‘Liberia, Maritime Education and Training Must Be Driven by an Unrelenting Impetus’ – Captain Hill

MONROVIA – If Liberia must attain gainful and sustainable rewards from its maritime industry, there must be unrelenting impetus as the driving force for Liberia’s Maritime Education and Training says Captain Armett Epaproditus Hill, Harbor Master National Port Authority while serving as Keynote Speaker at the World Maritime University (WMU) Alumni Association Liberia Chapter roundtable discussion on the theme “The Importance of Maritime Education in Liberia” Tuesday, 14^th May 2019 at the  Millennium Guest House and Suites Congo Town, Liberia.

Captain Hill cited that Maritime Education as a matter of fact, is massively broad – Navigation with its many tentacles: astronomical navigation; terrestrial navigation; electronic navigation; ship stability and ship construction; cargo handling (multiple types), including petroleum products; natural gas; basic seamanship; firefighting, survival at sea; medical first aid, etc., etc. 

Marine Engineering with its dynamics and physic associated with it such as the case of marine electronics, marine nuclear engineering speak less of Executive Maritime  Management, Marine Insurance, Maritime Education and Training, Maritime Energy Management, International Maritime Law & Policy, Maritime Safety and Environmental Administration, Maritime Safety and Security, Maritime Ocean  Sustainability, Fisheries and Marine Resource Management,  Maritime Governance and Management, Port, Shipping and Logistics Management.

Captain Hill commanded the World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden an establishment of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution in 1983 as truly maritime education platform for member’s states of the international maritime community.

He cautioned Liberian mariners and government to take maritime training by the horns. If no keen is taken on Maritime education right now, Liberia will always be at the heel of the maritime development ladder.  He said to sail ships between ports, you need competent mariners. Similarly, to build a fifty storey building you need construction engineers.  Any other competence will not yield the required result and hence could be disastrous.

Captain cited that the U.S. Maritime Industry significantly contributes to its country’s economic by over 500,000 jobs with gross economic output of over $92.5 Billion and worker’s income of $29 billion with $10 Billion tax Impact

India number of seafarers employed globally has exceeded 150,000 for the first time in history as India Maritime Administration Competitiveness is only through hardcore training and discipline.

The worldwide population of seafarers serving on internationally trading merchant ships is estimated at 1,647,500 seafarers of which 774,000 are officers and 873,500 are ratings. China, the Philippines, Indonesia, the Russian Federation and Ukraine are estimated to be the five largest supply countries for all seafarers (Officers and ratings). Where is Liberia in seafaring, the world second largest vessel registry per tonnage.

National Government should mandate line ministries and agencies to development training programs in specialize maritime disciplines that would attract the much-needed hard currency and in reduce our growing inflation.      

Captain Hill cautioned the current Liberian maritime pool that the form of maritime education cannot stand alone and will always need to be couple with impeccable discipline, laudable dedication and committed hard work.

For his part, the President of the World Maritime University (WMU) Alumni Association Liberia Chapter, Mr. Mohamed Calico Lavalie appreciated Captain Hill for his service to the country and making time available to inspire the hopeful new generation of Liberia Mariners.