4AUSTRLIALñ
PRIME MINISTER
I 14 May 1974
MARITIME INDUSTRY COMMISSION OF INQUIRY
The Prime Minister, the Hon. E. G. Whitlam, M. P.,
announced today . that the Government had received the f irst
report of the Maritime Industry Commission of Inquiry which was
presented to the Governor-General on 6 May 1974.
The first report prepared by the Commissioner, Mr M. M. Summers,
covers training requirements for sea-going personnel. It consists
of two parts. Part I covers principles, broad proposals and
conclusions. Part II is an analysis in some detail of the issues
traversed in Part I.
The report highlights the shortcomings of the present
curricula and the inadequate training facilities now available
for sea faring personnel, especially on trading vessels.
To meet the future needs for highly skilled deck, engineering
and radio officers, Mr Summers has proposed the setting up of a
Central Marine College. This would form part of a College of
Advanced Education. Courses would be financed under the
Australian Government's policy of free tertiary education.
In view of the difficulties and complexities encountered on
different types of vessels, the report recommends that different
levels of qualifications should be necessary. To this end, the
report recommends the establishment of two levels of courses for
both deck and engineering officers. The duration of the courses
offered ( two or three years) and their intensity would vary according
to the qualifications sought. Completion of a full secondary
school course would be a prerequisite for entry to the three-year
college course.
Academic courses would be reinforced by periods of training
at sea. One two-year course is recommended for the training of radio
officers. Mr Summers has recommended that existing facilities for
the training of other maritime personnel ( deck and engineering ratings
and catering) should be improved and enlarged. Training for these
ratings should be co-ordinated by the proposed Maritime College.
These facilities should be available to masters of small fishing
craft and small boat and pleasure craft owners.
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The Prime Minister said that the Government accepted in
principle the conclusions of the first report and would begin
an immediate examination of the report in order to take
decisions on the recommendations as soon as possible after
18 May. Mr Whitlam said that arrangements had been made for the
report, to be printed and published as soon as possible.
CANBERRA. A. C. T