Seaways Focus - November 2024

Change, growth and leadership

by John Lloyd FNI Chief Executive, The Nautical Institute 

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What a thrill it was to see so many young and engaged cadets at the start of their career showing a keen interest in the work of The Nautical Institute, during my recent visit to the USA. It is clear their thinking was much more sophisticated than ‘what’s in it for me’? The discussions that I had with them revealed a generation of mariners who have a wide interest in the industry as a whole; who wish to understand how it is likely to develop and evolve and what their role will be in shaping the future.

Of course, doing this as an individual is really tough; but as part of the global Nautical Institute network they have the chance to be part of the discussion and to demonstrate the leadership our members are known and respected for.

One of the key discussions that will shape that future for seafarers in the medium term is the question of what should be included in the comprehensive review of STCW. It is reassuring to see a renewed focus on management and leadership issues. These interpersonal skills are central to successful operations at any time, but especially so during a period of change.

"It is reassuring to see a renewed focus on management and leadership issues in STCW and the maritime industry as a whole"

There seems little doubt we are heading for a significant period of change as we embrace the opportunities brought about by technological development, including among other things better communications and artificial intelligence. We have yet to fully understand the benefits that can arise, but from a professional perspective we need to ensure that our voice as mariners is heard loud and clear when we are designing and adopting new systems.

If systems are designed without significant maritime input, it is unlikely they will be fit for purpose.

International Maritime Human Factors Symposium

These themes will be part of the focus for the International Maritime Human Factors Symposium being held at the IMO at the end of this month. On the 28 and 29 November we will bring together some of the sharpest minds in the sector as we consider some of the key issues.

I am delighted that the IMO have agreed to provide the keynote speaker for Day 1, continuing to develop the recent close links that resulted in IMO Secretary General Mr Arsenio Dominguez visiting Nautical Institute headquarters to speak to delegates at our Joint Governance meeting last month. Deborah Layde will commence the proceedings on the second day, giving us her insights into the work of the Seafarers’ Charity, outlining areas of collaboration with The Nautical Institute including fishing safety, and (coming full circle) the opportunities being created for further management and leadership training.

There are still a limited numbers of tickets available at £210 including networking breaks, lunches on both days and a Symposium reception and dinner on the first evening. Do join us if you can – see p5 for further details and a QR link to book.

A growing network

In recent weeks I have been supporting the effort to approve more training centres for accreditation as approved providers of Dynamic Positioning qualifications. The global importance of this industry is well understood. These new providers wish to be part of a network that delivers training and qualifications to a harmonised standard, recognised by the industry as a whole. The shared pedigree of high quality training and experience demonstrated by all of our DPOs is the industry’s best guarantee for safety, and helps ensure mobility of the global workforce.

Most recently I was in Taiwan, where the newest centre in Asia will provide a service primarily to the local community as they develop solutions for both old and new energy sources.

Joint Governance Meeting

Finally, let me extend a warm note of thanks to all of our members of Council, Executive Board and the Younger Members’ Council who made it to London last month for our Joint Governance Meeting.

It is important we have the opportunity to share first-hand with our members the progress of the organisation, discuss the strengths and weaknesses we identify and find ways for continual improvement, progress and influence.

With a shared vision and a shared understanding of our priorities we are superbly placed to make a real difference, today, tomorrow and long into the future. There has never been a more important time to be showing this kind of leadership.