Page 19: of Marine News Magazine (August 2023)

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agencies and shoreside of? ce staff.

We have discussed how to solve climate change for the past 30 years.

IMO has waf? ed on standards for emission and carbon reduction that will look at another 30 years to 2050.

We can all agree that the crew labor shortages have been discussed for over 10 years, if not more. The relationship with all of these issues is time and the generational effect of problem solv- ing. Our youth expect problems to be solved immediately, just as quickly and easily as they receive their information, sel? es and text messages. In my opin- ion, it’s time to put them to work and ask them to help the aging generation reform our traditional practices.

The in? uence of Gens X, Y and Z has raised many discussions of diver- sity, inclusion, workplace practices and the cost of higher education. The journey from high school to higher education to realize successful careers for many Black and Latino students along with those from all low-in- come backgrounds is often anything but successful. If we are looking for growth in the maritime industry, we need to start at the high school level or face losing the skillsets we require to succeed. There is an abundance of solid career opportunities that may require training and certi? cations but do not require a trip to any university.

The diversity issue is not new to shipping. We have historically looked to underdeveloped and third world nations to provide our deckhands, oil- ers, welders and unlicensed positions.

Many rose through the hawsepipe to achieve of? cer status and manage- ment positions ashore without degrees or higher education. The science and www.marinelink.com MN 19|