 21, 2008 Maritime firm helps scholars
THE University of Cebu will forge a partnership with another foreign shipping organization intending to sponsor 50 initial maritime scholars.
International Maritime Employers Committee (IMEC), represented by David Dearsly, IMEC secretary general, along with Joseph Thiller and Bob Godall, visited UC recently to draft the scholarship sponsorship tie-up with UC.
The scholarship agreement will include full scholarship for the qualified students. It will also fully cover board and lodging expenses, as well as the necessary study materials.
IMEC is a London-based employers’ organization representing over 121 shipping principals and manning agencies all over the world.
It operates over 5,000 ships and employs more than 145,000 seafarers of various nationalities.
“There is a great demand for maritime professionals right now. In fact, we are experiencing a phenomenon where foreign shipping companies come to us and invite our students to consider an employment with them,” said UC president Augusto Go.
Demand
“In the next two to three years, we see at least 7,000 to be delivered, 3,000 old ships to be scrapped, which still leave us with 4,000 ships needing man power. A ship needs around 10 officers, so that would mean that we need some 40,000 officers in the next two to three years!” said Cedric D’Souza, training consultant of IMEC.
He said that professionals in the industry are one of the highest paid workers. A ship captain, for example, can earn from $6,000 to $10,000.
D’Souza visited UC Maritime Education and Training Center in Mambaling recently to inspect educational maritime facilities and equipment.
“So far from what I’ve seen, UC got the best facilities and equipment for maritime education in the developing world,” he said.
D’Souza discussed the proposal, made recommendations and laid the ground work for the official signing of agreement in Manila.
He also checked the on-going construction of JG Building, a three-storey building intended for use of IMEC and Norwegian Ship-Owners Association sponsored scholars. (JSC)
