THE Philippines, the world’s manning capital, will be hosting the 10th Anniversary of the Asia-Pacific Manning and Training Conference.
Considered the largest and most important manning conference in the world, the event will be held at the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Manila on November 4-5, 2009.
Participants can register on-line at www.manningandtraining.com or call +44(0)20 7017 5511 or fax +44 (0)20 7017 4745.
Organized by the UK-based conference specialist, Lloyd’s List events, the conference will carry the theme “Seeking Solutions in Partnership: An Industry Commitment to the Future of Manning and Training”.
“The shipping industry’s number one manpower event offers a dynamic programme that looks ahead to solutions and strategies to prepare crews for the ships of the future rather than re-packaging analyses of the current downturn,” Conference Producer Kathryn Barnard pointed out.
The conference will be chaired by John Adams, managing director of Teekay Marine Services, who will preside over presentations and panel discussions covering a broad range of topics.
Topics include: “A retrospective of the Philippine manning industry as it prepares for the next wave of opportunities”; “Manpower supply: a strategic outlook”; “Recruitment and retention strategies”; “Review of industry regulations” and “Pioneering recruitment and retention initiatives”.
L. Marquard of HeavyLift Manila, Inc described last year’s event as “an international, well-organized event in the heart of the industry, the Philippines”.
The remark was echoed by M. Burley of V Ships who described the conference as “thought-provoking and valuable content for change”.
To meet the specialized needs of various participants, delegates will for the first time be given the choice of attending one of two topic streams on the second conference day. The first stream will tackle: “Effective Training: How to Ensure Competence Onboard”. The second stream will discuss: “Safe Manning: How to Ensure Sufficient and Efficient Manning”.
The event will also feature two workshops. A pre-conference IFSMA (International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations) workshop entitled “Does Fatigue and Criminalization have an Effect on Recruitment?” will be held on November 3 at the same venue.
A post-conference workshop entitled “Assessment of Crew Competence” will be held on November 6.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the conference, a gala dinner featuring a three-course meal, pre-dinner drinks and local entertainment will be held at the grounds of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza on the evening of November 4.
Philippine resident delegates will be extended a special conference rate of UK399 pounds.
