The protection of marine environment and control of pollution due to oil is a subject, which is highly relevant to all seafarers and governing authorities. Just as every drop of oil saved is energy conserved, every bit of knowledge gained in this field is highly significant to seafarers and helps make the planet a better place. The International Maritime Training Centre (IMTC), inaugurated its course 'Marine Environment Protection' and also held a seminar on 'Oil and Seawater' on November 3 at Hotel Hyatt Regency, Mumbai. This was done in collaboration with Barber International Limited, a 100 per cent owned subsidiary of the Norway based Wilh Wilhelmsen Group (WW). Amongst the leading ship management and consultancy companies in the world. Barber International offers ship management, manning, training of seagoing personnel, technical-maritime consultancy services and delivery of IT-solutions to the shipping sector.
The WW Group is pretty bullish on India , which is being termed as the next big story in the maritime world. WW ASA, a leading international supplier of maritime transport and associated services based on expertise with the focus on customer needs, is eyeing India for growth. However, as an extension of its positioning as a responsible corporate and socially conscious global corporate citizen, the WW Group provided Indian seafarers with a great opportunity to obtain a better understanding of the issues related to the protection of marine environment. The Group, which ranks as one of Norway 's leading centres of maritime expertise, has personnel in 250 offices in over 60 countries.
More than 7,000 seagoing personnel from a number of nations are attached to Barber's operations, and the company is responsible for full management or manning of more than 250 vessels. Barber runs its own training and education centre for maritime personnel - the IMTC in Mumbai , India . Located in new and well-equipped premises, this facility offers courses for the company's own crew and external personnel.
Capt. Y. Sharma, Principal and Head of Training, IMTC welcomed the distinguished guests including: Guest of Honour - His Excellency, Jon Westborg (Norway's ambassador to India); Chief Guest - G. S. Sahni (Director General of Shipping, Govt. of India); Ingar Skaug (CEO, WW ASA, Oslo); Svein Sorlie (President, Barber Intl.); Dag Schjerven (CEO, Wilhelmsen Maritime Services) and Jane Bordal (President of the Barber Marine team).
Capt. Sharma specifically welcomed the seafarers sitting in the audience and stated that a highlight of this seminar was the fact that seafarers were adequately represented. Speaking on the need to conduct such a seminar, he said, "The world is getting more and more environmentally conscious as is evident in the strong reactions against oil pollution and stringent regulatory measures for protection of environment. Still, we hear cases where oil has been released in the oceans either accidentally or intentionally. Today, we shall look at the after-effects of oil pollution from the operational, technical and human solutions point of view. The impact of the presentations made today will strengthen our resolve to keep the seas free of oil and move firmly on the path of 100 per cent compliance. To help us achieve our objectives, eminent speakers have travelled from different parts of the globe to come to this venue. I welcome them all."
H. E. Westborg and DG Sahni lit the traditional lamp and signaled the commencement of the sessions. Later on, Skaug and Sorlie cut the ribbon for unveiling the equipment and DG Sahni showcased the handout for the training course.
Excerpts of the welcome address by Svein Sorlie (President, Barber Intl.)
In Norway , we have a saying which says that wise men should learn from their mistakes. At Barber Intl., we believe that we should learn from other people's mistakes.
In the past, we have witnessed some astonishing failures in oil pollution especially due to the 'fly (or should we say 'sail') by night' operators.
Reputable shipping cos. have found themselves in the limelight being in the spotlight of the world media for all the wrong reasons. This has led to loss of reputation, expensive suits and legal litigations as well as criminal charges and stiff penalties.
World over, there is no tolerance for any kind of environment damage.
Companies have to realise that the old strategies of evasion and non-detection are no longer useful and just don't work. Whistle blowers are rewarded amply and generously.
It's time to back words with actions. At Barber Intl. we have identified 'competence development' as the only way forward and the main strategy to satisfy the demands/commercial needs with the framework of safe environmental standards. When we say, 'No pollution, we mean no pollution' and our staff understands this clarion call. Although, we started our training institute in Mumbai in 1996, the competence development strategy has been in place ever since we started our Hong Kong operations thirty years back.
Human ignorance is the greatest enemy of marine environment. Practical training is the key word and competence development has to be taken further than the theoretical level.
At Barber Intl., we strive to ensure that our staff is fully equipped and knows the importance of operational routines and procedures. Also, they understand that they need to deliver.
Therefore, Barber Intl. is recognised as the leading ship management co. with a specially qualified staff ensuring excellence in operational systems. In fact, the years spent by seafarers in Barber Intl. are important reference points in their careers and head hunting agencies always fish for Barber staff.
Ship operations are becoming more and more complex and demanding. Without systematic training, it would be difficult to survive in today's maritime world. The shipping industry is one of the few industries where the need for lifelong training is pronounced.
The IMTC's network is an important ally for us as it helps us develop competence.
The commencement of this course on environmental protection proves Barber's commitment to safety, quality and environmental protection.
We view human ignorance as the biggest enemy of the marine environment and by launching this course they have done something practical about it.
H. E. Jon Westborg, Norway 's ambassador to India
Norwegian shipping is the flag-bearer of our nation. I am proud of the fact that it seeks to go where others don't tread; instead of merely taking, it seeks to put in!
The Royal Norwegian Government is looking for strengthened political and commercial cooperation with India . The recent Indian visits by three ministries and two secretaries underlines this intention to enhance political and economic partnerships.
I am happy that Norwegian involvement and interest is part of the wish to strengthen cooperation in areas concerning global issues - the giant collaboration in securing the future of marine environment.
The Wilh Wilhelmsen Group stands out due to its tradition of excellent seamanship concern for details and maintenance of standards.
Barber International manages six ships out of Mumbai. We plan to hire more professionals and expand our ship management services in India . We have 2,000 Indians working for us in different parts of the world including 1,700 seagoing officers.
What attracts us to Indian seafarers is discipline, basic education and the overall Indian perspectives/philosophies to life. Indians make very good officers for our ships. Some of the brightest Indian talent still gets attracted to the shipping industry. I don't think Indians demand exorbitant salaries as such things are driven by the demand and supply situation. In any case, we don't merely look at manpower expenses as an operational expense. Salaries will stabilize over the next five years. China is emerging as a key supplier of manpower but is unlikely to become a supplier of officers to global shipping.
I wish to thank the Director General of Shipping, Govt. of India for strengthening ties with other shipping economies and encouraging Indian seafarers to capitalize on the possibilities and opportunities.
G. S. Sahni, Director General of Shipping, Govt. of India
Oil is transported in special ships with tags on the hull. Over the decades, remarkable progress in technology has transformed the design and construction of oil tankers but complete control of the risks involved in the process is still not possible.
The MARPOL convention is the primary international convention, which covers prevention of pollution of the marine environment through oil leaks. The two treaties in 1973 and 1978 adopted by the IMO as well as the amendments have guided the member countries.
The international tanker fleet has a cargo capacity of 40 per cent of the global transport capacity with a ship size of 700 VLCCs with 23,400-deadweight tonnage; 25 such in excess of 40,000 EWTs. The pollution aspects of aging tankers increase the risks therein - especially due to the pressures of maintenance and servicing.
Oil pollution has two perspectives - internal (where the crew's lives are threatened) and external (where the environment and ecosystem is threatened).
It is heartening to note that major oil spills have been on the decline since the 1970s. However, recent incidents have caused concern and the IMO has announced new stricter regulations. In fact, the December 2003 meeting of the IMO focused on marine environment protection even as it celebrated the 30th anniversary of the 1973 MARPOL Convention and the 50th meeting of the MEPC committee. This single global regulatory framework ratified by all the countries which control 96 per cent of the world fleet has played a crucial role by espousing its ' Cleaner Sea ' mantra .
India is one of the first countries to ensure amendment of the MARPOL Annexure 1 and 2 way back in 1986; Annexure 3, 4 and 5 were amended in 2003 and the process of redefining Annexure 6 is on at present.
Effective port regime ensures compliance and I must applaud the efforts of the Indian coast guard who is on a constant look out for mishaps.
This seminar is an excellent learning forum and ever effort must be made for encouraging such initiatives.
Ingar Skaug, Group President and CEO, WW Group
The commencement of this course is in sync with our corporate values. It is a sign of all the things that we seek to accomplish.
IMTC has been doing a phenomenal job and this is amply demonstrated through its intention to start such as course.
India is growing in importance and throwing up new business opportunities. For a very long time, it has been a strong recruiting base and now we are focussing a lot on onshore business opportunities here.
The Group would like to offer maritime expertise to interested parties in India - in areas such as ship management, consultancy, manning, bunker brokering, freight forwarding and port services.
Incidentally, the WW Group will focus on exporting maritime services to India and using the country as a major sourcing hub for its needs around the globe. It plans to hire more seagoing officers from India and plans to invest more in crew-infrastructure in the country. It has plans to use India as a knowledge hub. The Group already sources $100 million from India every year and plans to increase the spend.
The theme of the seminar was 'Consequences of oil pollution" and the speaker presented different perspectives in this context. In the first session, the ball was set rolling by the Ajoy Chaterjee - Chief Surveyor, Govt. of India. His presentation on "The Regulatory Aspect of Pollution Prevention" explained the responsibilities that have to be fulfilled by the various stakeholders, especially the administrative bodies. He made an illuminating presentation on the regulatory aspects of the prevention of oil pollution due to ships. He also touched upon the new norms governing machinery and equipment that would become applicable from January 2005.
Kim Jefferies, GARD P&I, Arendal touched upon the commercial impact of an oil pollution incident. The extent of fires and other preventive measures, the liabilities and coverage for ship owners and seafarers was brought into clear focus.
Prof. S. P. Fondekar, National Institute of Oceanography, Goa , made a graphic presentation of the effects of oil pollution in the seawater and backed it up by some astonishing data called from years of research on the subject.
Finally, Karoline Boehler, Attorney-at-law, Legal Adviser, Norwegian Ship owner's Association, spoke on the legal issues associated with an oil pollution incident. She put the spotlight on the US legal system and also the developments of legislation in the EU with regards to pollution offences.
In the post lunch sessions; the focus was shifted to operational issues. Capt. A. D. Anato, Safety & Quality Manager, Barber Marine Consultants narrated various pollution cases and analyzed in broad detail the causes as well as the consequences of the events on the ships, their owners and the crew.
Krik Davis, O'Brien's Oil Pollution Services, NJ, USA , followed up with a picture of what is involved by way of cleanup operations from the shore side, should a pollution incident occur. He explained how the magnitude of the operations multiplied several fold in case of unfavourable circumstances.
Coming to solution, Benny Carlson, Marinfloc AS , Sweden , gave a technical presentation on how to carry out efficient separation of oil from the Bilge water by new technologies, which could also remove other pollutants from a mix of bilge water.
Ultimately, compliance being a function of the individual's attitude, it was left to Gunnar Lamvik, SINTEF, Norway to unravel the human aspect. He reassured that the human nature is responsible for non-compliances under certain circumstances and proposed a logical approach to this problem.
For its part, IMTC faculty Gurmeet Singh Ranghar presented the components of the Marine Environment Protection Course developed by IMTC'S staff, and expressed hope that attending such a course would not only help in educating sea going staff about how to comply with pollution regulations, but also bring about an attitudinal changes which would ultimately be of mutual benefit for all.
Highlights of the IMTC course
The IMTC marine environment protection course stresses the need to protect the environment from accidents.
It addresses the fears and concerns about the operational outflows and procedures.
However, it emphasizes the need to instill love for the planet and drills in our responsibility to leave a legacy to future generations. It sensitizes hearts to be serious and hopes that minds will exercise more caution.
It seeks to provide a detailed understanding of the regulations, choice of equipment and procedures concerning the seafarers, administration, naval architects, decision makers and the PSC.
It seeks to use the seafarer's strengths and experience and add updates through interactive discussions. It will use a lot of case studies and help seafarers pre-empt the problems.
It will also emphasize the significance of good record keeping, which always stands in the court of law.
It will create live scenarios with simulators.
It will also consider evolution into the future.
The seminar ended with an interactive session when some of the delegates shared their views in public and hoped for a better environment in the future. It concluded with gratitude being expressed to the guests, speakers participants and the organizers.
All in all, the seminar was just another feather in the cap of IMTC and the WW Group as they reiterated their com
Ultimately, compliance being a function of the individual's attitude, it was left to Mr. Gunnar Lamvik, SINTEF, Norway to unravel the human aspect. He reassured that the human nature is responsible for non-compliances under certain circumstances and proposed a logical approach to this problem.
The seminar ended with an interactive session when some of the delegates shared their views in public and hoped for a better "Environment" in the future. For its part, IMTC faculty Mr. Gurmeet Singh Ranghar presented the components of the Marine Environment Protection Course developed by IMTC'S staff, and expressed hope that attending such a course would not only help in educating sea going staff about how to comply with pollution regulations, but also bring about an attitudinal changes which would ultimately be of mutual benefit for all.