Skills capacity not keeping up with demand in Australian seafaring: report

Skills capacity not keeping up with demand in Australian seafaring: report
Tom McIlroy Feb 18, 2019 https://www.afr.com/news/politics/skills-capacity-not-keeping-up-with-de...

The latest snapshot of skills and capacity in Australian seafaring has found more than 560 new workers will be required within four years, with expertise beyond standard qualifications falling short of demand by leading employers.

Amid a sustained debate about the future of maritime industries and costal shipping in Australia, a new census by Maritime Industry Australia warns that despite predicted increases in demand for seafaring skills, no proportionate increase in training options for new workers is taking place.
The report, set to be released on Tuesday, shows just 8 per cent of Australia's 5646 seafarers and onshore workers are aged under 30, while 52 per cent are older than 46.

The Heroic, a foreign crewed ship bringing iron ore from Port Hedland for BHP. Robert Peet
It predicts by 2023 increases in demand of as much as 11.6 per cent for seafarers working at sea and 17.7 per cent for workers onshore, as well as an 11 per cent demand for future workers in training.

The contraction of the large vessel trading fleet, a traditional training ground for the industry, is hurting skills development in employment critical to working on ships and shore-based employment required for the broader economy, the report warns.