We can all agree this is a terrible situation and the crimes committed are heinous. I also think we can all agree that those individuals that are perpetrating these acts need to be brought to justice.
We are all professionals and we all take pride in our profession.
It is a terrible stain on the industry and it’s not about state academies vs kings point cadets and which provides the lower risk approach to training.
It’s about what is right form a simple question of humanity and dignity. Long days of working at sea far from home is not an excuse for bad behavior.
I don’t think we are asking anyone to be policeman or investigators. I think we are asking everyone from the new third mate to the master to work to eliminate the potential for abuse or abusive situations.
If I had the answer to issue I would have passed it along to those running the programs at Kingpoint and the various academies. I don’t have that answer. And unfortunately neither does anyone I see posting on this thread.
What I do know is we are all invested in a safer work environment for all involved. Forget they are cadets. Let’s think about how each one of us wants to be treated. Let’s think about how we would want our sons and daughters treated!!!
I hate every part of this discussion, but the only reason I have posted here is because I couldn’t sit on the sideline any longer. The issues raised in the blog need to be addressed. Period end of discussion. Its not about sea year for King point or cadet shipping for state schools. Its about our future and the credibility we have in attracting future leaders to this industry.
Either we help solve the issue or we will see it consume us all. Better we help shape our own destiny. I don’t know about everyone on this blog, but I want this issue solved and I want a safer environment for all of us.
I am not a person who shames anyone, but I am someone who feels the need to step up and try and make a difference even if it’s one ship at a time. I challenge all of you to think the same way.