41
December2012

8th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting
Deepak Raj Sharma (India, 2009)

The first ever Heads of Asian Coast Guard
Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) in South Asia
was conducted on Oct 3, 2012 in New Delhi.
HACGAM is an apex level forum facilitating
the congregation of all the major Coast Guard
Agencies of the Asian region. This initiative wasdeveloped initially in 2004 to discuss
cooperation among the member organizations
to combat piracy in the region. However, thescope of discussions has been expanded toinclude law enforcement, maritime security,
disaster prevention and relief and capacity
building. Presently, there are 21 member
organizations from 17 countries that are part ofthe initiative.

Development of HACGAM

Th e p r o c e s s o f c o o p e r a t i o n a m o n g s t
HACGAM was initiated by Japan consequent
to the capture of the pirated vessel M.V.
Alondra Rainbow by the Indian Coast Guard(ICG) in November 1999. Subsequently, aseries of Regional Senior Experts Meetings of
Coast Guard Agencies of Asia were held on
combating piracy and armed robbery against
ships. The 4th such meeting held in Pattaya,
Th a i l a n d i n F e b . 2 0 0 4 r e c o m m e n d e dconducting a meeting of the Heads of the Coast
Guard Agencies in June 2004. Accordingly, thefirst HACGAM was held in Tokyo, Japan inJune 2004. The initiative consists of 17

Mr. Sasakawa with Dy Director General and senior officials of Indian Coast Guard

countries and one region: Bangladesh, Brunei,
Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan,
South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka,
Th a i l a n d , V i e t n a m a n d H o n g K o n g .
Furthermore, it was also agreed that the scopeof discussions would not only be restricted topiracy issues but could also include all Coast
Guard related issues.

Previous Venues

HACGAM is conducted every year andseven such meetings have been conducted todate. The details of the previous meetings are as
follows:

Date

Venue

1

17-19 June ’04

Tokyo(Japan)Co-hosted
The Japan Coast Guard

2

19-23 Mar ’06

Putrajaya(Malaysia)

The Malaysian Maritime
Enforcement Agency

322-24 Oct ’07

Singapore

The Singapore Police Coast Guard

408-10 Oct ’08

Manila(Philippines)

The Philippines Coast Guard

5

27-28 July ’09

Bali(Indonesia)

Indonesian Maritime
Security Coordination Board

6

13-15 Oct ’10

Shanghai(China)China Maritime Safety Administration

7

25-28 Oct ’11

Hanoi(Vietnam)

The Vietnam Marine Policehuman resource programs in collaboration with
universities and research institutions around theworld. He also felt confident that with closer
cooperation, we will be able to bequeath safe andbountiful seas to the next generation.
Th e m e e t i n g w a s a l s o a t t e n d e d b y
representatives of the Ministry of Defense, in
addition to the diplomatic staff from theEmbassies/Missions of the participating
countries.
The 8th HACGAM was significant as it
adopted a Mission Statement that clearly
described the mission of HACGAM for the firsttime since the institution of a forum. Further, italso specifically laid down the five pillars of
Rajendra Singh, Deputy Director General, Indian cooperation related to the urgent and common
8th HACGAM in New Delhi
The 8th HACGAM was the first meeting held Coast Guard, noted that with increasing issues that the HACGAM member countries
in the South Asian region being co-hosted by the maritime traffic in Asia, the supporting n o w f a c e , n a m e l y , s e a r c h a n d r e s c u e ,Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard infrastructure for effective maritime safety, environmental protection, countermeasures
under the auspices of The Nippon Foundation, security and an environmentally sensitive regime against massive natural disasters, preventing &Japan.
could evolve through a cooperative approach controlling unlawful acts at sea and capacity
While inaugurating the meeting, Shri AK between the maritime agencies. He highlighted building, which serves as a base for addressing
Antony, Hon’ble Defence Minister of India, the emergence of the Indian Coast Guard as a these four areas. These pillars will focus onreiterated the importance of cooperation and significant contributor in regional cooperation cooperation, and be dealt with strategically andcollaboration among the maritime agencies in the initiatives in the region.
proactively among the HACGAM members’
region to ensure the security and safety of oceans.
Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The agencies under the framework of HACGAM.
He further stressed the commitment of the Nippon Foundation, in his remarks reiterated the The importance of the 10th anniversary of theGovernment of India towards strengthening the support extended by The Nippon Foundation to Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting
Indian Coast Guard in terms of building its HACGAM towards building partnerships in two years’ time in 2014 was also mentioned,
capacity for a sustained presence in the Indian among the Coast Guard Agencies of Asia. He and all were called upon to focus on concrete
Maritime Zones.
highlighted that the practical contribution of The efforts to achieve their aims in the identified fields
In his keynote address, Inspector General Nippon Foundation will further bolster maritime of cooperation.

Mr. Sasakawa and his Fellows Bring Security to the Asian Coast
Sachiko Yamane (Japan, 2011)

Left-right: Mr. Kumar, Mr. Sasakawa, Ms. Windari, Ms. Yamane, Mr. Dabi, and Mr. Shimizu

Just before the commencement of the 8th
Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting(HACGAM), we five graduates from 1997 to
2011, Retno Windari Portwito (Indonesia
2001), VADM Lino Hambala Dabi
(Philippines 1997), Tomoya SHIMIZU (Japan
2004), K.R.Deepak KUMAR (India 2010),
Sachiko YAMANE (Japan 2011), had theopportunity to meet with Mr. Sasakawa.
Unfortunately, Deepak Raj SHARMA (India
2009), who played a major role in the 8th
HACGAM, was too busy to join us. Although
we had less than 15 minutes to meet at thatparticular time, we could talk about our current
positions as well as the specific tasks assigned tous. For me, it was the first time meeting other
Fellows in another country after graduating,and I was a little nervous. However, they were
all so kind, and felt like brothers and sisters.
This interaction with the Fellows reminded meof life at WMU.
As a matter of course, we were in India toattend HACGAM, whose members consist of
Coast Guard Agencies in Asia. We all sharesome common issues which can be solved
through cooperation among the Agencies. As
the joint statement of HACGAM clearlystates, all of the participants agree to work
together to tackle the five pillars, which are
unlawful acts at sea, search and rescue,
protection of the marine environment,
preparedness for natural disasters and capacity
building. I hope the Fellows’ relationship willcontinue to facilitate cooperation among the2

Coast Guard Agencies and lead to theachievement of our common goals. For thetime being, I’m just doing daily tasks unrelated
to such large scale issues, but in the future, I
would like to concentrate on them.
Lastly, I would like to thank all the people
who offered me such a great opportunity toattend the 8th HACGAM and share awonderful time with my brothers and sisters
from Asian countries. At present, I’m working
at JCG HQ, so I had another chance to meet
Mr. Sharma today, who was visiting us on
business. I hope I have more chances to meetother Fellows coming to Tokyo! If so, please
don’t forget to contact me in advance so I don’t
miss the chance to meet with…

Kindling Friendship through the Gathering Orientation!!

Due to significant changes in the WMU
curriculum and the period of attendance since2010, the time when students attending theuniversity can get together with new students forfriendly exchanges has been reduced significantly
f r o m fi v e t o t w o m o n t h s . A s a r e s u l t ,communication among Sasakawa Fellowshipstudents had started to wane. To address thissituation, we have established a venue where
Fellowship students can get together for exchanges
and conversation, and for the second year running
we held the “Gathering Orientation with Sasakawa
Fellowship 2012 & 2013” to provide students witha clear understanding of the Sasakawa Fellowship
System and the Sasakawa Fellow Networkorganized by the Ocean Policy Research
Foundation (OPRF).
This year, in September 2012, 23 recipients of
the WMU Sasakawa Fellowship (Class of 2013)
from 19 countries commenced their studies at
WMU. It was indeed a joy to see students fromfive new countries, Argentina, Eritrea, Guatemala,Solomon Islands, and Uganda, join the family of
countries from which the Sasakawa Fellowshipstudents hail.
The Gathering Orientation with the 23 newstudents and the existing student body (Class of2012) was held on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at
WMU in Malmö, Sweden.
The orientation started with an address from
Mr. Eisuke Kudo, Special Adviser of OPRF. Mr.
Kudo gave a hearty welcome to the new students
and expressed the hope that they felt proud to berecipients of the Sasakawa Fellowship. He thenexplained that the objectives of the Gathering
Orientation were to promote mutual
understanding among students of the Sasakawa
Fellowship, to plan for the effective formation of a
Sasakawa Fellows Network, and to ensure thatstudents firmly understood the organization andmanagement of the Sasakawa Fellowship System.
He continued his presentation by stating that hehoped all of the new students would maintain asense of gratitude as recipients of the fellowshipand would take the time to express their gratitudein the form of a letter addressed to the Mr. Yohei

provided a venue between existing students andS a s a k a w a , C h a i r m a n o f Th e N i p p o nFoundation, in which they shared with him their incoming students to engage in meaningful mutual
latest news. Mr. Kudo concluded his speech by exchanges. As a result, it proved to be a very happy
expressing his heartfelt appreciation for the reception where the sounds of laughter continually
overwhelming support of the WMU Secretariat in reverberated in every corner of the room.
Furthermore, the reception provided an excellent
preparing for the orientation meeting.
Next, Mr. Shinichi Ichikawa, a staff member of opportunity not only for students to get to know
OPRF, took the podium to explain some one another but also for new students to engage in
information that he felt the students should know conversation with people related to the university.
as recipients of WMU fellowships. The main Anete Logina, who is currently studying at WMU
points were that The Nippon Foundation promotes as a Ph.D. Candidate, also attended the reception.
various projects using profits obtained from She is from Latvia and is a Sasakawa Fellow who
motorboat races (a form of public gambling in graduated from WMU in 2009 with a Master ofJapan), the WMU Sasakawa Fellowship is funded Science degree. She plans to stay at WMU for two
by grants from The Nippon Foundation, which is or three more years. We look forward to catching
the donor organization, and OPRF is appointed as up with her next year.
As the time to bring the reception to a close
a business administrator for The Nippon
Foundation. Mr. Ichikawa also spoke of the approached, Jenette Tifuh Mujingni Cho from
activities of the Sasakawa Fellows Network after Cameroon came forward to give the closing speech
graduation and activities of the Friends of WMU, as the representative of the Class of 2012 Sasakawa
Japan Secretariat, which supports the WMU Fellowship students. She commented that when
she had just arrived at WMU in October of last
network activities.
After this, as a new trial activity for the year she was worried that 14 months’ study wouldorientation meeting, senior students gave accounts be more like 14 years for her. However, she feltof their experience of the 2012 Sasakawa that the time passed very quickly and could not
Fellowship, with one student representative from believe that it was already time for the Gathering
each of the four Specialization courses relaying his Orientation for a new group of incoming students.
or her experiences and impressions, both positive She also stated that she would never forget her
and negative. The representatives also shared time at WMU. In addition, she stressed that
information about field studies conducted during studying at WMU was not only the acquisition oft h e a c a d e m i c y e a r a n d g a v e w o r d s o f knowledge but also the acquisition of an enduring
encouragement to the new students for their Sasakawa Fellows Network from countries all overstudies over the following 14 months. Although it the world. She encouraged new students to work
was not possible to arrange a lot of time to explain hard at their studies. In the future she said that she
the courses, we were very impressed that the new intends to maintain the WMU Sasakawa Fellows
students not only showed a keen interest and Network and looks forward to meeting them again
listened carefully to the speeches, but also took in the future in the global arena at a venue like the
IMO Conference or other events. As shenotes.
When the orientation and presentations were concluded her speech, she expressed her deep
over, everyone moved to the second floor of the appreciation for The Nippon Foundation and
WMU building where a reception was held. In OPRF. With these words, the Gathering
addition to the Sasakawa Fellowship students, Orientation 2012 drew to a successful close.
many other people were in attendance, including
Friends of WMU, Japan Secretariat
Mr. Neil Bellefontaine, Vice President of WMU,
OPRF
as well as professors, lecturers, staff, and otherfriends and guests of WMU. This reception3

Our Responsibility- 100 years after

Coexistence

Future of Cleaner Ships

Koichi Yoshida

Chairman,
IMO Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency Working Group

Recognition and Understanding
Open-minded dialog and relianceorganizations
IMO
Industry Sectors

Ships and shipping have, since their origins
thousands of years ago, been supporting tradeand economies and the well-being ofmankind, and will certainly also support their
future growth. World fleet sizes are increasing
in proportion to the growth of the economy,
because ships are carrying more than 95% ofmaterials, products and goods in world trade.
S h i p s a r e t h e m o s t e n e r g y e ffi c i e n ttransportation media in comparison with anyother land or air based ones. The second IMO
GHG study report (MEPC 59/4/7 and
MEPC 59/INF.10) estimated that global
shipping activities in the year 2050 will
become at least three to four times bigger
than those of today.
Ships have a close relationship to theirenvironment (water and air) from the time of
their construction, through their operation,
until decommission and recycling, as shownin Figure 1. Ships may emit NOx, SOx andgreenhouse gases (GHG), particles and black
carbon, as well as ozone depleting substancesand volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the
air. Ships may dump oil and chemical
substances, sewage, garbage and waste,
including cargo wash water, as well as ballast
water in the oceans. Ships may carry living
beings which adhere to their outer shells. The
anti-fouling system of ships may dissolve inthe surrounding water, and ships may radiatenoise into the water.

Geographicalregions
Governments

Figure 2

The marine environment has borne pollution
Therefore, from now on, we must think aboutfrom ships over our long history. However, this and take measures that include all environmental
environment is a finite world. Noting the subjects simultaneously, in order to create aincrease of ships and shipping activities up until friendly relationship between shipping and thetoday and into the future, the effects of ships on environment.
the environment are not negligible and can no
The design of ships from now on must reflect
longer be ignored. Future ships need to be this change as well. We should not insist on
friendlier to the environment than those of today's ship designs and systems (e.g., atoday.
slow-speed, heavy-oil diesel engine with a single
We have taken measures to reduce and propeller astern) or shipping business as usual,minimize the impact of ships and shipping on but look at a wide range of available technologies
the environment in each subject shown in Figure and future possibilities (e.g., hydrogen fuel, use
1 individually and separately by developing and of renewable energy, no-engine-room ship with
implementing various international treaties, such full electric propulsion, etc).
as MARPOL Annex I to VI, the Anti-Fouling
Additional maritime infrastructures, such as
System Convention, the Ballast Water natural or hydrogen gas fuel supply stations forManagement Convention and Hong Kong Ship ships, electric power connection at the pier, port
Recycle Convention. IMO has worked hard to reception facilities to receive shipboard garbage,
establish these international treaties.
waste and cargo residue, need to be established
However, a measure to reduce one negative to support environmentally friendly ships. And
impact on the environment may cause the global ocean broadband communication services
increase of another. For example, having a ballast will support more economical operation of ships.
water treatment system onboard may reduce the These infrastructures should offer, in the future,cargo capacity of the ship and require more more business opportunities.
power to operate the system. This then could
In order to realize cleaner shipping andresult in an increase of emissions of NOx, SOx oceans, it is of upmost importance to establish
and GHG.
world-wide cooperation, because this cannot be
achieved by regional sectors (geographical,
industrial or political) and there are noboundaries on the earth’s oceans. Every
Figure 1
stakeholder, government, industry andShip and environmentorganization should take every step, throughopen-minded dialog and cooperation, to achieve
Green House Gases
Black carbon
recognition and understanding of each other andreach a consensus towards coexistence with
Ozone depleting substances
NOx SOx PM
cleaner oceans, as shown in Figure 2. IMO is a
VOC
Cold Ironing
unique platform to establish and enhance thiskind of cooperation.
The World Maritime University is one of the
Ship Recycling
best opportunities to develop ties for worldwide
friendship. Friendship is what I value most frommy 32 years’ experience of activities at IMO, andBallast water
it has been the best way for me, when chairing
various IMO meetings, to establish a consensus
Bio-Fouling
towards safer shipping and cleaner oceans. I have
Underwater noise
seen many WMU graduates, as delegates of their
Anti-Fouling System
Garbage, Waste
countries, working actively in cooperation in
and Wash-water
Oil / Chemical (Fuel/cargo)various IMO meetings, and hope new and future
graduates of WMU will follow.

4

for Maritime Safety
the TITANIC -Training in the Behavioral Sciences;a Must for Maritime Safety

Carolyn Graham (Jamaica, 2008)

Th i s y e a r , W o r l d M a r i t i m e D a y w a scelebrated under the theme “IMO: 100 years
after the Titanic.” The rationale for such atheme was to focus on the International
Maritime Organization’s (IMO) roots andraison d’être, i.e. safety of life at sea. The
Titanic disaster gave rise to the international
maritime safety regime in the form of theInternational Convention for the Safety of Lifeat Sea (SOLAS). This Convention, having
undergone a number of revisions, is thestandard bearer for maritime safety in terms ofship construction, navigation and operation,
taking into consideration advancement in ship
construction and technological development.
SOLAS is supported by other standards oftechnical training and marine pollution
prevention to ensure a comprehensive set ofrules to enhance maritime safety and marine
environmental protection.

Nevertheless, what has been increasingly these pillars of maritime safety.
What can the industry do to mitigate against
made clear is that accidents continue and manyof these are now being either totally or partially the human in all of us? The answer lies inattributed to human error. More so now that maritime education and training in thetechnological advancements have minimized behavioral sciences. The revised STCW
many of the technical sources of maritime Convention (the Manila Amendments) has
sought to address some of these tendencies, but
casualties.
It was uncanny that as IMO prepared to are maritime training institutions keeping pacecelebrate almost 100 years of an international with the need to fully address the gamut of soft
maritime safety regime, the Costa Concordia skills necessary? One could also ask, are thedisaster occurred. Although an official casualty Manila amendments sufficient to address issues
investigation report has not been released, of perception, cognition, communication,noting the salient points from media reports, it culture and the many other areas that affectis not unreasonable to expect that human error human performance. These aspects of the
behavioral sciences have become urgent if awill feature prominently in the causes.
This unfortunate incident served as a comprehensive approach is to be taken to thereminder of human frailties and how in the training of seafarers to further enhanceface of the most advanced technology, highest maritime safety.
standards and strictest rules, humanidiosyncrasies exist which may undermine

Changes to the Maritime Industry

Sopun Maneechot (Thailand, 2012)

Th e w h o l e w o r l d m a r k e d t h e 1 0 0 t hanniversary of the Titanic, and the catastrophe
continues to leave a strong impression in ourhearts and minds. Many lost loved ones, andmany myths and facts have developed over theyears since the ship sank on April 15, 1912.
Some of the stories are true, while others have
simply been derived from the imagination of
the numerous people who have become
somewhat obsessed with the history of theship. In part, some of the tales regarding the
Titanic can be contributed to the tales told by
the 705 survivors. However, what is mostimportant today is how can mankind prevent
another horrible occurrence like this. The best
way is by implementing various measures forthe betterment of maritime safety standards inan environmentally friendly atmosphere.
Accidents due to technical failures alone are
rare, but a large proportion of accidents are
due to the human element - either throughhuman error in the course of operations or by
failing to deal effectively with incidents once
they arise. Therefore, a significant part ofmaritime safety is training personnel on onboard. One rule that must be abided by isboard and disseminating knowledge with that the commander of the ship must always
hands-on learning experience. Training and follow the given speed limit when sailing at
collaborative activities between any two sea. For example, reports from surviving crew
countries' navy and marine personnel should members indicate that the Titanic had been
be conducted in order to prepare for an ordered to proceed through the waters of theunexpected incident. Training courses should Atlantic Ocean faster than safety allowed. The
encompass in detail topics in basic first aid and regulations should never be neglected because
damage control while at sea. This would allow s p e e d i n g o f t e n r e s u l t s i n u n f o r t u n a t eevery maritime partnership to adhere to one accidents.
Although 100 years have passed, it is neverregulation. Personnel should also be trained tounderstand and comprehend security concerns too late to change and create a safer maritime
industry. Disasters in the marine field cannot
while at sea.
By addressing human and organizational fully be eliminated but can be minimized if
related agencies offer a helping hand. The
factors, accident rates could be
minimized and maritime businesses could take tragic sinking of the Titanic and the history ofadvantage of the substantial commercial, both those who survived and those who were
economic and environmental benefits that this lost will forever be remembered with nostalgia
would bring. In addition, a training course and sadness. This disaster has made its mark in
could be offered to passengers onboard ship, h i s t o r y a s a n e v e n t t h a t h a s f o r e v e r
especially families with toddlers and children. transformed the lives of passengers and theThis would allow them to assist one another in rules and regulations in the maritime industry.
a time of crisis. All passengers should betrained in CPR in order to help others

5New Members of WMU Sasakawa Fellowship,

Argentina
S13025 (MSEA)

Bangladesh
S11066(MLP)
S13015 (SPM)

Cameroon
S13010 (MLP)

Egypt
S13054 (MET)

Eritrea
S13014 (MSEA)

Ghana
S13011 (MSEA)

Analia Soledad VIGGIANO

Juan Francisco SANTOS SOLORZANO

Lieutenant Junior Grade, International Affairs Office,Argentine Coast Guard

Chief of the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department.
Maritime Affairs Directorship, Ministry of Defense

As a member of the Argentine Coast Guard, I wish to study andanalyze international conventions, their implementation andconstant updates, in order to apply this knowledge in my country,
focusing on the safety and security of navigation and environmental issues. Studying at WMU is a great opportunity to create acooperative network among several countries and different
sectors of the maritime industry, which will grow not only during
my studies but also after graduation.

Being part of WMU Alumni is a unique opportunity, which wemust seize, to obtain the technical expertise and experiences
needed to create and implement new ideas and projects ofinterest in the Maritime Area of my country, which is myprofessional and moral duty. I would also like to share andinteract with students coming from all over the world so we canbenefit from each other's experiences.

GuatemalaS13023 (SPM)

AlimNazrul
Fazley ISLAM
Mohammad
Md.

MittalRajeshRajesh
Pankajaksha WARRIER

Executive Engineer (Mechanical), Mechanical Department
Chittagong Port Authority

CommandantCommandant( JG),
( JG),Indian
CoastCoast
GuardGuard,
Headquarters,
Ministryof Defence,
Indian Coast
GuardGovernment of India

I hope my knowledge & skills in maritime affairs, especially inshipping & port management will be enriched many times overfrom this fabulous opportunity to study at WMU. The
knowledge and skills gained will help me contribute to theefficient operation and development of Chittagong Port. I
would like to participate in government policy formulationand implementation to establish the ideal deep sea port of thenation.

Enrollment at WMU provides a rare opportunity to appreciate
the world maritime scenario from a better position. The
knowledge acquired from WMU will help in implementing
various international legislations in the maritime zones.
Therefore, my aim will be to utilize this opportunity and gain
maximum knowledge so that my organization will benefit from
it.

India
S11066(MLP)
S13056 (MLP)

Amaazee Eugene Thomas NGONG

Efa Roshida Dwi ADITIRTAFirst Assistant Unit Head, Legal Affairs Unit,
Transport Department-Ministry Cameroon

Surveyor, Statutory Division, PT. Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia

My Resolution as far as this year is concerned regarding mystudies and OPRF is to ensure that I make a great contribution
via research, attaining knowledge and skills that will be of
maximum benefit to my home nation and future OPRF
generations. My intention to write a dissertation goes a long way
towards strengthening this resolution.

By studying at WMU, I want to enhance my knowledge andinsight in International Maritime Conventions and update thelatest and forthcoming issues in the maritime world, then apply
this knowledge to improve the implementation of Statutory
Regulations in my country. I am also looking forward tocreating future cooperation among Friends of WMU.

Indonesia
S13009(MSEA)

Amr Moneer IBRAHIM

Azusa FUKASAWA

Lecturer/Instructor, Marine Simulators Systems Department,
Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Maritime Transport

Tonnage Inspector, Onomichi Maritime Branch Office,Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Working with high-tech equipment made me think that if solid
equipment needs regular updating to cope with the industry,then more importantly the people working with this equipment
must be updated as well. That’s why I decided to go ahead withmy academic career plan starting with a master’s degree in
education and training. I could not find a more respected,
knowledgeable or trusted organization than WMU.

I will try my best to gain knowledge and to improve my English
abilities to be able to discuss with confidence the international
issues at the forefront of the maritime environmental field.
Furthermore, I hope to build good relationships with those whowill eventually become leaders in their countries, so I want tomake a hundred friends and have lunch with them someday at the
top of Mt. Fuji.

Japan
S13013 (MSEA)

Jenay Ghebregherghish GHEBREMARIAM

Yasunori OKAMOTO

Mechanical Engineer, Head of Safety, Security and Pollution Prevention Unit,
Department of Maritime Transport, Ministry of Transport and Communications

Educational and Training Division, Administration Department,
Japan Coast Guard

Attending WMU will help me acquire the versatility needed toreach my full potential as a maritime expert. Upon graduating,my aspiration is to delve deeper into research that can help mycountry to fully utilize modern technological innovations andachieve the highest practicable standards in maritime transport.
I will also get involved in the Sasakawa Fellows’ Network andhope to make a lot of essential contacts.

Studying at WMU will be a big step. I'll gain maritime expertisethrough many interesting lectures. In addition to studying,establishing good connections with my peers and sharing
knowledge throughout the program will contribute to anenriching experience. The human network through WMU is very
valuable and it's meaningful for my future within my organizationand my international society.

Japan
S13020 (MLP)

Timothy Kwami AYEKPLE

Syovata Fiona MBANDI

Graduate Assistant, Nautical Studies Department,
Regional Maritime University, Accra, Ghana

Human Resources Officer-Performance Management, Human Resources,
Kenya Ports Authority

I have great expectations towards acquiring up-to-dateknowledge in the field of Maritime Safety and Environmental
Administration here at WMU with the Sasakawa Fellowshipaward. I am therefore dedicating my time to the optimal use ofthis Fellowship in my studies so that I can contribute positively
to my organization, country and the world.

By attending WMU, I have great expectations to gain knowledge
and expertise in Maritime Education and Teaching and offer
these programs to my organization back home. As aninternational student, I hope to interact, share experiences andform new friends, as well as continuing to boost the alumni
network by contributing articles in the newsletter.

6

Kenya
S13017 (MET)Class of 2013

Myanmar
S13016 (SPM)

Philippines
S13057 (MLP)

Solomon Islands
S13024 (MLP)

Sri Lanka
S13053(MSEA)

Sri Lanka
S13022(SPM)

The Following 23 new Sasakawa Fellowship Students in the class of 2013 have joined the WMU
Academic Program late September, 2012. These students are experts in their own right and expected
to excel in their chosen maritime courses under the stringent supervision of the best experts in theworld in the maritime field. Upon the completion of their courses, their new knowledge and skills
shall contribute further to enhance their countries’ maritime community.

KYAW WANNA

Hussein WANZUAssistant Manager, Traffic Department,
Myanmar Port Authority, Ministry of Transport

Transport Officer, Transport Regulation,
Ministry of Works and Transport

I would like to study port competition and management of deep
seaports because the Dawel Deep Seaport Project is being
carried out in Myanmar. After its completion, Myanmar canbecome the hub for maritime transport in the ASEAN region.
As a WMU graduate, I have decided to put serious efforts into
capacity building of human resources development.

On completion of my post-graduate training, I intend to play arole in streamlining my country's legislation on marinetransport. I will embark on improving maritime safety,
especially through public sensitization programs, as many lives
are lost on our Inland Water Transport vessels. Mitigating
maritime pollution as a result of oil mining is another task I hopeto embark on.

Uganda
S13026 (MSEA)

Ma. Soterania Mosqueda SINEL

Igor PISHENIN

Attorney/Officer-In-Charge, Hearing and Adjudication Division,
Department of Transportation and Communications,
Maritime Industry Authority

Deputy Head of Inspectorate,
Inspectorate of Training and Certification of Seafarers of Ukraine

My main task in the field of maritime law is to hear andadjudicate maritime related cases and assist in evaluating
whether ships are compliant to operate in domestic shipping or
not. Therefore, it is my desire to learn more about international
maritime law and policy, to effectively utilize the knowledge
that I will gain from WMU in order to help my country to
become more proactive, especially in maritime related
incidents.

UkraineS13021 (MET)

I want to expand my knowledge on the development, management and improvement of the system of education, training
and certification of seafarers, as well as learn strategies from
IMO and leading institutions on safety at sea. After graduation,
I will go back to Ukraine, to help implement this knowledge ina national system. I will assist the marine community in thisarea.

Eric Jeriel TEINIU

Thanh Tien DAO

Legal Officer, Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration (SIMSA),
Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID)Surveyor, Offshore Department,
Vietnam Register (VR)This scholarship represents a timely opportunity for me to
upgrade or improve my legal maritime skills, knowledge and/or
expertise. Also, more significantly, from a national point of view,
there is no qualified Legal Maritime Lawyer in the Solomon
Islands at present. In recent years, we have had to bring in a legal
maritime specialist from outside and this has cost the
government dearly. Hence, an extra bonus for my country.

Being a WMU student specializing in Maritime Safety andEnvironment Administration, my goal is to gain useful enhanced
knowledge in the Maritime field during my studies at WMU.
Currently, in Vietnam, there are many problems in the maritime
field, especially unsafe shipping and a polluted marine
environment. When I return I will contribute my acquired
knowledge to improving Maritime Safety and Environment
Administration in my home country.

Vietnam
S13012 (MSEA)

Wanniarachi Kankanamalage Samantha GUNAWARDHANE

Hiep Duy KHUONGHead of Health Safety & Environment,
Planning & Development, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation

Port Engineer, Port Planning & Project,
Vietnam National Shipping Lines – CMB

Sri Lanka is situated along the main east-west shipping route,and the importance of having a comprehensive Maritime Safety
and an Environmental Administration system is quite evident.
Furthermore, I believe that I can contribute effectively towards
this with respect to the petroleum industry, to develop thesocio-economic status of my country by gaining invaluableknowledge through this field of study at WMU.

Vietnam enjoys its geo-political advantage as a gateway toconnect Asian economies with the neighboring countries of
Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. However, port facilities andinland transport systems are poorly equipped, preventing the
growth in capacity of port clearance and increasing logistics costs.
Pursuing an advanced education on SPM at WMU provides mewith academic and practical knowledge to find solutions to these
problems in years to come.

Vietnam
S13055(SPM)

Ajith Rathnayake WANNIARACHCHIGE

Thang Dinh NGUYEN

Assistant Manager, Department of Business Development
Ceylon Shipping Corporation Ltd.

Secretary of General Director, Office of Company,
Haiphong Port

Theoretical and practical knowledge obtained from theeducation derived at WMU will no doubt enhance myexperience in the global maritime industry. As the Sri Lankan
government is planning to purchase a crude oil tanker to assist in
oil transportation to my country, I intend to do my best toachieve the government requirements, discharging my duties
with greater efficiency.

I want to take this opportunity to not only enrich my knowledge,
learn new methods of management, but also widen myfriendships internationally. The knowledge obtained from the
SPM course at WMU will surely help me contribute dynamicallyto the development of my company and my country. I hope thatthe contributions of WMU students will make the oceans safer,cleaner and more peaceful.

Vietnam
S13018 (SPM)

Panhathai NITILATTHI
Assistant Chief of Research and Development Section,
Planning and Policy Department, Port Authority of Thailand

Thailand
S13019 (SPM)

Major List

The Port Authority of Thailand needs to become modern, more
efficient and environmentally friendly to be able to live up tointernational standards and achieve an up-to-date logistics
system. However, PAT faces major obstacles that prevent it fromreaching its goals. After graduating I will fill these gaps with theknowledge acquired in the entire field of port management andmaritime transport from WMU and push for real changes undersustainable development.

MLP (Maritime Law and Policy)
MSEA (Maritime Safety and Environmental Administration)
SPM (Shipping and Port Management)
MET (Maritime Education and Training)

77

Grand Reunion of WMU Graduates in Manila
Assistant Professor Max Q Mejia, Jr. of theWorld Maritime University coordinated with
the Philippine Coast Guard for a reunion of all
Filipino WMU Alumni to which theCommandant, PCG, Vice Admiral Edmund C
Tan, himself an alumnus, willingly obliged.
Time and date per request of Prof. Mejia were
set on October 5, 2012, at 7pm at the Bay Leaf
Hotel in Intramuros, the old walled city of
Manila. Invitations were sent to the four
government agencies where all students comefrom: the Philippine Coast Guard, MARINA,
National Maritime Polytechnic, and thePhilippine Merchant Marine Academy. The
heads of the other three agencies were also
invited as guests.
Considering that the occasion required all
graduates to be contacted, a list was compiledby the Secretariat, headed by Capt. Ramon S
Lopez, PCG, and assisted by Cdr. Fedelyn A
Santos, PCG. We realized that since thePhilippines sent students to WMU for the firsttime in 1983, 122 have entered the University.
With three deceased, the number is now at 119,not counting this year’s graduates. Around ten
per cent or less are now in the private sector,
while the rest are still serving in government.
So, all these were invited for a night ofrekindling memories and a warm get-together.
As host, Vadm. Tan asked PCG graduates ofother foreign schools like Dalhousie University,
International Maritime Law Institute,
Wollongong University and Taiwan University
to be present as guests. Graduates of the local
General Staff Course and Public Safety Officer
Executive Course were also invited.

Editor’s note

Fedelyn A. Santos(Philippines, 2008)

The night arrived with heavy Manila traffic forward to be recognized and have a classdue to a big event at a nearby park and the picture, just like the last time in 2010 at theongoing registration of candidates for the Sasakawa sponsored after-conference party
election at a building within the walled city. during the STCW Manila Conference, only
However, in spite of all this and a bit of a this time there was no IMO Secretary General
shower, the graduates arrived in groups with to shake hands with. But seeing each other,smiles on their faces, in anticipation of reliving especially for classmates, was thrilling, and it
fond memories of a place that has indelibly showed just how happy they were to share amarked all their lives. The Sasakawa Fellows’ photo.
turnout was great, as they have been active
Other notable participants were Atty. Viajar,
participants and organizers of the event. Vadm. the finance officer of WMU who came with his
Tan gave his welcome remarks to Prof. Mejia wife Annabel; Department of Foreign Affairs
and all the participants. Next to the PCG the Assistant Secretary Gilbert Asuque, who is another biggest delegation was from MARINA. IMLI graduate; and two former commandants
NMP had two representatives and PMMA was of the PCG, Adm. Carlos and Adm. Liwag.
represented by its president, Comm. Richard U Everyone enjoyed a photo montage of different
Ritual, PMMA. When the time came for Prof. classes present, as well as a home-made video
Mejia to take the mike, he first informed the crafted by one group during their stay atbody that WMU was giving an award for the Malmö, depicting the everyday life of a student
first time this December to alumni with from the moment he wakes up, to getting readyoutstanding achievement. The first awardees for school, to going to sleep. It was interesting
are both Filipino graduates and both are PCG and fun because it was like seeing oneself going
officers: the current commandant, Vadm. Tan, through the motions of a long-gone routine
and the former commandant Adm. Ramon C which still felt so familiar and immediate.
Liwag, PCG (Ret). The second message was
Overall it was a fun night, and being able toan exhortation for the graduates to work up a connect and re-connect with others wasplan to support WMU in its operations, awesome. Plus, the opportunity to discussconsidering that the Philippines has been a ongoing projects of the respective agencies andbeneficiary for a very long time now. Also being able to get support for the development
worth mentioning is when Vadm. Tan of said projects from the other agencies present
encouraged all the graduates to take time to was just additional icing to an already iced cake.
organize themselves in order to best respond to Everyone went away with the thought thatthe challenge that was posed by WMU through there should be more get-togethers like thisProf. Mejia.
one, and hopefully it will lead to finally having
On the lighter side, a roll call was made and an organized WMU alumni association in themembers of each class were made to come Philippines.

Two years have passed since I’ve settled in at my current position.
During this short time frame, there have been many significant
movements in the IMO regulatory framework. As for marine
environment protection, the instrument of energy efficiency of ships wasintroduced into MARPOL, and the second tier of NOx emission
regulations started. In addition, the Ballast Water Management
Convention is coming close to entering into force. Regarding safetyissues, mandatory protective coating of seawater ballast tanks wasintroduced into the SOLAS Convention, which has long beenrecognized as an industrial standards matter, not legal instruments.
Fishing vessels are not the exception. The agreement on the

Torremolinos International Convention for the safety of fishing vessels
was adopted in Cape Town, South Africa this October, 35 years after theoriginal Convention was adopted in Torremolinos, Spain. The agreement
is expected to come into force soon and enhance the safety of fishingvessels and also of fishermen.
Possibly only a few people could foresee the current situation just 10
years ago. I am really interested in how the situation will change 10 years
from now.
Kunihiko Kitabayashi
Japan Ship Technology Research Association (JSTRA)

Mr. Kunihiko Kitabayashi, Mr. Tomoya Shimizu

Toranomon 35 Mori Building, 3-4-10 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001 JAPAN
Tel: +81-(0)3-5404-6843 Fax: +81-(0)3-5404-6800 URL: http://www.sof.or.jp/