(NEWS) WMU President Calls for Input to MarTID 2021 Global Survey

February

2021

WMU President Calls for Input to MarTID 2021 Global Survey

The 2021 Maritime Training Insights Database (MarTID) global survey is now available to gather input from seafarers, maritime education and training institutions and ship operating/managing companies. This marks the fourth consecutive year of the MarTID survey that aims to help ensure safe, efficient and sustainable maritime operations on clean oceans by providing the maritime industry with objective and comprehensive data on how it manages and conducts training for shipboard competencies, taking into account the effects of drivers, such as technology, on this training.

The 2021 survey comes at a pivotal time in maritime training and will aim to capture and learn from the resulting unprecedented changes in training practices due to the coronavirus pandemic. Again this year, the survey includes targeted surveys available for vessel operators, education and training institutions, and seafarers, with the special Maritime Training Insights section dedicated to impacts on training resulting from the pandemic. The survey will also continue to capture key annual foundational data regarding training budgets, training models, training staff, the use of technology, major training initiatives, and seafarer demographics. Input is due by 31 May 2021.

Your highly-valued contribution will support the development of a comprehensive MarTID dataset, the analysis of which will be of significant benefit to the global maritime community, generating insights that enhance policy-setting, decision-making, benchmarking and operational optimization by industry operators and regulatory authorities at all levels.

The secure and anonymized data provides insights into training practices, budgets, priorities, challenges and perspectives as well as a global picture of maritime training that is not currently available anywhere else. All MarTID reports are free and available to the general public. The previous reports are available on the MarTID website (www.martid.org). This year’s comprehensive report will be released in mid-2021.

To take the 2021 survey, please visit www.martid.org.

The MarTID partners continue to appreciate the full engagement of the maritime community in contributing to this insightful data. Supporting this important endeavour with just 20 to 30 minutes of your time will help to continue the building of the MarTID database which is a benefit to the global shipping industry, and in effect, the global economy given its high dependence on our impactful industry.

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry
President
World Maritime University

To take the 2021 survey, please visit www.martid.org.

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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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I chose the World Maritime University for my PhD studies in Maritime Affairs because of several reasons, including its academic reputation and strong postgraduate degrees in maritime and ocean science-related programmes, a range of international modules, and the diverse group of students and faculty members. WMU is in Sweden, one of the EU countries with the best gender equality ranking worldwide. As a woman in marine science who faced several challenges in the industry, I was mainly attracted to the Empowering Women for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development programme offered at the university. This unique programme aims to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in ocean science to increase women’s participation in ocean science and advance the sustainable management and governance of ocean spaces and maritime activities at all levels through capacity building.

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Upon graduation, I was awarded a prestigious research fellowship in sustainability, energy, and the pursuit of net-zero emissions within the maritime industry at the esteemed University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. This exciting opportunity marks the next phase of my academic and maritime journey. I remain passionately committed to continuing my exploration of academia and the maritime sector, building upon the invaluable knowledge and experience I acquired during my time at WMU. My primary objective is to contribute significantly to the advancement of the zero-emission maritime industry, a pivotal and transformative sector within our global community.

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