Viewpoint: IMPA conference

December 9th, 2008 by JCB
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IMPA: A personal view.

Within our profession this is an extremely important event, not only as it gives us all a chance to learn of IMPA’s work and activities as well as learning of developments in the shipping and navigation worlds but perhaps most importantly to interact with colleagues from other nations who have to deal with a huge variety of regulations, legislation and political systems. Although this conference had issues with regard to certain aspects of the management of the daily sessions and the election process, it was far from a wasted effort and cost to attend. It has become very apparent to me in my work for the UKMPA in the international field over the last 5 years that the UK has very much become regarded as being a minor player in the world of pilotage. I believe very much as a result of some insular and introspective, complacent attitudes and decisions made by certain of our officers, albeit with the best intentions at the time over the last 15 or 20 years. Despite this, it is also clear to me that UK pilotage is of a very high standard and quality globally despite the efforts of many different parties within the UK Ports and Shipping industry to reduce our professional standing within the UK maritime community. We can learn an awful lot from other nations with regard to bringing certain aspects of our profession into the 21st century in particular with regard to the various human factors including recruitment, training and accident investigation. We should not be afraid of progress or change and neither should we shy away from participation on the international stage of shipping and pilotage.

I strongly urge you and all our colleagues to consider attendance at Brisbane in 2010, why not make a holiday out of it?

If that does not fit in with your plans, then do make space in your diary for attendance to the 2012 congress in LONDON which we are hosting on behalf of IMPA. Additionally, why not get involved NOW, contact Joe Wilson to offer your assistance in the organisation of the event. It is your ideas that are needed and participation in the management team to direct and monitor the work of our professional

conference organisers. We have four very short years to show the global world of pilotage and the maritime community as a whole that the UK is still very much a significant world voice in shipping – not only in commerce but in Pilotage also.

Don Cockrill