FONASBA officially launched its “Lima Declaration” at the 2013 Annual Meeting held in Lima, Peru. This document is an appeal to governments, regulators and the maritime industry to recognise the value of education, professional standards and quality service in the fields of ship agency and shipbroking across the globe.
Presenting the Declaration to the members, FONASBA President Marygrace Collins noted that the shipping industry as a whole is under pressure to enhance training and education as a result of increased regulation, both international and national. Ships and the cargoes they carry are becoming more complex and FONASBA is taking the opportunity to issue a reminder that the ship agency and ship broking professions are equally complex, demanding adequate and relevant training and education.
The Declaration is a call to the global ship agency and shipbroking profession to recognise the need to ensure that all employees, from front line agents and brokers to back-office support staff and at every level from trainee to senior management, are properly trained. With new legislation and regulations being introduced on a regular basis, and penalties for non-compliance often severe, being fully up to date is fundamental to providing the highest level of service to principals as well as ensuring full compliance with the law.
FONASBA acknowledges that there are various educational offerings available and hopes to promote broader recognition of same, which would in turn lead to increased participation. Last year, the Federation augmented its Board of Directors with the appointment of a Vice President for Education, Captain Jakov Karmelic, and the “Lima Declaration” has been spearheaded by him as part of the Federation’s drive to increase awareness of the wide range of high-quality education available within its own member associations.
The Lima Declaration is a further step in FONASBA’s campaign to promote the adoption of professional standards within the industry. It sits alongside and compliments both the FONASBA Quality Standard and our new initiative seeking official recognition by national governments of the profession of ship agent.
A copy of the Lima Declaration can be downloaded here: LIMA DECLARATION 2013
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