(NEWS) TeamSafety Meeting

September

2011

TeamSafety Meeting

The partners in the EU research project, TeamSafety, met in Dublin on August 24 and 25 to review progress and to co-ordinate the next steps and activities in the project. The partners were welcomed to Ireland by the Mayor of Dun Laoghaire, Councillor John Bailey. WMU’s Michael Baldauf is leading the project, which aims to develop an innovative 3D virtual team-training maritime safety simulation platform to meet the latest EU safety requirements for sea and seafarers’ emergency response training. Dr Baldauf and Dr Birgit Nolte-Schuster attended the meeting in Ireland, and also the preparatory meeting on board the DFDS ferry "Pearl Seaways" to Oslo, hosted by Captain Lars Skjold-Hansen, which examined fire drill procedures.

TeamSafety is carried out in partnership with the Nautical Institute (UK), the Danish Innovation Institute, PERA (UK), and Unity Studios of Denmark, along with commercial MET providers, Ask Safety of Norway, the Bulgarian Maritime Training Centre and Sea & Shore Safety Services Ltd. of Ireland. It falls under the EU's Specific Programme, CAPACITIES, part of the 7th Framework Programme, and belongs to the theme "Research for the Benefit of SMEs Associations". The total project budget is €2.8 million, of which €2.2 is funded by the EU; WMU will receive €300,000.

For more information, please contact Dr Michael Baldauf (mbf@wmu.se)

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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.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of my educational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections with influential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of the globe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an international scale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also served as a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding of different perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantly to my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networking and has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within the Caribbean region from which I hail.

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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