Skill is applied knowledge. It is developed through practice and constant application of one’s knowledge. At work, the labor system imparts specific and comprehensive knowledge. It is this constant workplace learning and talent development that makes a person competent in his field and proficient in his craft. In all industries, especially in the maritime industry, talent development is not a mere idiosyncrasy or whim, it is a necessity among seafarers.
On November 20-29, 2023, the Marine Geological Survey Division (MGSD), in cooperation with Exact Training Center Inc. (Exact), one of the leading and reputable maritime training institutions in the country, conducted a ten-day lecture and practical training on Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS) in Pampanga. The training, albeit a basic one, is a requirement sine qua non for all seafarers to undertake, whether they be part of the navigational crew or not, so long as they board the vessel for extended periods and partake in any of the operations in and of the
vessel. It introduced our very own Geologists and Engineers to the basics of seafaring, the responsibilities of one to all and to each other, and the standard procedures in case of emergency.
Figure 1 All the participants together with the training instructor from Exact
Our Geologists and Engineers, being novice in the seafaring profession, learned the hierarchal organization of the naval and maritime world. They learned about the chain of command, and the responsibilities of each officer and personnel in the vessel. With communication, being the pinnacle of the subject matter, the activity on open and active communication became its highlight.
Figure 2 The participants were divided into groups and played the classic pass the message game
They also learned about the basics of first aid, occupational safety and health, and firefighting, which are neither taught in schools nor learned normally at work. The subject matter will not be complete without practical tests which not only became its highlight, but the culmination of the entire training activity.
Figure 4 Participants enjoying the practical exam in first aid
Figure 5 Participants forming a perfect circle – a basic maneuver in group sea survival
Figure 6 Participant extinguishing an actual fire using a fire hose
Indeed, workplace learning, and talent development is paramount to an organization’s success and continued existence. Once a lumberjack went to his master and said, “Sir, what have I been doing wrong? Last year, I could cut down ten trees a day, but now, I can barely cut seven. I’ve been eating, sleeping, and working hard the same as I did last year. I can’t seem to figure out the problem.” His master replied: “How about your axe? How many times have you sharpened it? Or did you even care to? See, you have been eating, sleeping, and working hard the same as you did last year but you were not sharpening your axe as hard. Remember that a lumberjack is only as good as his axe.” Just as a lumberjack needs to constantly sharpen his axe, a seafarer needs to train and re-train himself. As the military always say, “The more you bleed in training, the less you bleed in battle.”
By: Marine Geological Survey Division