ASABOSA calls on industry to support maritime education at school level

MARITIME EDUCATION is now accepted as a matric subject in both the Cape and Kwazulu Natal and deserves full support of the shipping industry, says Paul Rose, national council president of the Association of Ships Agents & Brokers of Southern Africa (ASABOSA).
Our country's survival relies heavily on imports and exports, and maritime education among our people is therefore critical and must be maintained within the nominated senior school system at our major ports, he says.
This will ensure the availability of educated employees to our industry in the years ahead. These schools must be supported at all costs by the industry to encourage and motivate pupils and educators alike.
Our association has, over the years, strengthened its ties with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers' South African branch to whom we look for support and guidance in all standards of education within our industry.
ASABOSA represents 123 of the 135 ships agency companies offices' within southern Africa, and attends to more than 90% of vessels calling at South African ports. Their services include inter-alia all aspects of cargo operations, repairs, bunkering and any general requirements of overseas owners and disponent owners and, in particular, communication with the port authority.