CONTINUOUS ENGLISH TRAININGS AT ISNTC

“ISNTC is a non stock, non profit corporation aiming to improve the knowledge and skills of seamen by enhancing and supplementing the existing minimum training standard. We evaluate, train and guide seamen to ensure personal safety, safe and better-maintained ships, environmental protection and success in their career.”

Surely, this company motto reverberates in the minds of Captain Palenzuela and Captain Moro as they go about their duties as training directors. They work together with the ISNTC and ASM staff and administration to produce skilled merchant marines who display world class excellence and professionalism. Their ongoing collaboration with ASAP or Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals is a testimony of their dedication to continually upgrade and polish the skills of Filipino maritime professionals.

Last July, 2005, ASAP conducted its first training, Global Maritime English, for rank and file personnel. It was soon followed in October by a demo class for cadets in English listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Then, in December, it was the junior officers’ turn for supplementary training with the Technical Writing and Executive Business English (TWEBE) seminar. This course combined lessons in grammar refinement with its application in essay writing, Then, it moved on to technical communication skills with its application in business English. In culmination, the young officers were asked to make oral presentations, where their skills in welcoming visiting officers, leading onboard meetings, and asking critical questions during investigations were put under observation. The participants voiced their appreciation for the helpful refresher seminar: “The training helped me remember long forgotten rules of grammar. It’s important to know the rules so you can speak with confidence,” says 2^nd officer Ferdinand Popen.

ASAP made an important insight into the Philippine maritime industry during the TWEBE training. A recent proposal was made to require junior officers to take higher level trainings, since they are next in line to current supervisors. This bid garnered mixed reactions. While some saw this as leverage for career appraisal, others saw it as more time away from their families and a further financial burden. Captain Palenzuela and Captain Moro and have anticipated and do understand the sentiments of all concerned. However, they cannot help expressing hope that more maritime professionals would aspire for higher positions. They are aware that many Filipino captains who have already expressed their desire to retire are being asked to stay in active service simply because there is a great lack of qualified Filipino maritime officers for merchant ships. What does Captain Moro suspect to be the reason for this? “Confidence. Not many Filipinos have the confidence to present themselves to others, especially foreigners. The sight of a blue eyed 6-foot tall blonde officer stops their tongues instantly. They are also insecure about their knowledge of maritime law because they do not read often enough to be masters of the subject.”

This need for more reading skills and practice has inspired ASAP to start developing a reading course specially designed for maritime professionals and skilled workers. The course will identify reading problems of participants, give the necessary practice and instructions to solve the problems, and develop positive attitudes and disciplines in reading.

The two captains are also excited about the newest training taking place this month (June, 2006). This is the Ramping Cadets Course, a bridge program for aspiring ISNTC cadets. Given that many maritime cadets come from a variety of educational backgrounds, ISN needs to ensure a streamlining of skills and attitudes in preparation for highly technical and specialized maritime training. This program will be divided into three modules: Math, Science, and English. ASAP will take charge of the English training and promises to deliver the same customized and personalized approach to ISN’s people.

ASAP is proud to continually enjoy the trust and support of the ISNTC family, especially Mr. Gomez, Captain Moro, and Captain Palenzuela. True enough, as the maritime industry evolves, ASAP and ISNTC will work hand in hand to promote the excellence of Filipino merchant marines worldwide.

“Certainly a leader needs a clear vision of the organization and where it is going, but a vision is of little value unless it is shared in a way so as to generate enthusiasm and commitment. Leadership and communication are inseparable.”

- Claude Taylor