Tuesday, 20 August 19

The Honourable Michael McCormack

Deputy Prime Minister of Australia

 Parliament House

Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia

Dear Deputy Prime Minister,

I commend you for presenting the recently released Seafaring Skills Census produced by Maritime Industry Australia Ltd and for the support of the Maritime Industry expressed in your Foreword. We have read the Census with both interest and grave concern for the forthcoming skills shortage that is predicted.

Offshore & Specialist Ships Australia Ltd is a newly formed organisation based in Melbourne. Our Board and members have been involved with the Australian maritime industry for many years. We have read the report thoroughly and we respectfully submit the attached response (Future Seafarer Training options for the Australian Maritime Industry.) which revolves around seeking solutions to the problems highlighted in the MIAL report. We have copied this response to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further, at your convenience.

Yours Faithfully

Peter Barrow

Director

Copy to:

Mr Mick Kinley

Chief Executive Officer

Australian Maritime Safety Authority