Development of maritime education and training for ratings in Bangladesh : a proposed path to the next century

This dissertation focuses on the maritime education and training system for ratings in Bangladesh, under the prevailing shipping environment. The paper discusses the present situation and highlights the difficulties being experienced in attempting to upgrade the system particularly in the areas of employment, education and training. The investigation identifies a number of factors inhibiting the development that is needed to overcome the current shortage of qualified ratings. These include a lack of policy initiatives in the promotional field, inadequate appraisal of human resource development in the maritime sector, a lack of administrative and industry support, inadequate legislation, poor training facilities and a shortage of qualified instructors. The project focuses on the vital need for chanqes in the present system in the light of the technological advancements and legal developments taking place in the maritime world. Examination is made of training systems in the U.K., Germany, Australia and Japan, where administrations have been forced to restructure their approach to ratings training to meet the challenges of new technology and economic competition. On the basis of this investigation, the dissertation proposes changes in the current Bangladesh system through the adoption of a multi-skilled training, which would provide flexibility and mobility to Bangladeshi ratings seeking career development at sea as well as in other related industries. It also specifies the need for the continued upgrading of seafarer education. In Conclusion, recommendations are offered as to measures that might be taken to ameliorate some of the problems faced by the declining community of Bangladeshi seafarers