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MALAYSIAN Maritime Academy (Alam)
has launched an e-learning programme on
liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipping cargo
operations to address the acute shortage of
seafarers in the niche sector.
Chief executive officer M. Adthisaya Ganesen
said the current global fleet expansion outpaced
the number of qualified seafarers being
produced.
“This is apparent in the LNG industry where new
players in the market have to resort to taking
workers from the liquid petroleum gas and oil
tanker fleet to be the senior officers on board
their LNG vessels.
“In view of this insufficiency, Alam has jointly
developed a web-based, interactive learning
programme with Teledata Marine Solutions that
only takes 50 contact hours to complete,” he
told StarBiz after launching the LNG e-Learning
programme in Malacca.
He explained that due to the acute shortage,
shipping companies could not afford to send
their officers to attend long courses, adding
that the short e-learning programme could
overcome that problem.
“Although the programme is short, it is
comprehensive, as it includes LNG simulator
training and a short stint on board an LNG
vessel.
“Seafarers can now be learning LNG operations
from on board their vessels.”
He said the programme was suitable for working
seafarers and entry-level students.
Adthisaya revealed that there were currently 215
LNG tankers, and the world fleet was expected to
grow to 400 tankers in 2˝ years.
“As at December 2005, the industry was in need
of another 10,000 seamen,” he said, adding that
the shortage was more acute now.
At the end of the programme that has met the
requirements of Det Norske Veritas and the
Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal
Operators, participants will be awarded with
course completion certificates.
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