ABSTRACT
Chapter 5 centres on professional development. Similar to other professionals, seafarers need to undertake training from time to time for career development. Also when new technology is introduced on ships, there may be mandatory training requirements. In shipping, however, it is often the case that ship managers shift the costs associated with professional development to seafarers when formal and compulsory training is mandated. Professional development also involves on-the-job training and mentoring provided by senior officers. In practice, however, this form of training faces a number of barriers, such as communication problems related to having a multinational crew, a lack of time due to reduced crew size, and a lack of experience and mentoring skills on the part of senior officers.
