As the shortage of seafarers supporting Japan's shipping industry becomes an issue, a university established in the Philippines by a major Japanese shipping company to train seafarers has sent out its first graduates.
The first graduation ceremony was held at a university established near Manila, the capital of the Philippines, six years ago by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, a major Japanese shipping company, together with a local crew dispatch company.
The university provides education and training using state-of-the-art simulation equipment that simulates the experience of operating a ship, as well as a gigantic, life-sized engine of a cargo ship, in an effort to develop highly skilled sailors.
The ceremony held on the 20th was attended by approximately 90 first-year students whose graduation was delayed by two years due to the effects of the new coronavirus, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines President Tsuyoshi Hashimoto said, ``We will make full use of our knowledge and accumulated experience to create a new I want you to open up a new path for me," he said in greeting.
The shortage of seafarers is a major issue in Japan's shipping industry, and more than 70% of the seafarers on ocean-going vessels traveling to and from other countries are Filipinos.
Half of the graduates of this university are expected to work as navigators and engineers at major Japanese shipping companies, and a man who said he plans to work at a Japanese company said, ``I am grateful for the relationships that have supported us.'' I am very grateful to everyone," he said.