Marine Insurance
operators and boat owners. Protection and indemnity insurance are among the toughest coverage for underwriters -- by far, the worst-performing component of maritime insurance. From our perspective, safety is the key issue. Boats operated by unqualified crew are far more likely to run into trouble, cause injuries, incur damages and file claims. As a result, when we underwrite a policy, we carefully study the qualifications and training of the crew that will be operating the vessel. Unqualified seamen represent a real risk for us that could translate into the type of losses that could eventually force U.S. insurers out of this segment of underwriting entirely. The labor shortage should also be a concern for society in general. We've all become much more sensitive about the potential for environmental damage from oil spills, not to mention the disaster that can follow if a barge rams into a bridge or takes out a railroad overpass. Skills and training are required to safely operate work boats - and all of us have a vested interest in finding ways to produce more skilled seamen. Looking to the Future There are many different approaches to developing new sources of skilled seamen that could be effective. Two come to mind: � Create more hybrid training programs. Skilled seamen used to be homegrown, hired as deck hands and brought up through the ranks to become accomplished sailors over time. Or they often were graduates of rigorous maritime academies with full multi-year curriculum requirements. Today, there is room for programs that fill a middle ground of producing workers with a variety of skill levels to handle specific jobs. � Raise the visibility of career opportunities. Operating a barge or a tug is a tough job with irregular scheduling. But there have always been people drawn to the mystery and adventure of the sea. Note the unexpected popularity of the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," an ongoing series that follows the fortunes of deep-sea fishing crews. The maritime industry needs to find ways to highlight the opportunities available for those who are willing to embrace a challenging career. The maritime industry already faces many challenges from nature and man rough seas, increasing regulatory requirements, and boom-and-bust supply and demand to name a few. But the labor shortage is something that the industry can -- and should -- do something about. The far-sighted operators and owners are already taking steps to do so.
About the Author
Rich DeSimone is president of Travelers Ocean Marine. He can be reached at rich.desimone@travelers.com
Rich DeSimone is president of Travelers Ocean Marine. He can be reached at rich.desimone@travelers.com
Can you afford to be stuck in port for repairs?
Prevent breakdowns through CJCTM Oil Maintenance Increased lifetime of components and oil Increased service intervals Fewer unplanned shut-downs Increased operational reliability
H.O. Bostrom Co.
www.hobostrom.com
NEW!
SeaPost XJ-190 Jockey Seat System Provides over 50% Reduction in Impact
� The SeaPost XJ-190 Jockey Seat features all non-corrosive materials, one-touch height adjust (100 mm) control, adjustable side cushions for extra lateral torso or leg support. Image shown with optional back cushions and front hand rails. � The dual Seaspension� pedestal system provides shock isolation up to 6Gs and provides over 50% reduction in the impact felt by riders.
TEL 262-542-0222 � FAX 262-542-3784 E-mail sales@hobostrom.com
Clean Oil - Brig
C.C.JENSEN A/S DK-5700 Svendborg Tel. +45 63 21 20 14 � Fax: +45 62 22 46 15
ht I
d eas
www.cjc.dk
SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM
MARINE SANITATION DEVICE
patented
USCG CERTIFIED-IMO APPROVED FOR WORLD The TIDALWAVE HMX TYPE II Marine WIDE ACCEPTANCE Sanitation Device (MSD) provides state of
the art processing of onboard sewage. Designed for quick starts and stops with the push of a button, the PLC-automated LOW MAINTENANCE TIDALWAVE HMX system uses chemical INCLUDES EFFLUENT DISCHARGE PUMP FOR oxidation, hydro-maceration and media OVERBOARD DISCHARGE OF TREATED WASTE separation to thoroughly destroy influent biomass. The optional electrocatalytic system generates sodium hypochlorite ODOR FREE on-site from seawater or brine, eliminating NO EXTRA TANKS REQUIRED consumables during operation. The four-stage treatment system provides trouble EASY/AUTOMATIC OPERATION free treatment of black and gray water with a TOUGH CORROSION RESISTANT MATERIALS sterile effluent for disposal. These systems are provided in marine grade aluminum or steel construction with tough flexible LIGHTWEIGHT UNITS ceramic, epoxy coating for corrosion protection. CAPACITIES UP TO 50,000 GPD
NO CHEMICALS REQUIRED
See us at the Work Boat Show: Booth 2741
3380 SW 11th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315 Phone: +1 954-581-6996 Fax: +1 954-587-0403
Listing# E212282
R
TOILETS WATER PRESSURE WASTE TREATMENT FLUID MONITORING AND MUCH MORE
58 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News
WWW.HEADHUNTERINC.COM