MARITIME TRAINING INPUT REQUIRED ON QUALIFICATIONS BY LOUISE DEEHAN-OWEN I
t has seemed to be a very long time since the beginning of the design advisors workshops for the Qualifications and Operational Limits review and we are now beginning to see a document that has meaning for many of those in the industry. With the licence framework available on the internet at Maritime New Zealand's website, and their information about the transition from the old qualifications to the new, we are starting to see some tangible forward movement.
The system we have currently in the New Zealand Validity area is a descriptive syllabus type. Many have battled with the often vague points that have been interpreted in a number of ways. There is no compulsion to prove a practical ability yet this ability may be required on the job. This type of disconnect gives current syllabuses a lack of credibility and relevance within the industry. It has been a long pathway of pushing for the development of the new licences to be written along the lines of competence. We are pleased Maritime New Zealand has agreed to the framework for the development of those competencies and has added to the framework the unlimited 500t licence. Maritime NZ has also developed two new qualifications: – a Master <500 GT Unlimited, and an Integrated Rating. We are now in the process of identifying a broad base of competencies for the Skipper Restricted Limits along with the assessment methodologies and their criteria. Once the initial drafts are prepared we look forward to robust industry input.
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We urge everyone to take the time to put forward their ideas and comments, whether they are a single-person operation or a large company. The document is intended to serve the needs of the industry, so your input is vital to its relevance and validity. The system being developed will mirror the accepted international format other foreign administrations are familiar with. Even though these licences are principally designed to meet the needs of the local market, by falling in line with international moves to a competence descriptor we assume a recognisable and more transparent licensing system.
Running parallel with this work is the development of national qualifications in the maritime sector. It is vital for all parties to work together on the creation of these qualifications, as the funding available to the industry and students depend on these being registered and approved.
The graduate profile, or what you want the qualification holder to be able to do, as well as the competencies as set out by Maritime NZ, will be needed. Once this is approved, pathways to achieve these can be developed. The danger in failing to complete this part of the process is that all funding will be lost and the industry will have to fully fund the cost of all training.
Our message to industry is to start talking critically about what you do. What skills, knowledge and attitudes will be needed to carry this New Zealand industry forward and ensure its safety, productivity and survival?
New Zealand Maritime School
Maritime training designed to meet your company's needs: - Customised training - Maritime consultancy - Flexible learning options including blended delivery for 'Inshore Launchmaster' and 'New Zealand Offshore Watchkeeper'.
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Maritime New Zealand Licences Marine Engineering STCW '95 Basic Training Mate and Master Yacht Licences.
For a list of our 2012 courses or for more information, contact:
New Zealand Maritime School, Level 3, 2 Commerce St, Auckland on phone: 0800 744 722 email: maritime@manukau.ac.nz or visit: www.nzmaritime.com
May/June 2012 Professional Skipper 53
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