Operating an ocean transport company is impossible without seafarers. Seafarers ensure safe operation and manage vessel operations, the very basis of our business. In this section, we look at our basic policy, care for seafarers and their families, before taking a look at the lives of seafarers at sea.
MOL's Basic Policy
The safe operation of MOL-operated vessels is underpinned by skilled seafarers. They are therefore an invaluable "asset" for the company. MOL works to develop skilled seafarers during their work at sea as well as through training and education programs on land. A key policy in MOL's current midterm management plan, which covers the period from fiscal 2010 to fiscal 2012, is to "secure skilled seafarers and keep them well trained." Through various initiatives, we aim to develop people who support safe operations. These measures are not limited to Japanese nationals. Some 6,000 MOL seafarers crew approximately 300 vessels, and the large majority of these seafarers are foreign nationals from more than 20 countries; Japanese seafarers account for only around 4% of all MOL seafarers. MOL therefore employs and promotes skilled individuals from around the world, irrespective of nationality. MOL also pays due consideration to this diverse, multinational workforce in terms of the working environment on-board and on shore as well as remuneration and benefits. At the same time, we run high-level development and training programs to produce outstanding seafarers who are highly motivated and possess excellent skills and knowledge.
Employing Diverse Human Resources
We have established bases for recruiting, training and developing seafarers around the world. We have also set up a scholarship system at overseas maritime academies to support aspiring seafarers. In countries lacking the necessary qualification systems within academic curriculums, we have introduced an internship system so that students can gain the necessary experience for earning qualifications. Promising young seafarers from various countries who have received such support will be employed as personnel who have the potential to be key MOL members for safe operation in the future. Meanwhile, MOL employs around 20 Japanese seafarers (seagoing employees) in a typical year, and since fiscal 2005, has employed female seafarers. Furthermore, we offer opportunities to university graduates other than from cadet training schools to acquire seafarer qualifications after they join the company. In fiscal 2011, female employees who graduated from regular universities are aiming to also become qualified seafarers.
Education and Training for Seafarers
Developing and securing a stable workforce of excellent seafarers who meet MOL's skill standards is a crucial point in maintaining safe vessel operations. MOL has crew training centers in eight locations in six countries, including the Philippines, India, Russia, Indonesia and Montenegro, as well as Japan. At these MOL training centers, seafarers undertake education and training programs before taking up a position on a vessel. The centers offer a variety of training based on MOL's unique and uniform curriculum. Each training center provides a variety of training according to the type of vessel to which a seafarer is assigned, ranging from classroom lectures on theory to practice on vessel piloting and loading/unloading simulators and real engines. This training enables seafarers to operate the latest on-board equipment and machinery and comply with new laws and regulations. MOL sets its own skill and knowledge requirements for every seafarer as a technical expert at the front-line according to his/her rank in addition to the standards set by the various international maritime treaties. In addition, experienced captains and chief engineers are appointed as on-board OJT training instructors. By pointing out and giving instruction for correction of unsafe actions, these experienced seafarers not only improve seafarer skill, but also foster stronger awareness of safety.
MOL's Training Center in the Philippines
A trainee undertakes a drill at a training center
The Role Expected of MOL Seafarers
After employment, MOL seafarers engage not only in ship operation but also in land-based vessel and seafarer management, providing required technical support for loading and unloading cargo, and other duties that support operations. Such land-based positions are open broadly to all the seafarers, and seafarers of many different nationalities support the company's safe operations in various locations that are not their home countries, such as Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and the U.K. In the case of Japanese seafarers, for the first 10 or so years of their careers, they concentrate on serving aboard ships and accumulate competence as future captains and chief engineers. These employees are posted to land-based positions for a certain period of time where they utilize their experience, or they follow their own career paths by serving aboard various types of vessels. Thus, MOL seafarers are required to serve as all-around players to lead the whole MOL Group.
Training aboard the training ship "Spirit of MOL"
Training Ship Utilization
One initiative unique to MOL is the ownership and operation of the Spirit of MOL training ship as an important training facility for educating new seafarers and ensuring safe operation. New mariners, who represent the future of the company, learn specialist maritime knowledge and skills through safety and practical training, and by living together with other interns of various nationalities, they develop pride and a sense of belonging as members of the MOL Group.
A Good Working Environment for MOL Employees and Care for Employees' Families
A gathering for seafarers and their families in the Philippines
As part of measures to create a good working environment for seafarers, MOL aims to reduce LTIF (Lost Time Injury Frequency). As a result of running safety training programs and improving working environments, MOL achieved a better performance in this regard than planned in fiscal 2010. In the second half of 2012, a maritime labor convention imposing strict requirements to manage on-vessel work is expected to come into force. MOL is making preparations to implement changes before this convention becomes effective. In terms of welfare, MOL conducts regular health checks and mental health consultations for seafarers. At the same time, MOL cares for seafarers and their families, who must spend considerable time apart. MOL has established consulting offices for seafarers and their families in the Human Resources Division at the head office as well as in locations overseas, and offers services that are closely tailored to particular countries and regions. For instance, we hold gatherings for seafarers and their families around the world that are attended by Head Office executive officers. These family gatherings include briefings to explain the current status of the company, question-and-answer sessions, and social meetings. In these and other ways, MOL is working to strengthen the support framework for families at home. Moreover, MOL is introducing high-speed Internet connections aboard vessels to make it more convenient for seafarers to exchange e-mail with family and friends during voyages.
In addition to the above, seafarers who have demonstrated leadership and made notable achievements in terms of safety or efficiency of vessel operation are recognized each year, and invited along with their families to the head office in Tokyo to receive commendations directly from the president of MOL. Each year at the ceremony, the faces of the commended seafarers reflect the pride and joy they feel at doing their utmost to contribute to safe vessel operation. These initiatives for seafarers are reported to all seagoing employees and their families through our English-language newsletter, and serve to strengthen the bonds among the seafarers of the MOL Group.
Mr. Ghosh and his wife (fifth and sixth from the right) at the 2010 award ceremony for outstanding seafarers.
Receiving 2010 Outstanding Seafarer Award
Santanu Ghosh, Chief Engineer, Containership MOL CELEBRATION Recipient of 2010 Outstanding Seafarer Award
MOL's safety culture is fostered through teamwork and communication. Teamwork requires all- round participation and at the same time transparency. True, transparent, two-way communication and feedback are of immense importance in building teamwork among the various participants. This encourages new ideas to come to the fore, providing quicker and better solutions to problems. This continuous practice of analyzing and implementing solutions builds a sense of confidence as well. In the process, this culture provides an environment conducive to cleaner, safer, and healthier growth. I think our team worked well together, which is very important. I have promised myself that I will work with even greater effort and energy to improve my performance.
Mrs. Purba Ghosh
I am so happy to receive this award, and that MOL invited us. This shows how MOL values the families of its people and is concerned about them.
Please click here for more voices of MOL group staffs all over the world.
