Celebrating the training, experience and skills of our Seafarers

Svitzer has a legacy of delivering safe operations and servicing the maritime and shipping industry for more than 190 years.

The foundation of that legacy is our people, and ultimately, our crew that deliver the service on the water to our customers.

Today, the IMO and UN recognised International Day of the Seafarer, we launched a new four-part documentary series titled Masters of the Port, aimed at shining a spotlight on the people, technology, and precision behind maritime operations.

“The video series show new Masters (although still highly experienced Masters from other port operations), undergoing the training and familiarisation needed to be signed off to operate in a new port. More than anything it provides a unique insight into the highly technical and safety conscious world of towage and operations on the water that not many people get to see,” said David Phillips Chief Operating Officer at Svitzer Australia.

“Svitzer has invested significantly facilities at both its Fremantle and Newcastle tug bases, providing state-of-the-art maritime training across both its East and West Coast operations in Australia,” Mr Phillips said.

“These facilities give our professional, expert crew access to world-class technology, the ability to train in complex operations, emergency scenarios and collaborate with Pilots, port users and regulatory authorities.”

“The video series celebrates the skills and expertise of our crew – which took many years of personal sacrifice and commitment to build – and we also expect the videos to provide an exciting engagement tool to attract new people to the maritime industry.”
David Phillips, COO, Svitzer Australia

The simulators and training environment provides for real-time learning where if something goes to plan on the water, that can be replayed almost immediately in the simulator, and vice versa – it provides a safe and hyper-realistic learning environment to practice manoeuvres and operations in the training centre before heading out on the water.

“Ultimately, we hope the series shows what we do to prepare and deliver services and safe operations on the water, the investment in our people and the training capability we have in place that helps Svitzer apart in the industry,” said Mr Phillips.

Watch the first episode of the mini series below (YouTube link).