Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/778359
Mate Nate Morrison, Legacy/750-1. "Altogether, I believe this was a very beneficial experience and has given me some key points of my abilities to focus on in the future." For these reasons, Crowley shares the valuable lessons learned from this program with the industry, training institutions, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The company believes the use of these modern marine simulators to be an effective management tool for verifying that deck officers have the full range of skills necessary to be effective watchstanders. They also believe that through their use, they can cost- effectively identify and reduce the risk of serious marine incidents – keeping the company on track as it navigates its "Road to Zero" - zero harm to people, property and the environment. 6 allow a more thorough evaluation of the assessment's audio/visual recording and the performance history of the individual. This additional review is accomplished by a panel including Crowley's full assessment team, the assigned port captain, and the labor relations team who then decides on next steps. Ultimately, Crowley's business units decide whether to pass on a candidate, or proceed with the training necessary to perform to Crowley's standards. "Because the group that administers this training and assessment program is not embedded into any business unit, they give us a fair recommendation of a mariner and any additional training they see required in order for the mariner to be a safe, reliable member of Crowley's crew," said Mike Golonka, vice president, government services. "Their recommendations are uninhibited by time constraints, sailing schedules and the like and represent an unbiased view for those of us in the business unit to consider when deciding whether or not the crewmember would fit our company's safety culture. It really is a great program that is setting an industry standard." The End Game The objective of the training and assessments is to close skill deficiencies, not to eliminate any employees explains Craig. "Marine operating companies commit too many years and dollars to developing a deck officer just to lose their services. Our experience is that less than one percent of the officers assessed could not successfully complete the program after retraining and reassessment." And while there are obvious benefits to Crowley and its customers, the mariners see positive implications of it as well. "Overall, I think the two-day program was a good example of the strategic partnership between our [union] collective bargaining representation and Crowley, working together to ensure we are providing the most skilled and professional deck officers in the industry," said Capt. Mike Santini, Sea Reliance/550-1. "This assessment was certainly an eye-opening experience for me. It really gave me the ability to step back and look at my skill set and see the areas where I needed improvement and where I had a firm grasp of things," said Third Learn more about... Crowley's seagoing job opportunities by visiting crowley.com/seagoing ? One of the MITAGS-PMI navigation assessment control decks, which Crowley deck officers use to test their skills.