After attending the ILWU’s Leadership, Education and Development Institute (LEAD) last September, Leslie Lincoln, chairwomen of American Radio Association’s (ARA) Education Committee, developed a survey to
obtain feedback from members on courses that the ARA could develop for future training. This survey was done with the approval of the ARA National Council and working through ARA TIME (Technology Institute for Maritime Electronics) in an effort to respond to training needs of the membership.
The survey was well received and implementation of members’ ideas will contribute to the union’s collective strength and preserve jurisdiction over the Global Marine Distress Safety System (GMDSS), maritime communications and repair and maintenance of bridge electronics.
ARA believes it is essential to continuously upgrade the skills of the Master Radio Electronic Officers who serve aboard ARA’s contract vessels and whose high tech skills are greatly needed in the maritime industry.
Pictured is James Sword, Permanent Radio Electronics Officer serving aboard the Matson ship, SS MAUI, October 15, 2011. Sword fills out a member’s survey, an idea inspired by the ILWU LEAD Conference in 2010.
– Leslie Lincoln