RP braces for a huge manning and training conference

The Philippines is bracing for a huge manning and training conference in November with local and international players confirming their attendance to the event.

The 11th Asia Pacific Manning and Training Conference, set to be held on November 17 and 18 at the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza, is likely to be the biggest ever since the Philippines started to host such event.

Highly acclaimed as the ‘definitive conference on maritime manpower’, the event will have as its theme: ‘Year of the Seafarer 2010 & Beyond: What’s Next for Maritime Manpower’.

According to Informa Manning and Training Conferences producer Kathryn Barnard, the event is likely to be swamped by 250 international crew recruitment and training professionals from over 20 countries.

Barnard added that they expect that the number will still increase in the coming days as more and more interested parties continue to flock their offices to inquire about the event.

“The event will bring the major international maritime players to Manila, the manning capital of the world, to determine how the industry can come together to ensure a steady supply of seafarers to man the global fleet,” Barnard stressed.

Among the companies and organizations expected to grace the conference include the Asian Shipowners Forum, CMA CGM UK Ltd, OSM Maritime Services Inc., Stolt Tankers BV, Thome Ship Management Pte Ltd, Antwerp Maritime Academy, Seagull Japan and Sinocrew Maritime Services, Ltd.

Among the highlights of the event is an exclusive Filipino crew update in which regulators and manning executives from the Philippines discuss the new administration’s strategies for the manning sector.

The conference is also featuring a ‘first’ with an innovative ‘Manning and Training Cadet Forum’ wherein Filipino cadets will relate their experiences and ambitions for a life at sea. This will provide valuable insights into how the industry can promote itself to the younger generation. ?