The review and evaluation of the Solomon Islands maritime and education system against international standards

This dissertation examines the standard of Maritime Education and Training in the Solomon Islands and compares it against international standards which have been agreed upon by the international maritime community. This is to establish the need for improvement of the present training for seafarers in both the commercial shipping and fishing industry. The paper discusses the problems of the current training system. References are made to the difficulties faced by the maritime administration and the maritime schools. The certification structure, training programmes and facilities are also mentioned. Problems arising from the employment of Solomon Islands seafarers on local and international ships are identified and examined. A textual summary of the international conventions and codes against which the Maritime Education and Training System in the Solomon Islands is evaluated, is included. Consideration is taken into account of factors which are likely to have a major impact on the Solomon Islands MET System in the near future. This highlights the demand for training of personnel who support and provide the required training for the Seafarers. Proposed training programmes for the Maritime Schools to upgrade to the new international standard of education and training for seafarers in the Solomon Islands is provided. The proposals and recommendations made are aimed at improving the MET System currently followed in the Solomon Islands to produce competent officers and ratings who can meet the requirements of the various international maritime conventions