Conference debates issues affecting shipping today
Sustainability, forecasting markets and piracy were just a few of the issues debated at Southampton Solent University’s recent Maritime Conference.
Now in its fifth year, the annual conference provides an opportunity for staff and students from the University’s maritime courses to hear from industry experts on a range of current issues.
This year a packed conference welcomed guest speakers from a wide range of maritime organisations including NYK Group Europe Ltd, Spinnaker Global, Sustainable Shipping Initiative, the Institute of Chartered Ship Brokers and the Maritime Coastguard Agency.
Final-year maritime operation students were also be given the opportunity to showcase their work and generate discussion on leading issues with potential employers in the form of poster presentations.
Dr Kate Pike, Senior Research Fellow and conference co-ordinator says, “The health of the maritime industry is fundamental to our daily lives and it is a huge area to cover in a day’s conference. I think it is fair to say that students were treated to a year’s worth of course material in one day, covering some of the key issues currently affecting the maritime industry.”
In the wake of previous years’ conferences offers of employment have been made to students in their final year and this year is no exception. One formal job offer has already been received from a well-known ship owner in London and it is anticipated that further opportunities will arise in the weeks ahead.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8201 3048 or press.office@solent.ac.uk
About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology. The University was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning. Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2014 poll of students. Solent Business School has been awarded the Small Business Charter Award, which is supported by the Association of Business Schools and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and ‘gold approval’ by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
About Warsash Maritime Academy
Warsash Maritime Academy (WMA) - part of Southampton Solent University – has provided first-class education, training, consultancy and research to the international shipping, commercial yacht, offshore oil and gas, and renewables industries for almost 70 years. The Academy provides internationally recognised certification programmes for both deck and engineer officers from cadet level to Master (Captain) and Chief Engineer. It also offers short safety courses to develop skills such as fire fighting and sea survival, and continuous professional development modules for more experienced officers. The use of bridge, engine room and liquid cargo operations simulators are offered for higher level training, including their specialist ship handling training centre, of which it is one of only three major facilities of its kind in the world.
About Warsash Superyacht Academy
Warsash Superyacht Academy (WSA) is the world leader in superyacht training and education. The Academy offers more than 138 accredited deck, engineering and interior courses and other bespoke services to the yachting industry. As part of the world-renowned Warsash Maritime Academy, the teaching faculty includes more than 100 expert maritime lecturers. The scale and range of training facilities is unmatched worldwide. Clear progression routes are available for crew who are looking to further their careers, starting with basic STCW safety training, and leading to both yacht and unlimited officer programmes.
