IMarEST launches campaign to support seafarers
The Institute of Marine Engineering Science & Technology (IMarEST) has launched a campaign aimed at supporting seafarers in developing their skills and demonstrating their competencies.
The campaign raises awareness of options available to seafarers to grow their knowledge whilst continuing their role at sea - such as innovative e-learning higher education courses specifically relevant for senior management positions ashore – for example an MSc in Sustainable Maritime Operations.
IMarEST also reminds seafarers how to use their existing certificates of competency to gain professional qualifications such as Chartered or Registered status. The IMarEST recognises certificates of competency (both deck and engine) as equivalent to up to Master’s-level learning, making it easier for seafarers to apply for professional registration and achieve a universally recognised professional status.
David Loosley, IMarEST Chief Executive said: “The IMarEST recognises that many seafarers are looking to maximise their career potential and gain additional knowledge in preparation for more senior positions ashore or afloat. Seafarers sometimes feel pressured to leave their jobs at sea earlier than planned in order to try and move up the career ladder, sometimes leaving the sector altogether. By utilising our latest e-learning technology seafarers can stay at sea longer but continue to develop the skills they need to make the next career step and remain in the maritime profession.”
“We believe the upskilling of seafarers will also help towards bridging the skills gap employers have identified within the sector. Many employers want to utilise the experience of their sea-going staff in shore-based management positions but are faced with the challenge that many lack the required knowledge. The IMarEST is committed to supporting the recruitment, retention and professional development of the very best individuals in the maritime and marine sector.”
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF MARINE ENGINEERING, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The IMarEST is an international membership body and learned society for all marine professionals. It is the first Institute to bring together marine engineers, marine scientists and marine technologists into one international multi-disciplinary professional body. It is the largest marine organisation of its kind with a worldwide membership of over 17,000 based in over 128 countries.
Working with the global marine community, the IMarEST promotes the scientific development of marine engineering, science and technology, providing opportunities for the exchange of ideas and practices and upholding the status, standards and expertise of marine professionals worldwide.
Education is supported through Marine Learning Alliance Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the IMarEST Group that delivers marine education and training courses primarily through distance e-learning. These include degree courses in Hydrography and Sustainable Maritime Operations and various short technical courses.
The IMarEST works with a growing number of corporate partners offering different levels of support to maritime organisations. IMarEST ‘Marine Membership’ is open to all companies and organisations, providing access to membership benefits, knowledge-sharing, online promotion and exclusive discounts. The ‘Marine Partner’ initiative is for organisations that work strategically with the IMarEST to create and deliver a bespoke annual programme of activity and premium promotion.
The IMarEST is a respected authority in every maritime country. It is a Non-Governmental Organisation with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), observer status at the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), and it has special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC), which facilitates its access to other international intergovernmental meetings where its specialized marine expertise is of particular use, e.g., the United Nations meetings on Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the work of the International Seabed Authority on marine mining. It is a nominated and licensed body of the Engineering Council (UK), a member of the Science Council and has significant links with many other maritime organisations worldwide.
The IMarEST runs a series of industry leading and technically excellent events and conferences as well as publishing the internationally recognised publication, The Marine Professional.