NZ Maritime School addresses knowledge gaps in shipping industry

The influx of newcomers to the shipping industry – thanks to recent mergers and takeovers – means the need for best practice is more important than ever as New Zealand companies face further consolidation.

 A large number of people currently employed in the shipping industry are new entrants to the sector with limited knowledge of their responsibilities or the proper practices employed in the shipping and freight industry, says industry expert David Hope.

David, senior lecturer at the New Zealand Maritime School of Manukau Institute of Technology, says with the dramatic changes experienced in the shipping industry over the last two years, there has been an influx of newcomers to the sector.

“We have seen a lot of mergers and acquisitions between shipping companies. This resulted in many companies relocating to other centres, but since not all of their staff were willing to make the move a large number of newcomers entered the industry,” says David.

“Many of these people have been in the industry for less than two years and may not be completely familiar with all the necessary practices and their obligations.”

To address this issue, the New Zealand Maritime School is running a series of two-day Shipping Practice workshops around the country for the New Zealand Association of Ship Owners and Agents. To date, over 120 employees from various shipping companies have registered for the workshops.

“We have had an overwhelming response to the workshops, which demonstrates there is a strong desire for this kind of training across the country,” says David, who runs the seminars.

“The seminars are very intensive and suit anyone who has entered the industry recently or who has a basic understanding of the shipping industry, and will enable them to step up to intermediate level.”

The workshops give participants the opportunity to question, learn and develop skills in a collegial environment with emphasis placed on participation.

They take a holistic approach to shipping and involve projects, simulations, case studies and teamwork.

Participants are provided with an overview of the international shipping market with a particular emphasis on New Zealand trade, while the commercial system underpinning the buying and selling of goods is examined.

The workshops also cover the documentation that supports contracts of carriage and the processes involved in executing accurate carriage documentation, while the roles of all parties involved in ship and port operations is explained.
 
The series started in Auckland at the end of September with all seminars there booked out, while places have also filled up in advance for the two Christchurch sessions between 20 and 23 November.

There are however still some spaces available for the workshop at the Lakeland Resort in Taupo on 30 and 31 October.

For more information on the workshops contact the New Zealand Maritime School, on 09 379 4997, or visit www.nzmaritime.com.