Crowley Address Crewing Shortages

The current situation was highlighted by Captain Ron Burchett at the Tugnology 07 Conference in Southampton in June in his paper ‘Navigating into Technology’.

In his presentation Ron Burchett outlined the need for a fresh look at how crews are trained and suggested that a new structure of certification is required. Although tug crews have in general become smaller, the tugs themselves have become vastly more sophisticated, much more powerful and incredibly manoeuvrable. Recent initiatives to reduce manning have in some respects exacerbated the problem of training, leaving little opportunity to train newcomers all the way up from basic seaman level. Ron Burchett also points out that the level of training required for masters of high tech ASD tugs is akin to fighter pilot training and favours younger candidates.

To address exactly this problem the major US towage and transportation organisation the Crowley Maritime Corporation recently hired 21 graduating seniors from the 2007 spring graduating classes of the nation’s merchant marine academies. The surge in academy newcomers is part of Crowley’s re-energized recruiting program designed to help address crewing shortages currently facing the maritime industry.
These newly hired graduates will be given a comprehensive, training program intended to provide them with an introduction to the basics of towing along with insight into Crowley’s procedures and safety culture.

‘This training has proven a valuable tool to build confidence in new academy graduates before subjecting them to what could otherwise be an overwhelming first day on the job’, said Tucker Gilliam, director of marine crewing and development.

After the newcomers complete the training program, they sail for approximately one month under the guidance of Crowley’s experienced senior officers with an overall goal of exposing them to an environment where they gain hands-on tools for success and advancement of their skills.

Crowley’s intensive academy recruiting campaign is just one of several comprehensive initiatives started by the company over the last year. Crowley is taking steps to further the company’s competitive advantage to not only recruit but also retain qualified sea going personnel for the future. The company is working hard to bring new life to the industry by encouraging cadet shipping on its tugs and expanding its participation in Academy sponsored programs focusing on the towing industry.

‘Most training curricula are focused on larger, deep sea vessels. However, the cadet shipping program that takes place on our ocean going tugs offers cadets invaluable time at sea to gain exposure to towing fundamentals they can not get in the classroom, said Gilliam. ‘As demand for officers has increased in the towing industry, Crowley is trying to help the maritime academies give cadets exposure to towing fundamentals in the classroom and on the water via cadet shipping. So far we have had good response from the schools and students and our recruiting program has been very successful.’

Crowley has also increased their scholarship offerings to cadets at maritime academies by nearly 60% and has donated the necessary funds to develop a leadership program at the Webb Institute.

In addition to focusing on academy graduates, Crowley has implemented a development program designed to help long time employees advance their careers. In the summer of 2006, funding was approved to sponsor six of the company’s able bodied seamen as they endeavoured to pursue their 1600 Ton Mate’s license. The program proved to be an overwhelming success and Crowley now offers an AB to Mate Program which gives experienced crew members the opportunity to take the 22 weeks of classes required to get their original Mate’s license under the new STCW regulations. The program compensates the individuals for time at school on the same basis as if they had spent the time at sea. To date, Crowley has had 19 employees successfully complete the program, and has three more entering the program this month.

‘This program gives our experienced crew members the chance to climb the ladder when before they may have been limited by the financial loss incurred by enrolling in the licensing classes, said Gilliam. ‘Most individuals can’t afford to take four to five months without pay to complete the necessary courses and test preparation. Crowley’s program gives them the opportunity to advance their careers where they may not have been able to previously. We are very proud of the dedication and hard work put forth by our men and women who have completed the program to date and are confident they will make fine officers serving with Crowley for years to come.’