Experts motivate young mariners at webinar

SHARJAH: Marine industry experts discussed a wide range of topics tailored for the UAE’S next generation of mariners during a webinar held as part of the UN International Youth Day celebrations, which falls on Aug.12 every year. Organised by the Federal Transport Authority for Land and Maritime (FTA) saw an enthusiastic response from students of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Sharjah (AASTS).

Yousif Yacoub Al Mansouri, Director, Office of the Chairman for the Board of Trustees, AASTS, said that the webinar demonstrated the students’ knowledge of the industry, especially in regard to commitment and social responsibility. It also encouraged innovative thinking, which is an essential skill to have in the maritime industry.

Eng. hess a alma lek, executive director of maritime Transport at the FTA, said tha this kind of activity is necessary to stimulate young minds and promotes original thinking. “We aim to help students explore future opportunities from a professional point of view, open up prospects for them to explore the possibilities of career development in the maritime sector, and encourage them to prepare for job requirements, both scientifically and academically”

Dr. Aysha Al Busmait, IMO Goodwill Ambassador and Corporate Communications Director at the FTA, said that the educational process is not limited to textbooks and academic curricula. “The idea of launching the “Youth Webinar” was to broaden horizons for our future generation and properly employ their capabilities. Thus, we added value for students by motivating them to be more creative and think outside the box while they continue their academic studies.”

The webinar also touched on hot topics including gender discrimination in the industry. More women are now taking up leadership positions such as sea captains and ship masters and it was agreed this was a first positive step.

Al bus ma it added ,“promoting equality of women in the sector, especially Emirati women, and raising their profile is close to my heart. Empowering them is essential, particularly as the sector is the largest economy ater oil and impacts the nation’s sustainable development.”