GEORGE TOWN, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The shipping and port sector is facing an acute shortage of skilled manpower and, if nothing is done to address the problem, the maritime sectors could suffer sluggish operations.
Chairman, Working Committee, Asean Port Association (APA) Datuk Abdul Rahim Abdul Aziz said both sectors were experiencing a 50 per cent shortage in talent personnel especially nautical officers and maritime engineers.
He said the shortage was currently being met by foreign personnel and future port operations would be jeopardised if the shortage was not overcome quickly.
The association is suggesting that port operators seriously train their own staff in port operations and management.
"A cadet officer can be trained to become a captain and this process can take about eight years," he told reporters after opening a leadership development programme for port officers, organised by Penang Port Sdn Bhd, here Wednesday.
Abdul Rahim said port management courses were being offered by the Melaka-based Malaysian Maritime Academy which churns out 200 graduates each year in the maritime industry.
-- BERNAMA