Global On-Board Training Center (GOBTC) The 1st International Conference on On-Board Training Korea Maritime and Ocean University Busan, The Republic of Korea October 26, 2017
Busan Declaration PREAMBLE A global maritime paradigm shift is underway. The main vector of human activities has been transitioning from the conventional “vertical silo” mode to the “horizontal system”. This transformation is gathering momentum, corresponding with new advances in research, technology, and innovations in most sectors of maritime and marine industries. A new category of human resources, or blue economy professionals, is emerging as the most critical factor for successful sustained development of the global blue economy, whose expected caliber must keep pace with changes in the maritime transportation system. The new challenge, i.e. the optimum capacity building system to generate the blue economy professionals has to meet the immediate needs of emerging changes in the maritime industry, must be addressed NOW. On-Board Training (OBT) is an essential part in qualifying competent crew of the future. Hence, it is indispensable for a maritime Labor Supply State to maintain control and supervision because: (1) OBT is the best environment for cadets to acquire sea adaptability, (2) OBT is the best environment for inculcating socio-cultural aspects of successful seafaring professionals, and (3) OBT is the best measure for the assessment of skill and competence acquisition. OBT must, therefore, continue to be considered as indispensable for all the cadets/trainees for CoC/Credentials. The successful accomplishment of this campaign is dependent on ongoing global collaboration among IMO Members.