(NEWS) INMARSAT Annual Seminar, 2015

August

2015

INMARSAT Annual Seminar, 2015

The INMARSAT seminar is an annual event at WMU and this year was delivered during 3-5 August to all students in the M.Sc. programme. INMARSAT has been a long-time supporter of WMU including the annual seminar offering as well as the INMARSAT Chair position, currently held by Professor Daniel S.H. Moon, which was first established in 1994 and fulfilled annually since 1998. INMARSAT’s continued support and involvement with the university has provided a significant contribution to WMU’s mission of maritime capacity building.

This year’s 3-day offering began with an introduction to INMARSAT satellite communication by John Dodd, Senior Product Manager, Maritime Safety & Regulatory Maritime, INMARSAT. The day continued with information about the role of INMARSAT with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Day two focused on security at sea with a presentation by Phil Lane from Pole Star Global, e-navigation by John-Erik Hagen, Regional Director at the Norwegian Coastal Administration, and further presentations by Mr. Dodd regarding accidents at sea with interactive analysis.

On the final day, a workshop led by Mr. Dodd and Dr. Moon involved the students being divided into groups to discuss an overview of GMDSS and the future of GMDSS modernization. After discussions, a representative from each group reported out to the entire class. The final exercise was a debate forum led by Mr. Dodd on the topics of 1) simulation training/at sea training, 2) compulsory tracking of vessels, and 3) prosecution for incorrect use of ‘distress’ calls.

The discussions and debates were particularly lively and informative this year with WMU students sharing their personal experiences from around the globe in regard to GMDSS. The opportunity to discuss the current state of maritime information and communication technologies with students who are experienced maritime professionals from around the globe, with an INMARSAT industry expert on hand, was an invaluable opportunity not only for the students, but for providing direct input to INMARSAT regarding their recommendations for improvement in this critically important area.

For more information about INMARSAT, click here.

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Dissertation title

Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influenced by my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initially introduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education, WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional quality of education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became a compelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student. Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutional offerings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at this esteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with my academic and professional goals.

My research explored the theoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis on maritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the study conducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritime governance—specifically, the implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affect the implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, the research aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmly anchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling the intricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMO instruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivated by a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies in maritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of a scarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in the existing body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration, underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area of maritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarly research.

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Embarking on my professional path, my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritime governance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the global maritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by a passionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritime domain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly to positive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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