There is no New Wave, only the Sea

In Malta, the maritime industry dates back several centuries and is now evolving rapidly, creating a multitude of opportunities both offshore and at sea. These opportunities give a boost to economic improvements both at a local and international level.

Pauline Micallef, CEO of MaritimeMT – the leading maritime school in Malta

Putting the magnifying glass over the term maritime industry, one can see that there are specific industries which, although they all fall under the same umbrella, are very different. To name a few of these industries: the Merchant Navy industry (at times referred to as the shipping industry), the oil and gas and renewables industry, the cruise lining industry, and the yachting industry.

Malta, being a small island in the middle of the Mediterranean, poses myriad prospects. When looking at the island’s main resources, the sea features high on the list, it being the only unlimited resource. Other resources are limited and pose various challenges to the overall economy in Malta.

SO INSTEAD OF RUNNING AFTER THE WAVES, WHY DON’T WE LET THE SEA COME TO US?

The sea offers endless employment opportunities, and the minute we hear of jobs at sea, many people think of the Captain. However, there is only one captain on a vessel, and beneath that rank there is a plethora of other ranks and jobs that are important for the vessel to make its trajectory. Not to mention the vast number of opportunities of shorebased jobs that are required to sustain the thriving maritime sector.

The three main departments onboard any vessel are the deck, the engineering and the hospitality departments. All have different responsibilities, but all report to the Captain. 1 THE DECK DEPARTMENT This department is primarily responsible for safely operating and navigating the vessel under command both at sea and in port. This department is highly regulated, and each rank needs to be qualified to be allowed to operate. Some positions within this department include the Chief Officer (the next in command after the Captain), the Second Officer, the Third

Office and the Bosun. The basic entry level would be the Able Seafarer or as they are known in the Yachting Sector, the Efficient Deckhand.

At all these levels, there are different requirements set in terms of education and experience at sea.

2THE ENGINE DEPARTMENT The engineering department handles all technical operations in terms of the engine room. Headed by the Chief Engineer, this department can go from being relaxed to stressed in minutes. In the middle of the ocean, where there is no access to specific equipment, the engineering department is responsible for solving any faults that the engine might encounter during a passage. This department includes highly qualified crew that can understand the technicalities and mechanics of the equipment onboard, especially the engine/s. Under the command of the Chief Engineer, one finds the Second Engineer, and other engineers depending on the size of the vessel. Certain large vessels also include the electrical technical engineer sub-department.

3THE HOSPITALITY DEPARTMENT This department may also be referred to as the catering and food department, interior, or food and beverage department. This includes the general housekeeping of the vessel, and servicing the onboard guests and the crew. Depending on the type of ship, hospitality service may vary. On board cargo vessels, there are no guests, so the hospitality department would be working to support the crew; however on board superyachts, the VIPs demand silver service and high-quality hospitality. Depending on the type of vessel, a different level of education is required at different levels and positions. You cannot really be a yacht chef serving high-end customers if you are not trained and experienced to do so. However, being a ship’s cook onboard a tanker does not necessarily need a high-end chef. The role of the steward or stewardess for a yacht is different to that onboard a cruise liner and a cargo ship.

MARITIME EDUCATION

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialised agency for the United Nations (175 member states) which is responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent pollution from ships (IMO, 2019).

The IMO has set a standard level for maritime education, known as the STCW – Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. On an international level, the STCW convention sets out the level of training required for seafarers to be able to work on board. This means that a course that is STCW accredited in Malta, and a course that is STCW accredited in the United States, should be generally acceptable by all flag states. The STCW convention is constantly being revised and updated in line with ongoing developments. If that 9 to 5 office job is not fulfilling your full potential, then the seas might be calling. All you need to do is look out for that STCW course and get prepared for a life at sea. M+S

When looking at the island’s main resources, the sea features high on the list, it being the only unlimited resource. Other resources are limited and pose various challenges to the overall economy in Malta.