Page 32: of Marine News Magazine (September 2016)

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OFFSHORE TRENDS forms. This work can likewise be used to provide practical experience to “… utilization rates of Offshore Support Vessels both marine and non-marine techni- cal training programs.

(OSV) have dropped signi? cantly over the last

The vessels currently serving SMAs two years. Indeed, some global estimates put as training vessels, all on loan from

Marad, range in age from 26 years the number of idled OSVs at as many as 1,000 (Maine Maritime) to a whopping 54 units. Many of these assets are on the market years (SUNY Maritime). These ves- sels remain in good overall condition at a time when demand is low, and valuations despite their age but are equipped with are moving in the same direction.” outdated technology and are approach- ing or exceeding the extent of their use- ful service lives. In short, the existing training vessels are not up to the indus- try standards for which the future lead- ers of the industry will be responsible when entering the industry.

Maritime Training &

Education A? oat

Firsthand training and experience in manning, operating, and maintain- ing well-equipped, modern vessels will result in a larger pool of better trained of? cers available to serve the future marine industry. Cadets can serve as active crewmembers with responsibil- ities for the day-to-day management, execution, and maintenance of ves- sel operations under the supervision of experienced industry professionals and Academy/school staff.

Relevant experience in vessel han- dling and seamanship remain more applicable to the requirements of the modern seafarer than traditional sin- gle screw vessels. OSVs, for example, maneuver in and out of port more frequently than larger, ocean-going vessels providing more frequent op- portunities for maneuvering exercises.

Likewise, the horsepower require- ments of these vessels typically exceed the minimum horsepower require- ment for unlimited engineering licen- sure. The engineering basics remain

Photo: Cheryl Gosson identical to larger vessels but with

September 2016

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