Suppliers of highly trained seafarers

The international theme for this year's Maritime Awareness Week, '2010: The Year of the Seafarer' is quite befitting as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) continues to promote its 'Go to Sea' campaign.

Not only will this theme highlight the many career opportunities available at sea, but it will also celebrate the seafarers' unique contribution to global trade.

Indeed, the over 1.5 million seafarers make an invaluable contribution to the shipping industry. Often referred to as 'the silent man' of trade, they face many risks as they carry out their duties of transporting cargo to the world's ports.

For Jamaica's part, The Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) must be commended for the role it has played in providing highly trained seafarers. The Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) notes with pride that all programmes offered at the CMI are of International Standards of Operating (ISO) 9001:2008 Lloyd's Register quality standard and it is the first tertiary institution within the region to attain such a feat. Additionally, the CMI is also on the IMO's White List of training institutions worldwide. Without a doubt, this speaks volumes to the standards of training available in Jamaica.

With a projected shortfall of 83,900 seafarers, especially of the officer class by 2012, it is important now, more than ever, that we continue to promote work at sea.

Roger Hinds, President

Shipping Association of Jamaica