New Zealand: Maritime Trade is Key
simply would not be possible. Shipping is especially important to New Zealand, an island that relies heavily on its vibrant maritime sector. “At least 97 percent of our trade is transported by sea – it is the crucial lifeline for our economy and way of life,” said Keith Manch, Director of Maritime New Zealand, who said the maritime industry is indispensable to the country. “We are an island nation that is distant from the rest of the world and almost wholly dependent on efficient, competitive shipping to carry our trade,” Manch said. &ldquo
Maritime Sector Gets on Board with HSWA
;Many maritime operators have a head start because they’ve entered the Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS), which covers off a number of the new HSWA requirements. We’ve prepared guidance to help operators understand how MOSS and the HSWA work together,” Maritime NZ Director Keith Manch said. “We are also training and warranting 35 Maritime Officers and other staff who will carry out inspections. They will be an excellent source of information for operators,” Manch added. Maritime NZ, the regulator for health and safety on vessels that are workplaces
New Zealand Promoting Maritime Careers
A worldwide shortage of more than 42,500 ship officers is expected by 2019, prompting New Zealand’s maritime industry and Maritime NZ to collaborate in an effort to encourage young people to train for maritime careers. Maritime NZ’s Director, Keith Manch, said with the large shortfall in officers, competitive salaries (Masters of large vessels earn $250,000 a year, according to Maritime NZ), and more than 90 percent of the world’s goods being transported by sea, it’s a good time to start a maritime career. Along these lines, Maritime NZ has launched its
