AboveBoard
AMC AMC IS A SPECIALIST IS A SPECIALIST INSTITUTE INSTITUTE OF THE OF UNIVERSITY THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA OF TASMANIA
issue 2
winter 2012
Meet the board
Scholarship fosters spirit of adventure
A bi-annual publication of the Australian Maritime College
Global links a priority
Alumni in focus
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Seafarer training to meet industry needs IMO VIP visit AMC’s seafarer programs have been restructured in consultation with industry to meet Australian and international best practice standards. The new format will provide training across the vocational education and training (VET) sector and now also at a bachelor level. “This is the first fully integrated pathway across all seafaring roles, with opportunities right through from entry-level training and integrated ratings (IR) to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees,” AMC Acting Principal Neil Bose said.
“AMC is dedicated to providing the highest possible standard of training for seafarers, and the inclusion of a bachelor degree option into our ocean-going ship’s officer training will ensure that we continue to lead the way.” Students following the VET pathway can undertake a Diploma of Transport and Distribution (Maritime Operations) to become a Deck or Engineer Watchkeeper. These students will then be eligible for credit towards the bachelor degree to undertake the next level of studies. The new higher education pathway offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Marine Engineering), which are achieved concurrently with AMSA certificates of competency. Starting from next year AMC will also offer a shore-based degree as part of the maritime training suite of courses. The Bachelor of Applied Science (Maritime Operations) is designed for those who wish to work in a range of ship/ shore interface positions with a variety of employers, including governments, ports and shipping companies.
“This would suit school leavers looking to enter the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General, Mr Koji Sekimizu visited AMC in August for a VIP tour of its campus and facilities.
maritime industry without the need to gain sea time, as well as seafarers who are looking to make the transition to shorebased careers,’’ says Associate Professor Dev Ranmuthugala.
IMO is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution and ships (www.imo.org).
He said that the key stakeholders in the maritime industry would definitely benefit from the program changes.
“This is an opportunity to set up your employees for independent lifelong learning – to foster graduates who have the capacity to make a significant impact on your workplace.’’ Assoc. Prof. Ranmuthugala emphasised that, as AMC is an institute of the University of Tasmania, seafaring graduands would reap the benefits of an established higher education system, but without the constraints of a traditional two semester year. “AMC’s system is based around four study blocks in years two and three. However, students only need to undertake three study blocks and the mandatory Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) short courses.
“Multiple student intakes created by the four-block system will allow for further flexibility for students and sponsors. The reduced number of units per study block will also decrease the number of hours students need to spend on campus. And there will be no increase in the time it takes for a student to obtain a Certificate of Competency.” Current AMC students who complete their studies by the end of 2012 will receive the
Pasta challenge a hit
Angus Moore undertakes a deck officer revaildation course in AMC’s Survival Centre. award for which they enrolled. Students continuing into 2013 will also have that option, as well as the ability to ‘roll over’ into the new programs.
The new degree programs will also open up opportunities for those in the industry who already have their Deck or Engineer officer licences. They will be eligible for credit in their respective bachelor degree via a formal recognition of prior learning (RPL) process.
is critical to the safe and effective operation of ships. Modern ships are technically complex, so it is vital that modern officers possess a wide range of skills, including a high level of decision making and problem solving. “Our new degree program will help to deliver such expertise.”
For more information and Q&As, please visit www.amc. edu.au/ocean-seafaring
“AMC will maximise the credit that students can gain for any study that they have already undertaken. Our revised programs clearly identify entry and exit pathways for all levels of learning,’’ Assoc. Prof. Ranmuthugala said.
He said that by producing more highly skilled seafarer graduates, AMC will be making a significant contribution to improving the competitiveness of the Australian maritime sector at a time of fundamental reform. “The competence of seafarers
AMC’s Maritime Engineering students proved that pasta is the true ‘super food’, at the College’s fifth annual Pasta Bridge Competition. The bridges must be made out of nothing but commercially available pasta and glue, must span 1m, not exceed 1kg in weight, and be wide enough for a model car to pass through.
“These pasta bridges are like Formula 1 cars – most look the same from a distance, but slight tweaks to their design can enhance their performance dramatically,” said Dr Roberto Ojeda, AMC’s Naval Architecture Degree Course Coordinator and supervisor of the pasta bridge project.
Assoc. Prof. Dev Ranmuthugala Acting Director, National Centre for Ports & Shipping.
The winning bridge – by Jack Osborne, Bakari Sammir, Hau Joe Lew and Jeremy Nolan - held an impressive weight of 144kg.
www.amc.edu.au
Consultation the key, says AMC Chairman Dr Michael Vertigan - AMC Chairman Dr Michael Vertigan was appointed as Chairman of the Board of the Australian Maritime College in early 2012.
He has wide experience on the boards of organisations involved in finance, investment, energy, infrastructure and education.
The former Chancellor of the University of Tasmania is Chair of the Energy Security Council and of MyState Limited and a Director of the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation and of Aurora Energy. He was formerly Chair of the Solar Flagships Council and of the Basslink Development Board. His public service career included appointments as Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance and of the Department of Premier and Cabinet in Tasmania and Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance in Victoria. He has also held academic appointments at universities in California, Alberta and Western Australia. He was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2004 “for service as a community leader in public administration through development of far reaching fiscal policy reform; in business and industry, through focusing on strategic investment for sustainable economic growth; and in education through university governance.”
The Australian Maritime College is listening. That’s the message from the new Chairman of the Board, Dr Michael Vertigan AC. With the change in status of AMC to an Institute of the University of Tasmania (UTAS) now fully implemented, the Board and leadership team of AMC are focussed on setting the future strategic direction of the college. Under the new arrangements, AMC retains a good deal of independence.
“We are required to set the strategic direction of AMC and to oversee the direction and performance of the college,” Dr Vertigan said.
“In discharging these obligations we now have the benefit of the resources that UTAS brings in terms of the administrative support, support for the delivery of academic programs; and the opportunity to enhance strategic research collaborations across a wide range of areas. The overall strategic priorities of UTAS provide a framework for our planning.” Dr Vertigan said that AMC would always be a very important brand within UTAS. “The College’s global reputation in the maritime arena and its well-established industry relationships have definitely been among AMC’s key strengths.” However, he said that this was no cause for complacency, and that AMC would always need to
Above Board is the bi-annual newsletter of The Australian Maritime College, circulated to around 10,000 alumni and other stakeholders worldwide. For course enquiries visit www.amc.edu.au/enquiries CRICOS code 00586B
In November last year, 25 year old Edward Doddridge was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship – the world’s oldest and most prestigious international graduate scholarship.
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“We plan to ensure that this consultation is an important input when determining our strategic direction.
“The feedback I am getting is that whilst we have had a very good reputation across the industry, we can do much better with our communication. We need to listen to our industry partners and supporters, tell them what is going on, what directions the college is taking, and ask how we might collaborate better together. “Whilst AMC certainly has a global reputation, I don’t think we have as strong a profile in the Australian community as we could have.
“Over the coming years we will continue to promote AMC and what it has to offer around the country; whether it be at educational fairs, conferences or engaging with education authorities,’’ Dr Vertigan said. So far in 2012, the AMC marketing team has attended around 20 career fairs and expos across the country and academic staff and students have participated in numerous industry events.
Dr Vertigan also pointed out that while AMC was the only
GRADUATE PROFILE: Edward Doddridge
Contributions are welcome. Contact media@amc.edu.au
AMC IS A SPECIALIST INSTITUTE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA
listen to its partners about what the College can do to support the future direction of the industry.
The Rhodes Scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic achievement and strength of character, and allows the recipient to study at the University of Oxford in the UK.
I spent most of my childhood living on a hobby farm in Sandfly, Tasmania - an excellent place to be a young boy, with a creek, old apple orchards and what felt like limitless space to explore. After finishing school in 2004, I was planning to work and then backpack around Europe, however I ended up living on board Tasmania’s tall ship Windeward Bound as a volunteer
dual sector (VET and higher education) institution involved in maritime training education and research in Australia, that didn’t mean that it wanted to be a monopoly provider. “We have already initiated activities and collaborations with institutions that are offering VET programs in other parts of Australia. We would like to take a leadership role across the network of providers of maritime education and training in the country. In particular, we would like to establish pathways from VET programs into our degree offerings,’’ he said. Dr Vertigan believes that the reform agenda will also offer a variety of opportunities to the college.
“We have had consultations with the Chair of the Shipping Reform taskforce and we have indicated to the Federal Minister our strong desire and willingness to cooperate,’’ he said.
“Having coherence among education providers will actually be a useful support for the impending national maritime reform program.”
“However, the program that is going to be undertaken as part of that reform needs some more ‘flesh on the bones’ before it’s clear as to what specific activities we can and will be involved in. To date we have given strong signals that we would like to be a part of whatever opportunities are there, and to be an important part of crew member, where I stayed for nearly 18 months. During this time we sailed around Tasmania, visited Melbourne, Sydney and various ports in-between as well as sailing to Auckland, New Zealand.
Once back in Australia, I studied for my Master 5 and MED3 qualifications at AMC. This has allowed me to go on to pursue my passion to a level that would have been impossible otherwise. I have since sailed as engineer or mate on tall ships such as Duyfken, STV Lady Nelson and HMB Endeavour (the faithful replica of Cook’s vessel).
In 2007 I went on to university, graduating from UTAS with a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Applied Mathematics, as well as a Diploma in Languages.
delivery of the initiatives around the maritime reform program.”
Dr Vertigan said that AMC will continue to look for partnerships with the very best maritime education institutions around the world.
“It’s important that we enhance our link with major maritime institutions around the world via research activities and collaborations on policy direction and international trends,’’ he said “We also need to further enhance our reputation as a quality provider of education and training for students from other countries. The feedback that we have had from students who have studied at both AMC and other maritime institutions, is that our offerings are regarded as being of very high quality.”
Within a decade, Dr. Vertigan would like AMC to be even more widely acknowledged and recognised as the premier dual sector maritime education, training and research institution in Australia and the region, with link to high quality institutions around the world. While an increase in research collaborations and opportunities are also high on his agenda, Dr. Vertigan emphasised that this would never be at the expense of AMC’s concentration on industry relationships. “We are committed to maintaining and enhancing our position in industry training and education, and our support of the maritime industry in Australia,’’ he said. In October, my wife Imogen and I will move to Oxford, where I will use my applied mathematics skills to study for a doctorate in physical oceanography, modelling ocean dynamics and currents.
I know it looks like I had a grand plan mapped out from the start, but it has really just fallen into place one step at a time.
To me, the most important activities are the ones we choose to do for fun, not those we do solely for money. My time at AMC gave me the opportunity to pursue an activity that I love and occasionally even get paid for it. I wholeheartedly recommend AMC whenever I’m asked about the options for maritime training in Australia.
AMC graduate’s research wins prestigious international prize by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) The Samuel Baxter Prize is awarded annually for the best paper published by RINA in the International Journal of Maritime Engineering (IJME) on the subject of safety by a member under the age of 30.
Winner Tristan Andrewartha graduated from the AMC in 2007 with a Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architect) with 1st class honours. His paper, “Ship motions during replenishment at sea operations in head seas”, was the culmination of an extensive piece of high quality work into an important safety issue for the operation of naval vessels. It was coauthored by AMC’s Assoc. Prof. Giles Thomas, Mr Terry Turner and Mr Brett Morris of Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). “The work was started while on an industry placement with DSTO, continued as my final year research project, and then as an employee of DSTO from 2007 until mid-2008,” Mr Andrewartha said. The aim of the research was to validate numerical predictions using scale model experiments for the motions of two vessels travelling side by side in head seas, typical for Replenishment at Sea (RAS) operations. The software can then be used in conjunction with additional model tests to investigate the optimal relative positioning of the vessels to minimize ship motions, hence improving safety for the crew. Tristan is now working for leading Danish Naval Architect firm Knud E. Hansen A/S.
Strategic plan to shape AMC’s future A message from AMC Acting Principal, Professor Neil Bose email: nbose@amc.edu.au At a recent staff planning retreat at our Beauty Point campus, we began to put some ‘flesh on the bones’ of the AMC Plan 2013-2015 which also outlines our strategic direction for the next 10 years. The retreat was a good barometer of the enthusiasm and engagement levels of our staff in all areas, with everyone keen to have their say and contribute their knowledge to shaping our future direction. In the plan we outline six areas that AMC will focus on. 1. Enrolment growth
In 1978, AMC was established to provide maritime education and training and to certify certificates of competency for Australia’s merchant navy and fishing industry. In 2012, the contemporary AMC mission is to be the national, dual-sector maritime institute for industryfocussed education and research in the diverse fields of seafaring, maritime business, ports and shipping, maritime engineering, and the sustainable use of marine resources.
To gain economies of scale we need to increase enrolments to sustain the range of courses and qualifications we offer, all of which are tailored to address maritime industry needs and involve highcost delivery. 2. Infrastructure and facilities
AMC’s infrastructure and facilities - including our Cavitation Research Laboratory, MV Bluefin, Centre for Maritime Simulations, Survival Centre and Aquaculture Centre - are among the best in the world in an educational institution, and a jewel in the crown for AMC and UTAS (an institute of the University of Tasmania).
However this strength also represents a strategic challenge. Not only do we need to make sure the ‘jewel’ is maintained to current, competitive standards, but we need to develop it for the long term. If we need a key facility to provide a certain type of training to meet the industry needs of tomorrow, then we need to be thinking about that now. An example is the offshore exploration industry’s need for more advanced training for operators of underwater vehicles and robots that carry out intervention and survey tasks at depth. 3. Industry focus and engagement
AMC has always been about applied learning. We understand the importance of consolidating and growing our links with industry, as well as providing greater opportunity for engagement. For example, we aim to build our relationship with all of our industry liaison committees, bringing them in at a more strategic level than they have been in the past. We will also consult more regularly with the various industry sectors on their specific training needs. 4. Research expansion
As an institute of the University of Tasmania UTAS, we can expand our research capability and capitalise on some of our obvious strengths. For example, a whole section of our business is about delivering cutting-edge seafarer training, but we have done very little research in the area. The training we deliver is internationally recognised and
designed in consultation with global experts in the field, but it is by utilising our research capacity we will lead the way – studying what the next best thing is, implementing and testing it and then telling the world about it.
through our commercial arm, AMC Search (AMCS). Despite being separate entities, for many of those in the industry, AMC and AMCS are one and the same. We must therefore think together, as well as work together, as one organisation.
5. Strategic collaborations with UTAS
To achieve this we realise we need to maintain close contact with industry in order to be responsive to its needs.
We aim to find key leaders in the areas of ports and shipping, maritime operations and VET to help us make this a reality. Our integration with UTAS is complete and we are capitalising on the opportunities that this relationship brings. Strengthening and extending the teaching and research profile of AMC (and the Newnham campus) will involve effective cross-disciplinary partnerships with other UTAS Faculties/Institutes (including the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and the Faculties of Business & Law, and Science, Engineering & Technology), as well as targeted strategic alliances with other national and international institutions.
UTAS has illustrated its strong support of AMC’s infrastructure, activities and aspirations by building the student accommodation on our Newnham campus. This major program will see an extra 180 rooms on offer, many of which will benefit AMC. UTAS has also provided funding of $350,000 to upgrade the Aquaculture facilities at Newnham. This is primarily for upgrades in the areas of OHS and animal ethics and will give AMC’s National Centre for Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability greater capacity to run teaching programs. It will also support its world-class fish health research. 6. Commercial activity
Much of our expertise involves developing leading-edge solutions to meet the needs of industry. As well as research and testing, this also includes providing short courses, flexibly delivered and independently quality assured
In summary, I firmly believe that despite global uncertainty, we are in the right place at the right time with the right outlook.
Our aim is that in 10 years AMC, as part of UTAS, will have an even greater international profile in the areas of maritime education and seafarer training. And whilst we want to be even better known as the maritime training institute of Australia, we also want to be internationally recognised for the other things that we do, such as providing leading-edge maritime solutions. Our unique combination of skills means that we can meet industry needs in many of their growth areas on a national and international scale – providing well-educated graduates and research solutions for an increasingly diversified maritime industry.
For example, there are opportunities in submarine development and maintenance, defence engineering and defence seafaring. We also have a strong capacity to help ensure the environmentally sustainable future of both our marine environment and our offshore resources. To achieve this we realise we need to maintain close contact with industry in order to be responsive to its needs.
I would therefore welcome feedback from anyone in the maritime, marine, logistics, oil and gas, or resource sectors with ideas about key issues and opportunities for AMC.
Patrol boats to benefit from international research project An international researcher and academic is working with AMC on a project that will lead to safer designs of high speed patrol boats, as part of a visiting exchange scholarship with the University of Tasmania (UTAS).
Dr Pepijn de Jong is an Assistant Professor in Ship Hydromechanics with Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands. He is spending three months with AMC’s National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics (NCMEH) on a research exchange, working closely with Professor Martin Renilson.
“My PhD was in sea-keeping of high speed craft and behaviour in head waves,” Dr de Jong said.
“Prof Renilson has extensive knowledge of broaching in yachts and fishing boats. What he has learnt about other vessels can be incorporated in our new research.” The research exchange is jointly funded by industry and the two universities (Delft and UTAS). Damen Shipyards in The Netherlands, research institute MARIN, the Royal Netherlands Navy, and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation
(DSTO) are supporters of the research.
“Our findings will allow high speed boat designers to be able to make a judgement on the sensitivity to broaching early in the design stage to allow for patrol boats to operate safely in following waves,” Dr de Jong said. During his time with AMC, Dr de Jong will be a guest lecturer and provide assistance with experiments in AMC’s Towing Tank. He will also act as an external assessor for research projects and provide a public lecture to the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.
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Meet the AMC Board She has published in leading international journals in the field of marine insurance and carriage of goods by sea and is currently the Co-Editor of the Queensland Reports.
Paul Byrne Paul Byrne is currently a consultant with a long career in the development and administration of vocational education and training in Australia.
He began his career in the early 1960s as an electronic engineer and by 1972 had moved into a variety of roles at Melbourne’s Northern Institute of TAFE.
In the past decade his positions have included General Manager, Australian National Training Authority; Board of TAFE Tasmania; National Skilling Advisory Committee, Hornery Institute; Board of the Innovation and Business Industry Skills Council; Chief Executive Officer, Australian National Training Authority; Advisor, Vocational Education and Training Reform, Australia/China VET Project, China; and Chief Executive Officer (interim), national Innovation and Business Industry Skills Council. He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2008 for services to Vocational Education and Training.
Dr Sarah Derrington Dr Sarah Derrington is a barrister in Brisbane, specialising in maritime and shipping law, general commercial law and arbitration, and a Door Tenant of Quadrant Chambers in London. An Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland, she was formerly Professor of Admiralty Law and Director of the Marine and Shipping Law Unit within the T C Beirne School of Law. 4
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Sarah is a Director of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA); President of the Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand (MLAANZ), Vice-Chairman of the Australian Maritime & Transport Arbitration Commission (AMTAC); a member of the Commonwealth’s Admiralty Rules Committee, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Nautical Institute and the Institute of Company Directors.
Teresa Lloyd Teresa is the Executive Director of the Australian Shipowners Association (ASA), where she has worked for eight years on a variety of issues including shipping policy, employment and training, environment, health and safety, and vessel operations.
Teresa is a member of a diverse range of industry advisory and management committees. She is the Australian shipowner representative at the United Nations International Labour Organisation and regularly attends the UN International Maritime Organisation meetings as an industry adviser to the Australian delegation.
Teresa is the Chair of the International Chamber of Shipping, Environment SubCommittee and the Secretary General, Australia at the Asian Shipowners Forum. She is also on the Board of the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security and the Board of the Maritime Industry Foundation, an organisation dedicated to the mental health of seafarers.
Bob is a registered company auditor, a Fellow and a past Chairman for Tasmania of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and Vice Chairman of the Finance and Business Services Council set up under the State Government’s Industry Development Plan.
Graham Peachey Graham Peachey was appointed as AMSA’s Chief Executive in 2007. Prior to that he was the Chief Executive Officer of Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
Graham has held senior positions in the Commonwealth’s agricultural portfolio where he was one of the first three General Managers of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree (ANU) and has undertaken further studies in economics and law. Graham is a member of the AMSA Board; Seafarers Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Authority (Seacare); Australia’s representative on the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO); Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources & Security (ANCORS) Advisory Board; and the Australian Marine Science and Technology Limited (AMSAT) Board.
Bob Ruddick Bob gained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Western Australia in 1975 set up his own firm, RJ Ruddick & Co, in 1986, which then became known as Ruddicks. Bob’s areas of expertise remain in audit, business and financial advice and he is closely involved with the management of many of Tasmania’s larger privately owned companies.
Bob served for 5½ years on the council of the University of Tasmania. He is currently the Chairman of Impact Fertilisers Pty Ltd and a Director of various other private companies in Tasmania, plus continues as a partner of Ruddicks.
Upcoming events 18th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference - 3-7 December 2012 AMC and UTAS will jointly host national and international experts in the field of fluid mechanics at the 18th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference (AFMC) from 3 – 7 December 2012.
AFMC is a prestigious biennial conference series covering the general field of fluid mechanics in all engineering and scientific disciplines. It has been running since 1962.
Professor Geoff Wilson Professor Geoff Wilson has served as Vice-Chancellor of Deakin and Central Queensland universities and as inaugural Rector of the University College of the UNSW at the Australian Defence Force Academy. He has been Deputy Chair of the Australian Research Council and was inaugural Chair of its Research Grants Committee and held appointments at Monash and Oxford universities and the Free University of Berlin.
He has been National President of the Australian Institute of Physics and held appointments as Chair of the Victorian and Queensland Vice-Chancellors’ Committees, Vice President and Acting President of the Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee. He has been Chair of the Boards of QTAC, VTAC, the Graduate Careers Council of Australia, and National President of the Australian Institute of Physics. He has also consulted on the development of drafts of the new National Protocols on Higher Education Processes and is a member of the Cooperative Research Centres Committee. He presently chairs the Board of AMC Search Ltd.
AMC Board also comprises Chairman, Dr Michael Vertigan; Acting Principal, Prof. Neil Bose (ex-officio) and UTAS Provost, Prof. David Rich (ex-officio).
This year’s conference will be chaired by AMC’s Cavitation Research Laboratory Manager, Assoc. Prof. Paul Brandner.
For further information please visit www.18afmc.com. au
3rd International Symposium of Marine Propulsors 5-8 May 2013 AMC and UTAS will host the 3rd International Symposium on Marine Propulsors at the Tramsheds Function Centre, Inveresk, Launceston, from 5 – 8 May 2013. SMP’13 is the third in a series of international symposia dedicated to the design and hydrodynamics of all types of marine propulsors. It provides a forum to present state-of-the-art research and studies on existing marine propulsors as well as a platform for introduction of new types of propulsors. The conference also includes a mini symposium the 3rd T-Pod - Technological Advances in Pod Propulsion. For more information on the conference or to submit an abstract, please visit http://bit.ly/OkxLbV or www.marinepropulsors.com
AMC helps UN explore ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the fishing industry Acting Director of AMC’s National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics (NCMEH), Associate Professor Giles Thomas, was invited to participate in the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN FAO) workshop held at its headquarters in Rome in January. The workshop brought together around 20 industry, research and policy making experts from around the world to gather information on possible fishing industry contributions to climate change. They also looked at ways to reduce the sector’s reliance on energy, particularly on fossil fuels, while respecting the principles within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
With global population exceeding seven billion people, seafood is a key protein source for the world’s growing dietary needs and its consumption is increasing.
According to the UN FAO, seafood is the most globally traded commodity with around 40 per cent of all fisheries and aquaculture production traded internationally. Given this growth and increasing concerns regarding fuel price and long-term energy availability, FAO says more attention needs to be given to conserving energy and reducing potential climate change impacts.
“The UN FAO believes there are around 2.3 million fishing vessels in the world and 80 per cent of these are less than 12 metres in length. These vessels are estimated to emit between 90-140 million tonne of CO per year,” Assoc. Prof. Thomas ² said. “Most of the world’s fishing is done on a small level in developing countries, so we don’t really know the full impacts. We are in the very early stages of looking at the greenhouse gas (GHG) impact of fisheries and aquaculture. “The workshop was designed to find out how big the issue is and then look at what mitigation processes can be put in place to address it.” Assoc. Prof. Thomas said while there was a great deal known through the International Maritime Organisation about the GHG impacts of big shipping, little was known about small scale fishing.
“The FAO intends to obtain more knowledge on a country basis, or a fleet and fishery basis about their impacts on GHG emissions.
“Impressive analysis of the impacts of fishing vessels on GHG emissions has been conducted in Europe and North America, looking at the lifecycle impacts from boat building through to fish consumption. But vessel fuel usage, which is the greatest contributor to GHG emissions, has been the focus of our research,” Assoc. Prof. Thomas said. AMC’s world leading research into fuel consumption and fuel burn on fishing vessels began with a project funded by the Fisheries, Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) around five years ago. “We realised we needed to work out where the fuel goes, so we developed an energy audit system for fisheries. There was already a lot of land-based audits in place, but nothing for the marine environment. Adapting these land-based systems, we undertook a series of energy audits on different boats around Australia.”
The energy audits were a first for Australia, and AMC’s collaborative
Associate Professor Giles Thomas. research has found there are multiple ways vessels can reduce their fuel consumption: by making operational changes, retro-fitting or adapting vessel designs and stabilisation, using lower energy lighting systems, and most significantly by reducing speed to and from fishing grounds. This was particularly relevant for Danish seine fishing vessels operating out of Lakes Entrance, Victoria.
“These boats use a lot of fuel heading to and from fishing grounds,” Assoc. Prof. Thomas said. “Our energy audits allow us to provide businesses with advice on ways to cut fuel consumption. We can cost these changes out and work out how long it will take to make a return on these investments.” In addition to the Danish seine research, AMC is conducting energy audits on a prawn trawler in Cairns, Queensland. The research is focussed on the benefits of using auxiliary power from a sail. The monitoring of fuel usage under differing climatic conditions will also be measured.
AMC research engineer Rowan Frost is leading the project, funded by the FRDC.
A second project, also funded by the FRDC, will investigate the design of nets used by prawn trawlers. Led by NCMEH Acting Deputy Director Dr Jonathan Binns and postdoctoral research fellow Dr Cheslav Balash, in collaboration with consultant David Stirling, the project is developing new designs for nets to reduce drag and hence fuel burn of prawn trawlers. “It’s important we provide the industry with as much knowledge as possible, so that businesses can make informed decisions about what to do with their operations or their vessels,” Assoc. Prof. Thomas said.
At a local level, research conducted by AMC is helping operators make informed decisions. On a global level, AMC is playing a key role in assisting the UN FAO in its endeavours to measure the impact of fishingrelated GHG emissions and to ultimately develop policy guidance for the future.
Educational partnership to benefit shipping industry AMC has joined forces with two interstate maritime training providers to raise the profile of seafarer training and support the Federal Government’s shipping policy reform.
AMC (TAS), Challenger Institute of Technology (WA) and Hunter TAFE (NSW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further strengthen and develop their cooperation in maritime education and training. “This MOU has ushered in a new era of cooperation and a national approach that spans all levels of vocational and higher education across Australia,” AMC Acting Principal, Professor Neil Bose said.
“The goal now is to meet regularly, implement the actions agreed at this meeting and exchange ideas to promote the best outcomes for maritime students and the industry.” Hunter TAFE Institute Director, Phillip Cox, said, “I am particularly
proud of not only the Memorandum, which will generate new synergies between our institutions, but also the drive to promote cooperation and effort required to raise the profile of seafarer training, improve compliance and deliver high-quality educational outcomes for maritime employees and ship owners.” Challenger Institute of Technology Director of Maritime Training Services, Mark Gooderham, added, “In Western Australia, demand has expanded from seafarer qualifications to supply skills for the booming off-shore oil and gas industry. For all parties, the intention has been to create a much more flexible, responsive and quality supply of internationallyrecognised education and training.” Key points include: •
Streamlining credit transfer arrangements, allowing students undertaking Australian Maritime Safety Authority accredited courses
AMC welcomes Challenger Institute of Technology (WA) and Hunter TAFE (NSW).
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to move between the three institutes. Enabling all vocational units completed at any of the institutes to be applied as credit towards bachelor degrees issued by the University of Tasmania. Sharing of resources – for
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example, skilled staff or infrastructure located at one institute may be used across common curriculum or in new ventures. Ensuring maritime vocational training and education reaches emerging regional and industry demand.
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Cooperating with the Maritime Workforce Development Forum, established by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, to address skill areas that are fundamental to building a sustainable domestic maritime industry. issue 2
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Education can change lives says Captain Justice
ALUMNI profile
Ashish Baghel
alumni in focus Captain Vic Justice is a tremendous advocate of tertiary education and living proof that it can change lives. I grew up in Adelaide in the tough environment of post-WW2 and had to work my way through high school to provide an extra income for the family.
University was not an option at that time, with no government benefits or student loan schemes. So although I wanted to study medicine, I set off on a career path of journalism and newspaper management through a cadetship with the Messenger Newspaper Group. Halfway through the cadetship I was faced with a two-year conscription to the Vietnam War and realised this would mean having to start my newspaper training from scratch again.
So, I took matters into my own hands and voluntarily signed up for a navy career. Initially I was just an ordinary sailor, but the navy provided an excellent education package. I regained an interest in physics, chemistry and maths because they had more meaning now I was working in the diving and bomb disposal area of the navy. With scores of almost 100 per cent, I was sent to become a midshipman which involved a high level of professional training, equivalent to a merchant service cadetship.
I was later sent to Portsmouth, England, through the Officer Exchange Program, to become the senior training officer for the Royal Navy Mine Warfare School. And when I returned to
Australia, I was placed in a similar position at the Royal Australian Navy Diving School in Sydney.
As time went on, I could see this would probably lead to a desk job in Canberra, and it was at this point that I reinvented my career again through various translation courses that led to an offshore position as Chief Office/Master in the merchant navy. After a few years, I came ashore and became a marine pilot and loading master in dry bulk and crude oil in the mid-west and north of Western Australia.
During this time, I formed my own consultancy company in pilotage, terminal management and ship loading. Once the company became bigger, I sold it, and in 2003 I went to Dampier to become the Harbour Master. The CEO of Dampier Port happened to be very supportive of professional development and suggested I look at high level academic studies, particularly an MBA. So I began a Master of Business Administration in Maritime and Logistics Management with the Australian Maritime College whilst working full-time and, I’m proud to say, managing to keep my marriage together. Despite the juggling involved, I cannot express how fantastic the experience was.
The administration ladies in the AMC distance education office kept me sane. From what I’ve heard, the
level of support totally surpasses most universities. I brought them bouquets of flowers when I graduated!
I gained a distinction overall, and also received the Defence Force Prize of overall excellence for an MBA. All this led to my current position as CEO of Broome Port. It would not have happened without the MBA. In fact, these postgraduate studies were such an incredibly valuable experience, I couldn’t resist signing up to a PhD with my course coordinator (and now Head of Department) Stephen Cahoon some 18 months later. And the legacy continues, as I encourage and support my staff towards tertiary studies.
An example is one of our stevedores, who believed he’d never be able to gain academic achievement. But with a little encouragement from me and his wife, he went on to gain Bachelor and Master degrees, gaining high distinctions all along the way. As part of the Port Reform process, I am also planning a new cadet management scheme for male and female indigenous employees. But my ambitions don’t stop there. I plan to write plain English text books for ports and terminal management, which will fill a gap in the market for those transferring from non-maritime industries.
A PhD adds weight to my industry experience - it will give my books academic credibility. With education, you can achieve anything you want. I’m living proof of that.
Vic’s 5 tips for those considering an MBA
1. Consider the many opportunities a specialist MBA in Maritime and Logistics Management will bring. With Australia’s twospeed economy, the fast-lane is driven by the resources and logistics industries. Ports, supply chain and landside transport are integral. 2. It’s a big commitment. During year one you may feel like giving up, but if you can keep going, by year two you will have invested too much effort and you’ll make it. 3. Keep a very rigid timetable. Set aside special time for your MBA and stick to it.
4. Make sure you have an understanding spouse/ partner.
5. Do it! I use my MBA every single day - not just in my own work but in leading others as a team. Before the MBA I couldn’t have done the job I do now.
Is that a reef pilot or a leaf pirate? Confusion in communication can cause all sorts of problems at sea. To overcome some of these issues, AMC is involved in a unique sea voyage partnership with Tokyo University.
Senior lecturer Tony Boyle and marine engineering lecturer Delai Vakasilimi, both with AMC’s National Centre for Ports and Shipping, sailed with three AMC students from Hobart to Noumea, New Caledonia aboard the Tokyo University Marine Science and Technology vessel Umitaka Maru in February.
Onboard was a crew of around 60, including 30 Japanese cadets in the final phase of training.
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“The purpose of the 10-day voyage was to improve the maritime English and radio voice procedures of Japanese sea-going students,’’ Mr Boyle said.
“Traffic and communications for all sea vessels should be in English and it needs to be precise. It’s about getting terminology, vocabulary and procedures right.” The relationship with Tokyo University has developed over several years. Originally, AMC staff were invited as visiting lecturers to the University’s English summer schools. Following on from the success of these, AMC lecturers and students
Maritime and Logistics Management (MLM) alumnus Ashish Baghel says studying at AMC transformed his vision and approach toward the maritime and shipping business – an industry he worked in and thought he knew well. “Before joining AMC, I had a good blend of shipping and maritime experience through sailing and working onshore, and I was technically very strong in my field. But I realised that to be successful at a corporate level in the long run, I needed to possess a formal business education.” Ashish graduated in 2009 after completing a graduate diploma in MLM.
Despite receiving multiple offers from several institutions across India, Europe and the United States, Ashish chose to study at AMC because of its international reputation. “AMC, being one of the premier institutes in the Asia Pacific region, was a perfect match for me,” he said.
“With its niche subject specialisations, it caters for specific maritime business fields. This course will help anyone who wants a business career in maritime and shipping.” Now based in Dubai, Ashish is Manager, Business Development & Chartering at International Shipping and Logisitics (a TATA Steel Enterprise).
“The inspiration and motivation I received from faculty members really helped me understand the world in a better way and achieve success,” he said.
Ashish has recently been appointed AMC Alumni Network Coordinator for the Middle East and Indian subcontinent. have joined the Umitaka Maru crew for the past three years on their annual four month voyage.
“The AMC students had completed their pre-sea deck training course in 2010 and were chosen to join the voyage and
become ambassadors for AMC because of their outstanding performance,” Mr Boyle said.
“It’s the first opportunity for presea students to gain sea-time, which is very useful for them when they apply for cadetships.”
Email: baghel.ashish@gmail.com For more information on alumini activities, visit www.amc.edu.au/alumni
Scholarship fosters spirit of adventure AMC student, Caitlin Hoey, was the kind of kid who wasn’t sure what she wanted to be when she grew up. One week she wanted to train the tigers at Dreamworld, and the next she wanted to fly helicopters. “There was a solid year there when I wanted to fly seaplanes. I have a fascination for flight and the ocean,’’ Caitlin said. And it was this insatiable curiosity and spirit of adventure that led Caitlin, a former economics and maths graduate from the University of Queensland, to start her new journey at AMC. Caitin is now in her second year of a Bachelor of Maritime Engineering (Naval Architecture) degree and said that she hasn’t looked back.
“All of the career options previously available to me seemed mind-numbingly boring, so after temping for a bit and doing some travelling, I started looking for something that I loved,’’ she said. “I really enjoy understanding how things work and seeing how much goes into designing and building a boat. It opens your eyes to how complicated everything really
is. I love what I am studying at AMC, even though it is intense.”
But, a second degree and another chance at career satisfaction would have been a lot harder for Caitlin without the Civilian Defence Engineering Scholarship Scheme (CDESS).
CDESS is offered by the Department of Defence to students in the second year of a four-year engineering degree. Valued at $18,000 a year for three years, the scholarship also offers two 12-week paid industry work placements.
“I actively looked for scholarships. My family helped me when I did my first degree and this time around I didn’t want that. They have already helped me enough. So obviously I needed a scholarship to be able to come to uni and not have a huge amount of debt at the end of it.” Directorate of Navy Platform Systems, Principal Naval Architect Martin Grimm, said that it was in the Department’s best interests to offer a scholarship program and nurture the future Australian
Caitlin Hoey will undertake paid work placements at the Department of Defence as part of her scholarship. naval architecture and engineering workforce.
“Defence is competing for talented engineering graduates in a tight market,” Mr Grimm said. “The scholarship program is aimed at attracting talented engineering students to a potential career in the Department of Defence as part of the Australian Public Service.“
The scholarship, which is traditionally offered biennially at AMC, is awarded to successful
WISTA launches Australian chapter
The Australian chapter of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) was launched in February. WISTA operates in 33 countries around the world and aims to provide networking and educational opportunities for women in the shipping and trade sectors.
Major ship operators, commodities traders, brokers, insurers, charterers and logistics providers as well as port and terminal service providers are all represented in the Australian chapter of the association.
For further information on WISTA Australia visit www.wista.net
applicants based on their academic performance. While a minimum credit average is required, Caitlin has set herself the goal of keeping a distinction average.
“The chance to see what the Defence side of naval architecture work is like will be really interesting. I hope to experience as many of the career pathways available as possible,’’ she said. “Everyone that I have spoken to at Defence has been really helpful. I have also been appointed a mentor, Claire Johnson, who was awarded
the first CDESS naval architecture scholarship in 2008.”
Caitlin said she didn’t find the prospect of heading down a maledominated career path daunting. Her advice to future female students is “have a go”. “At the end of the day, you should get rewarded for the work that you do. It shouldn’t matter if you are male or female.”
Applications for the next CDESS Scholarship open again to second year naval architecture students in 2013.
VHF MARINE RADIO Are you using the right channel? If you own or use a marine VHF radio it is important to know which marine radio channels to use and the correct protocols to follow. The ACMA has produced a number of free resources to help recreational boaters better understand their marine radios.
> A DVD package featuring two programs: VHF marine radio—how to use it and Using VHF marine radio for weather information (produced in collaboration with the BoM). You can view these online at www.acma.gov.au/vhfmarine. > Dial stickers to serve as a handy reminder on your boat. > Information cards and posters reminding boaters of the importance of using the correct channels. These can be used as training aids or point-of-sale promotional material. To order your copies, contact mrowp@acma.gov.au. In addition, all you need to know is available in the handbooks produced by the Australian Maritime College: www.amc.edu.au/handbook.
Using your VHF marine radio
> Radio protocol s and channels > Accessing weather infor mation
www.acma.go v.au/vhfmarine www.amc.edu. au/handbook www.bom.gov. au/marine www.maritime .nsw.gov.au www.marinere scuensw.com .au
UAE students enjoy ambassador visit United Arab Emirates ambassador, HE Ali Nasser Al Nuaimi, visited AMC in May to meet with Acting Principal, Neil Bose, and the UAE student cohort. Around 35 AMC students originate from the
UAE and are primarily enrolled in seafaring courses. They represent various shipping companies and provide a rich and significant contribution to AMC and the broader UTAS community.
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Following in his family’s footsteps Research in the
spotlight shore tosea RESEARCH REPORT | ISSUE 1
Asanka Rajapaske (centre) with his mother Dulani Rajapaske, his wife Shashini Weerakoon, AMC lecturer Captain Darryl Silva and Department of Maritime Training Head Anura Seneviratne (L-R).
Australia’s National Institute for Maritime Education, Training and Research Research Report Cover.indd 1
Asanka Rajapakse was destined for a life on the sea.
His father is a marine engineer, his brother a second engineer and his mother and aunt both have Certificate of Competencies as chief cooks.
His elder sister was the first female sailor in Sri Lanka. “As a family we are rarely all in the same place at the same time,’’ Asanka said.
“When we have parties someone is always missing. My brother only just made it to my wedding in time.” Add to that his brother-in-law is a chief engineer and his father-in-law was a Chief Engineer and the Director General of the Sri Lankan Shipping Ministry (equivalent to being the chairman of AMSA), and his choice of career seems to be a foregone conclusion. But, it was his own work ethic that saw Asanka receive the highest academic achievement award in the Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Chief Mate/Master) after topping his class in both semesters. “I’m not a competitive person, but I always do my best,’’ Asanka said.
“I believe, as a shippie, there is no room for error in our trade. If you make a mistake you might die, but more than that, about 30 other people might die too.”
Asanka obtained his Second Mates Certificate at the University of Columbo in Sri Lanka and then spent nearly two years at sea. He then got the opportunity to come to the Australian Maritime College to study for his Chief Mates/Masters licence.
“When anyone talks about AMC you listen, because AMC is one of the best maritime colleges in the world,’’ Asanka said.
He said that while Columbo offered a great selection of facilities and had a similar course structure, he wanted to experience the diversity that AMC had to offer.
”I wanted to chance to come here to get exposure to different kinds of ships and a wide variety of cultures.” “I think that this kind of exposure will make me a better Master. I will be able to better adapt to working in different environments and with different cultures.” Asanka said that while he had originally been weighing up between studying in Australia and the United Kingdom, it was the advice and feedback from AMC lecturer, Captain Darryl Silva, that helped influence his decision. Capt. Silva taught at the University of Columbo for 16 years before making the transition to AMC.
“I gave Asanka the same advice as I would give any international student
looking to further their education,’’ Capt. Silva said. “Coming to AMC will give you experience with many different cultures. Even the lecturers here are multicultural. The pains taken by the faculty to make the theory fit the practice are outstanding.
“There is also the opportunity to get more exposure to a wider variety of vessels.” Capt. Silva was full of praise for Asanka and said that he hoped that his success would see more Sri Lanka students making the transition to AMC.
“He has been outstanding in everything he has done – an innovative thinker who has the dedication be a real success,’’ he said. Asanka said that after 12 months sea time as a Chief Mate he intends to come back to AMC to do his orals for his Masters licence. “My ultimate aim is to sail as a Master on some of the biggest ships in the world.” But he said he would definitely be based in Tasmania for at least another couple of years.
“The people of Launceston have been fantastic and the Tasmanian scenery is amazing. We may even decide to settle here full time,’’ he said.
AMC training to benefit Melbourne fireys A pilot group from the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Service has undertaken specialist training at the Australian Maritime College’s emergency response centre.
The group were trained in maritime search and rescue techniques, as well as accessing vessels in hostile conditions.
Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Service marine project officer Michael Campbell said the organisation planned to train 110 officers at AMC’s facilities this year. “Within Melbourne we’re responsible for the Port of Melbourne waterways, which comes to about 55 per cent of Port Phillip Bay,” he said. 8
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“We’re building our capabilities on the water and our land-based firefighters doing this course are part of that.” The group used AMC’s Survival Centre (Newnham campus), along with the training vessel Stephen Brown (Beauty Point) and Marine Firefighting Training Centre (Bell Bay) throughout their course.
The training was delivered by AMC’s commercial arm, AMC Search, and there are a further five courses planned for 2012. For more information on AMC Search’s courses and consultancy services, visit www.amcsearch.com.au
Two major projects destined to change the face of research at The Australian Maritime College have occurred in 2012.
AMC furthered its commitment to the growth of research within the University of Tasmania with the official opening of its Research Higher Degree (RHD) Hub by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Professor Paddy Nixon.
The RHD Hub, which used to house the AMC library, has been redesigned to provide space and facilities for Research Higher Degree candidates, not only from AMC but from other faculties and schools across the northern campus of the university. Acting Principal Professor Neil Bose said that as well as providing space for the AMC’s burgeoning RHD candidate numbers, the Hub could also be an ideal way to encourage cross-discipline research on the campus.
“At AMC we understand the importance of a thriving research culture. We aim to more than double our RHD candidate numbers by 2015 and have invested money into a scholarship program that is specifically designed to encourage new candidates,’’ Prof. Bose said. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony Professor Nixon said that research students were the life blood of any research university. “The establishment of the RHD Hub on the Newnham Campus is a key step to providing the necessary world-class infrastructure our researchers need,’’ he said. “That infrastructure not only includes the best supervisors and facilities, but also simple things like very high quality space for candidates to be able to reflect on their work, talk with their peers and effectively feel at
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home at the university.”
More recently, AMC celebrated its place at the forefront of the global research community with the launch of its new-look research report.
‘Shore to Sea’ showcases a snapshot of the diverse range of research currently being undertaken at AMC. Projects in the publication include cutting-edge research on a commercially efficient device for converting wave energy to electricity, and the establishment of digital systems that advance businesses on a local, national and international scale.
At an environmental level, AMC researchers are also helping to protect Australia’s natural assets with a project that tracks and measure national maritime emissions, and another that focuses on ways to reduce trawling bycatch.
UTAS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Rathjen said that, as an institute of the university, AMC represented best practice in terms of its substantial partnerships with government and industry.
“There are many opportunities ahead for AMC to develop research in areas such as ocean wave and tidal energy, and oil and gas. There are also challenges such as maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment,’’ Prof. Rathjen said.
‘Shore to Sea’ was officially launched at a Northern Tasmania Leaders’ Luncheon. The event was hosted by AMC in conjunction with Northern Tasmania Development, Launceston Chamber of Commerce and NRM North.
To download a copy of the report visit: www.amc. edu.au/researchreports or request a printed copy by ticking the box on the cover sheet sent with this newsletter.
Supporting quality seafarer training in Bangladesh
Danish visitors get the Bluefin experience
By Jim Travers AMSAT International Chief Executive Officer
Associate Professor Ulrik Dam Neilsen and PhD candidate Marie Vincent Andersen from the Technical University of Denmark onboard the MV Bluefin.
Bangladesh Marine Academy Commandant, Sajid Hussain, with AMC Acting Principal, Professor Neil Bose. Bangladesh is one of the most populous nations on earth, but is also among the least developed. With a long coastline and an extensive river system, it has a strong maritime tradition. Bangladeshi seafarers can be found in numerous roles around the world and remittances contribute significantly to its national income.
Established in 1962, the Bangladesh Marine Academy (BMA) is celebrating its 50th year. Situated in Chittagong in the south of the country, it has over 1000 cadets and is increasing its annual intake by 100 each year.
In 2012, for the first time, the intake included 17 female cadets. This will more than double in 2013. BMA provides its cadets with a practical pathway out of the poverty that afflicts many Bangladeshi people. Some 43 percent live below the $1.25 a day World Bank poverty line.
Prompted by the impending requirements of STCW2010 (the Manila Amendments), AMC and BMA have commenced a joint project to review and modernise the seafarer training curriculum at BMA. The project draws on the technical and educational expertise of the National Centre for Ports & Shipping
with project management by AMC Search. Initial project identification and subsequent development was undertaken by AMC’s international development consultants, AMSAT International, led by Jim Travers. The project receives financial support from the Australian Government through its international aid agency, AusAID.
A systematic process of curriculum review, redrafting, adoption and evaluation is being implemented in 2012 and 2013. An initial gap analysis was prepared in early 2012 and reviewed during a visit to AMC by the Commandant BMA, Sajid Hussain. BMA has also discussed potential recognition of BMA qualifications by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This was followed up in May with a return mission to Bangladesh by Anura Seneviratne and Gamini Lokuketagoda, of AMC’s Department of Maritime Training and Jim Travers, from AMSAT. This included extensive analysis and discussions with management, teaching staff and cadets. A seminar was delivered for local industry and professional stakeholders. A comprehensive exit meeting was held with the Minister and
the Secretary of the Shipping Ministry to explore future collaboration.
Over the months ahead there will be several missions to BMA to complete the review and modernisation process and to guide and mentor its introduction. It is anticipated that this project will be just the beginning of a long-term, cooperative relationship involving both staff and students, and research and teaching. This project builds on similar work conducted in other countries, most recently Indonesia, and is part of a strategy to develop a network of professional and institutional relationships with similar maritime education and training institutions, while supporting the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals, throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Current initiatives being implemented and under further development involve Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Fiji, Kiribati, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. For more information, or to discuss the feasibility of other project concepts contact Jim Travers (AMSAT) - AMC International Development Consultant on 0438 200 560.
It was a voyage of discovery for Associate Professor Ulrik Dam Neilsen and PhD candidate Ingrid Marie Vincent Andersen from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) as they took to the seas to experience how AMC incorporates its training vessel MV Bluefin into the curriculum. Founded in 1829, DTU has about 7000 students and is ranked as one of the foremost technical universities in Europe. “DTU is a purely technical university that covers all the main Danish engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil and electrical engineering,’’ Assoc. Prof. Neilsen said.
After meeting Associate Professor Giles Thomas, Acting Director of AMC’s National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics at a conference in Newcastle upon Tyne (UK) the pair realised that DTU could learn a lot from AMC. “DTU has a research ship the same age and twice the size of Bluefin, but it is currently used by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture,’’ Ms Andersen said. “Giles told us about how AMC uses Bluefin as a teaching aide, so we thought we would come here to witness first-hand how it is integrated and what all the practical obstacles are.”
The pair spent several days on the Bluefin, on a trip to Tasmania’s
West Coast, observing AMC staff and students at work.
“It was very inspiring to see how the students handled all the small assignments set for them on board. Everybody was very motivated and engaged,’’ Assoc. Prof. Neilson said. Ms Andersen said that DTU would now consider using its research vessel in its courses. “We think it could be really useful to make the engineering courses more interesting and give the students a chance to apply the theory that they are taught.
Assoc. Prof. Neilson said that the multi-disciplinary skills required from students on any voyage would also be a big selling point to the Danish maritime industry.
“In our interviews with industry partners they mention that candidates need to be capable of completing simple tasks as well as the more complicated ones,’’ he said. “The small hand calculation tasks we witnessed on Bluefin are a great illustration of that.”
Ms Andersen said that the pair’s trip to Tasmania had been well supported by increasing momentum in the Danish maritime industry and that the future was looking bright. “This time we are here to learn, but hopefully, given time, we will soon be in a position to give something back,’’ Ms Andersen said. issue 2
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Born for the sea STAFF interview NAME: Vikki Koumis COURSE: Bachelor of Business (Maritime Management)
AMC visit for navy personnel
Professor Barrie Lewarn Vikki, who already had an Economics degree from Monash University in Melbourne, was one of the first students to undertake the AMC’s Bachelor of Business (Maritime Management) degree in 1999.
Professor and Project Director
BUSINESS: Aussie Carriers Pty Ltd
“I had tried to get work as a trainee in shipping no higher degrees by then to into into whatmany it is today andcompanies being ablein Melbourne avail. It wasn’t until the managing director of to work with so many interesting research. I started work at AMC more than ikki Koumis was destined for a life attalented PacRim, Michael Kudelka, gave me two hours and colleagues. It’s very 30 years ago, on 3 September 1979, The development and growth of sea. Her Greek father was a seafarer and some priceless information seetime so many students as a lecturer in the Department gratifyingoftohis facilities for teaching, research and before migrating to Australia and her the way I shouldroles approach my entrance and take important of Nautical Science. This evolved graduateabout consultancy activities; for example: childhood was filled with stories of old Greek into shipping, that I decided that AMC offered within the industry. into the School of Nautical Studies, shipowners who transformed and ‘made’ the what I needed. So I successfully for Swanson Building When the There are many more highlights, • applied which was later merged with the country’s shipping industry. two scholarships and came to Launceston,” was erected, the Towing Tank School of Engineering to create the but six others which come to mind she said. was nothing more than a large “I would go fishing with my Dad in the Faculty of Maritime Transport and which I really enjoyed are: concrete pit which, when filled Melbourne Port area. We would sit on the One of Vikki’s scholarships was the Engineering. When AMC integrated • Being involved in setting up with water for the first time, wavebreaker under the West Gate Bridge, DEETYA Equity Scholarship for Women in a Australian and New Zealand for Pacific Island countries. with UTAS, this further evolved into and running of the Association which is long gone, in a spot where the leaked! Today, thanks to the non-traditional field. She said there were so navy personnel have viewed two National Centres: Ports and of Maritime Education and “19 patrol boats are in service container terminal is separated efforts staff Koumis involved, it few females enrolled in the maritime sideofofthe Vikki Shipping, and Maritime Engineeringfrom theTraining AMC’s world class facilities, in Asia Pacific in 11 Pacific nations under the tankers,” Vikki said. is a female facility which is essential things, that AMC organised for UTAS and Hydrodynamics. before being posted to thepursue Pacificmy dream of my own company, having (AMETIAP) which is now patient. I pushed my way into a Greek shipping PPB program, enabling our to designers of everything from students to live with them on campus. ‘’IWhen knew Ithen all I at wanted do was ownknown as GlobalMET Ltd. started AMC to I was Nations. company in Athens, run by the Vafias family. organised pacific the finance with Greek interests surf boards to large vessels. neighbours to manage ships my lecturer own.’’ as every other “It is traditionally a ‘boys business’, but I the of only The company, Stealth Maritime, had just and I then took some ‘well-deserved’ time • My involvement in setting up addition of the Model Organised by AMC Search, marine responses, surveillance never felt any different, eitherThe at AMC, or academic staffprocess member was that a dreamand have Vikki is in the of making broken into the tanker market, and I was hired contributing to the work of off.” Test Basin and the Cavitation response capabilities,” seven navy maritime surveillance and during my career.” asenior reality.orShe has recently set When up a shippingthe International principal lecturer! to do the chartering for the three Aframaxes Association of Vikki spent five months travelling around Tunnel now provides a superb and technical advisers toured AMC Search General Manager Vikki said that (IAMU) her career had now taken in the fleet. company Singapore, calledsharing Aussie CarriersMaritime I arrived,in five of us were Universities the world. suite of hydrodynamic facilities the Newnham and Beauty Point Business Services, Dean Cook, Pty thatinwill on the dry bulk her all over the world. an Ltd, ‘office’ theconcentrate newly refurbished “While I was with Stealth I was also lucky • Leading the consultancy team of international importance. volunteered market sector. said. with UNICEF in the Amazon campuses, and thefrom Bell Bay “I fireNewnham Hall and a demountable “I initially worked with Oldendorff Carriers enough to go on a tanker sea voyage that developed the Maritime rainforest and planted trees for a month, part In what areas do you think that building. fighting facility on 30 November. in Vancouver, a huge German shipowner/ Singapore to Zhoushan in China. This trip “My investors are from Greece and theyEducation Plan for Malaysia With around 150I students of the reforestation program. also did aeach little we have improvedaltered the most? operator that today controls over 100 vessels. control seven bulkers and three contracts of my idea of the industry and enhanced Greatest achievement at AMC? training on visited campusallatmy AMC, The advisers will soonround headthe year • Obtaining my PhD in 1998 at world tour and old in years, affreightment. I am here to generate more From there, I went to London and my love what I do. I have since been on a In worked the early theforwhole the specific purposerelated to the Pacific Nations to provide the one age of of the 55 after swearing There are two particular companies prior to starting ‘Aussie Carriers’, biggest shipbroking firms inofthework business and expand my presence in the Asiafewatmore emphasis AMCvoyages was including bulkers from the blindworld, in 1978 thatSpence I would achievements which I believe have knowing that the next feweverything years were from going courses cover maritime advice and technical Simpson & Young, I wasandBlack Pacific region,’’ she said. Sea to Greece on where teaching, research was which all helps immensely never undertake any further served AMC well. to be super busy,” she said. support, under Australia’s largest technical electronics, to cooking involved primarily on the oil analysis side duringintegral the day to of ships. not seen asand an activity to day operations “We have dry vessels and cargos of variousformal study Vikki and studying at AMC was andliving hygiene. co-operation programme, the said tried to break into the chartering side,” she 1983, I was appointedofbyaffreightment the the development of ”After AMC. Stealth When IMaritime I was hired to take sizes,In including a contract • Supervising AMC’s second one of the best experiences of her life. said. Pacific Boat Program (PPB). On AMCSantana CounciltotoBahrain be onewith of the was appointed asover Director the the of commercial management of the from ironfour ore; another “Under the Defence contract successful PhD candidate average, each individual in “Even the after my stint in the Amazon jungle person team up to investigate “Being a woman, without a shipping Faculty ‘family’ of Maritime tanker Transport fleet of Polembros Shipping Limited with grains fromset Australia to the Persian Gulf; agreement, familiarisation • toBeing a itmember of more AMC’s the a establishment of a company, I can say, with my hand on my heart, that the name was a little difficult into where group has than andto break Engineering in 1993, I held my that position for accumulated seven years. more and contract of minerals from Greece tours, such as this one, are run Council for 12 years and wholly owned by AMC, to capitalise the ‘commercial’ side being of the business so I was Inof2010 I decided to 25 leave the initial conditions employment years of company service. to best sky in the world is in Tasmania,’’ she said. Amsterdam.” for maritime surveillance and elected Chair of Academic specifically forbade me from on commercial opportunities. The technical advisors ahead of their “On our visit to AMC we will Board when out of the room (I undertaking any research. Initially, recommendations of the team were assignment to the Pacific Nations,” get a better understanding of the was late for the meeting!) accepted and AMC Search Ltd was I managed to ‘ignore’ this and AMC Search PPB Course Leader, training that students receive,” established. I served for a total of As one of (if not the) longest a couple of years later, with the Commander Tony Grubb from the Barry Jones, said. nine years as a Director of AMC serving staff members at AMC, recognition that research was an Have you lost or damaged your Australian The Australian Maritime College will host maritime education trends, approaches to Search Ltd and saw its profits grow conference following the successful 11th Navy said. Royal New Zealand activity in which AMC should be can you tell us about some of the radio operator’s certificate of proficiency? “AMC certainly does seem to national and international experts in theI was able the skill shortage, and the use of technology AFMCtoin publish Hobart in 1992,” Dr Brandner said. steadily each year for the benefit of engaged, changes that you have witnessed? offer a great range of training,” Since 1992, AMC Search has field of fluid mechanics whenand it holds and flexible learning techniques. Did you know that the Office of Maritime AMC. present some More 30 papers and on the conference information th The expansion of academic Petty Officer Allan been the training provider Fluid Mechanics the 18 Australasian Communications (OMC) is a specialist Also,for don’tRAN miss Chief the AMC/AMC Search stand encourage others to do the same. Prof. Paul Brandner on contact Associate In 1987, I was asked to lead from courses (AFMC) which in December 2012. Philip summed up at PPB. AMC Search provides the unit of the National Centre for Ports activities Conference at Pacific 2012. The combined stand will the Our first PhD graduate in 1998or visit the AFMS website at (03)was 63249832, the AMC’s Maritime first focused onThe seafaring to courses for Australasian Fluid Mechanics Society anddevelopment Shipping at theof Australian conclusiondistance of the tour. largest professional maritime andon promoting focus education, and it was also during this time www.afms.org.au postgraduate course, namely the the broader (AFMS) to host the event scopeselected of the AMC maritime College? training, and research opportunities, as engineering capability training that we were able to start using Graduate Diploma in Business industry; for on example: the strength of its presentation and a well as offering short courses, customised and simulation On behalf ofThis the Australian Media and (Shipping). course was also comprehensive site review. the hydrodynamic AMC professor Barrie Lewarn will be one training, and access to research facilities. • When our first students arrived facilities for research purposes. It Communications Authority, the Office is the first which was delivered offof the keynote speakers at the inaugural AFMC is a prestigious biennial conference A variety of AMC and AMC Search staff will in 1980 they were all potential is upon these achievements that the responsible for the education. management of all campus by distance From Maritime Logistics 2012 Conference. series covering the general field of fluid be available at the event. If you would like seafarers studying to be deck research work continues to grow. functions associated with marine radio this successful beginning, a suite mechanics in all engineering and scientific to make an appointment to discuss industry The two-day maritime industry conference marine engineers, certification services ofexaminations courses andand higher degrees by in officers, disciplines. It has been running since 1962. Any other comments? issues or training requirements please forms part of the official program for Pacific Australia. OMC produceswhich 6800 have copies of radio officers, or fishers. research were developed contact Lee Jennings on l.jennings@amc. Working at AMC has been much The conference will be chaired by AMC’s 2012, which is a major commercial maritime the Marine Operators Handbook During the late 1980s courses evolved intoRadio the current offerings edu.au Cavitation Research Laboratory Manager, more than just a job; it has been and naval defence showcase for the Asia were introduced in disciplines ofa year. the Department of Maritime Associate Prof. Paul Brandner. Pacific region being held from 31 January to interesting, challenging at times, including naval architecture For more information on Maritime Logistics Logistics andinformation, Management. For further contact the February in Sydney. providing me with3 many positive “This is an exciting opportunity to and maritime business. From 2012 or Pacific 2012 visitguidelines, www.informa. For advertising opportunities and Office highlight? of Maritime Communications on Career but most all being Prof. of Lewarn’s speech, entitled ‘Striking a internationally showcase the opportunities, Australian com.au/conferences/transport/maritime/ this base the number and scope 1300 365 262, or email amcom@amc. media@amc.edu.au able to work with sobalance: many talented Standards of training in aplease changingcontact Maritime Collegeinto andwhat the University of maritime-logistics or www.pacific2012. of courses has grown It has or been real privilege to be edu.au visita www.amc.edu.au/omc environment’ will address Tasmania, as wellthe as move host a memorable people has been operating a thoroughly com.au it is today, including involved from day one in building enjoyable experience. into postgraduate courses and and developing AMC from a concept
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Engineering better graduates
Maritime Studies Program update AMC’s postgraduate program in Maritime Studies was developed with the primary aim of providing a professional development pathway for people who are involved with or work in the maritime space. However, it is also likely to appeal to anybody with an interest in maritime affairs.
This nested program consists of a Graduate Certificate (four units), a Graduate Diploma (an additional four units) and Master’s degree which is awarded after the completion the Graduate Diploma and a dissertation. The program is available part-time, by distance and students can study at a pace that suits their professional and family commitments.
Bachelor of Engineering (Ocean Engineering) student Sigrid Wilson on her Co-op Program work placement at Haulmax Engineering in Burnie.
Education is a team effort - a partnership between the student, the academic institution and employers, according to Dave Harte, Industry Liaison Officer for the Australian Maritime College’s Co-operative Engineering Program. The Co-op Program is designed for engineering students who want to get more industry experience throughout their course and for employers who want the chance to shape the future of the engineering industry. “Engineers Australia, the peak national body, recommend that students complete 12 weeks work experience, but at AMC we have taken it a step further,’’ Mr Harte said.
Similar to other internship programs, AMC’s Co-op Program, offers students the opportunity to complete their formal education with extended, paid work experience. But the difference is that students who have enrolled in the Co-op Program begin their work placements at the end of their first academic year. “Students who enrol in the Coop Program take an extra year to complete their degree, but it is not an extra academic year,’’ Mr Harte said. “That extra year is a year of work. Four paid work placements are spread out over the course of their degree. Two of the blocks occur over our summer holidays, and another two encompass the summer break and one whole academic semester.” He said that while initially some employers might baulk at taking a first-year student, he encouraged them to see
the opportunity for what it was worth to their business in the short term, and to the engineering industry as a whole in the long term. “These students are enthusiastic about going out and working, that is why they joined Co-op. They want to go out and see what engineers do.” Mr Harte said. “The first work term doesn’t necessarily even have to be for a maritime-based engineering firm. Just somewhere that they can go and get an idea of the core skills needed in the industry.
“We recommend a different employer for every work term so students will get plenty of opportunity to decide on the field in which they choose to work.” Industry employers who take part in the program are actively encouraged to give feedback.
“Co-op gives an employer the opportunity to see what the capabilities of students are as they go through the program. If they feel something is consistently missing from their skill set it is the perfect opportunity to contribute to the way that we go about teaching our engineering students,’’ Mr Harte said. “It might be a different field of engineering, but it’s all about getting these students a start. “This is not just something
for the here and now. We need industry to understand that there is a future process that we want to get right down the track.” Engineering firms in Tasmania’s north and north-west have been strong supporters of AMC’s first work term placement.
“There are a lot of highly qualified engineering firms on the north-west coast, like Haulmax in Burnie, but they are finding it hard to attract employees. Our first-term work placements help free up their fully qualified staff. It’s a great way for a national institute like AMC to assist on a local level,’’ Mr Harte said. Haulmax Engineering Manager, Greg Young agrees with the approach of providing placements to first years. “It’s much easier to train a first year student than a third or fourth year who has almost completed his/her degree. Early work placement students also achieve a greater level of respect for other employees at all levels of the company,’’ he said
“The level of communication and interaction required by engineering staff within all areas of a company is also very important for students to learn early. Engineering is not just designing, analysing and number crunching. Safety, data management, process and communication are all part of day-to-day activities.” Student intakes into the program, which began in 2011, have shown solid growth. “It just shows that the message is getting out there at all levels. The feedback on the first year of placements was really positive,’’ Mr Harte said.
He said that not only were Co-
op students able to immediately apply their academic knowledge in a workplace and gain an understanding of what engineers do, they were one step ahead in other life skills as well.
“Our Co-op students have to submit a cover letter and a resume in accordance with a job description that is placed by an employer. They also have to go through an interview process.
“Over the course of their degree it develops their ability to do their own resume, understand what their skill base is and to get comfortable in the interview process. Also, when they graduate they might have up to four employers as referees.
“AMC Co-op is turning out well-rounded engineers with a bit of real-world experience.” For Mr Harte, who comes from a trade background, this is important.
“I believe that engineering is no different to any other trade. You do the academic work of course, but you should go and apply it in industry as soon as possible,’’ he said. “I’d rather lose a student from one engineering field to another than have them go through AMC, and never experience what it is that engineers do. Losing them to engineering completely would be far worse.
“Programs like Co-op are for the greater good of the industry in general.” For more information of the Australian Maritime College’s Co-operative Engineering program visit www.amc.edu. au/co-operative-engineeringprogram
Currently, the program requires students to select a named specialisation consisting of four units. In 2013, AMC will introduce further specialisations and the following will be available: • • • • • • •
Shipping Operations*
Shipyard Operations* Marine Engineering* Maritime Safety
Fisheries Management Marine Environment*
Maritime Leadership*
AMC is also planning to introduce two further options for the Master’s degree in 2013: a generic Master of Maritime Studies pathway and a Master of Maritime Studies by Research pathway. The generic route will allow students to select four maritime-focused units from across AMC and the University of Tasmania rather than a named specialisation. The research pathway will give students the option of completing four units and then a research dissertation. This will be equivalent to a year of full-time research rather than the half year of research or project work in a standard dissertation.
Details will be posted on to the AMC website in due course, but if you wish to discuss any aspect of the Maritime Studies program, please don’t hesitate to contact the Program Coordinator, Associate Professor Alistair Broatch email: a.broatch@amc.edu.au, phone: +61 3 6324 9878. *Subject to completion of formal University of Tasmania course approval processes issue 2
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Global links a priority for National Centre Director Ensuring research and teaching programs align with industry developments worldwide is the key priority for AMC’s Director of the National Centre for Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability (NCMCRS), Associate Professor John Purser. Associate Professor, John Purser, during a visit to Norway. “I’m looking forward to expanding and integrating international, regional and local collaborative partnerships across all facets of aquaculture, fisheries, seafood and marine conservation research, teaching and learning in 2012,” Assoc. Prof. Purser said.
His expectations also align well with the University of Tasmania’s (UTAS) vision for greater internationalisation and partnership expansion, and he has used the past year to explore strategic teaching and research collaborations around the world: from China to Norway and beyond.
He is particularly enthusiastic following positive discussions with Dalian and Shanghai Ocean Universities about starting collaborative research and exchange ventures, as well as shared degree programs and future scholarships (see story right).
“We have always had an international flavour to our program, and we currently have a number of students from a variety of countries. But we now need to focus more on targeted areas,’’ Assoc. Prof. Purser said. “Dalian and Shanghai Ocean University already have an established relationship with UTAS and it’s great that we can capitalise on that.
“We offer four or five different disciplines here that would be well-matched with those offered by Shanghai Ocean University in particular, and could be fostered as part of a “two plus two” program with the College.” The ‘two plus two’ program allows students to complete the first two years of their study in their country or university of origin, then come to AMC to finish their degree. Current examples include the new ‘two plus two’ 12
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arrangement with Auckland University of Technology for maritime engineering bachelor degrees.
With a strong industry and research background in aquaculture, Assoc. Prof. Purser was invited to present at the European Co-operation in Science and Technology (COST) Action on Fish Welfare Conference in Madrid last year. He presented on the topic of climate change and its possible effects on the salmon industry in Tasmania, as well as the linked implications for European aquaculture. “Because European currents are different, I explained the effects that La Niña and El Niño have on the East Australian current. I discussed the increase in water temperature and the arrival of warm temperate fish that our waters have never seen before, and theoretically what impact that might have on the marine environment and, in particular, the aquaculture and fisheries industries,’’ Assoc. Prof. Purser said. He said the salmon industry in Tasmania was particularly susceptible to the changes because it was already on the edge of its ideal production farming temperature during summer.
“If we are seeing a half to one degree rise in temperature, or even more, we need to understand what impact might that have on the industry,” Assoc. Prof. Purser said. “In Europe they farm a different range of species in the north compared to the south, and their climactic variations are as much as ours – even more so because they are from the polar areas right through to the tropics. “The conference was focused on fish welfare, and climate
change may produce conditions which could impact on fish welfare in the aquaculture sense. Globally we need to question what a warm environment will do to the fish. We need to look at the impacts on production and growth rates, and research whether the fish can adapt or if you can actually breed temperature tolerance into the fish.” Assoc. Prof. Purser was also a co-author on papers on barramundi behaviour and salmon tracking software presented at the COST conference by AMC researcher, Dr Ryan Wilkinson (with student Digory Hulse), and PhD candidate, Tom Pinkiewicz. Attending the COST conference also provided Assoc. Prof. Purser the opportunity to explore collaboration opportunities for aquaculture research projects with other leaders in the field, including the University of Stirling in Scotland and Nofima in Norway.
“University of Stirling and Nofima are making great in-roads in the areas of animal welfare and fish behaviour. Their programs have a lot of similarities to what we do here and we would ideally like to develop stronger links,’’ Assoc. Prof. Purser said.
“Fish welfare is a hot topic in Europe at the moment and they are leading the way in the discussion of commercially applied welfare indices.
“However, the work that I have been doing with Mike CameronJones and Tom Pinkiewicz of the School of Computing and Information Systems (UTas) is at the cutting edge of technologies. Our video-based monitoring of fish behaviour as a measure of welfare in commercial cages and tanks was extremely well received at the conference.”
To align his National Centre’s research and teaching programs with the needs of business, the Director keeps up-to-date on industry developments. In the past year alone, he attended several major industry-related events, such as the AquaNor Trade Show (Trondheim, Norway) and the Aquaculture NZ Conference (Nelson, New Zealand). “These specific events provide an opportunity to discuss industry and research developments and directions face to face with the people on the ground. In New Zealand I was particularly impressed that the Prime Minister and his fisheries and aquaculture ministers attended the conference and participated in the forum,’’ Assoc. Prof. Purser said.
“Following the AquaNor Trade Show, I visited a number of research organisations and universities in Norway and Scotland, including Nofima, Nordland University and the Universities of Aberdeen and Stirling to discuss possible collaborative research projects and to evaluate the structure and approach of aquaculture degrees being offered. “In New Zealand, I also visited the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) to further discussions around a possible educational pathway opportunity for NMIT students from vocational training in their diploma to tertiary qualifications at AMC.” Assoc. Prof. Purser said that he was keen to foster an international presence at NCMCRS. “Students from more than 25 countries have studied at our centre, and we have linkages with many more. I would like to see this figure continue to grow.”
Visit builds on positive partnership A delegation from the Shanghai Ocean University (SOU) met with AMC Senior Executives in July and toured AMC’s facilities in a visit designed to develop greater collaboration between both institutions. The University of Tasmania formalised a relationship with SOU in September 2002 with the first intake in Bachelor of Information Systems, followed by a Bachelor of Commerce (now Business) intake the following year. Since 2002, more than 2000 students have graduated from the joint programs. At a meeting in Shanghai in July, SOU and UTAS agreed to explore further opportunities for joint teaching and research in the disciplines of food safety, marine science and oceanography, fisheries and aquaculture and maritime logistics management. “I can report on positive and productive discussions with SOU counterparts,” said Assoc. Prof. John Purser, who visited Shanghai last November. It was SOU President Professor Pan Yingjie’s first visit to AMC and he was impressed by “the solid foundation and research facilities at AMC”. “It has well balanced development opportunities in all areas,” he said.