Arabian Gulf workboats Association's first forum kicks off

The aim, among others, is to remain ahead of
world trends by adopting the best practices in operations and maintenance of marine bases, crewing and maximising use of local skills as well as developing local skills in all aspects of maritime activity, using the latest technology in vessel design and construction, equipment, environmental safety, as well as following future trends in towage and similar activities.

The need to develop Maritime Human Resources and provide a focus for seafarer education has been a regional goal.

In 2007, a significant step toward meeting this goal occurred when the Arabian Gulf Workboats Association (AGWA) was founded by the Executive Director of Industrial Services of Saudi Aramco, Mr. Amer Sulaim.

AGWA is a non-profit organisation that provides an important forum to develop expertise in the area of marine human resources, operations, maintenance, engineering and training in the Arabian Gulf.

AGWA's specific focus is on helping seafarers run
successful marine organisations.

It works towards promoting the maritime human resources profession and capabilities in the Arabian Gulf to ensure their effectiveness in providing reliable marine services.

Membership of AGWA is free and is available to employees of all marine operators within the Arabian Gulf including marine equipment suppliers; construction and repair shipyards; marine training institutions and maritime colleges; and marine professional personnel, students pursuing a degree related to the marine field; and individuals whose interests conform to the objectives of the organisation.

The diversity of this membership will be the key to AGWA's success.

AGWA will achieve its objective through a wide range of activities, including conferences, programs, seminars, training, awards, publications, networking, communication, focused café discussions, joint activities with other organisations and monthly meetings.

Events will be open to both members and non members.

AGWA invites maritime human resource professionals, marine educators, marine consultants, and marine industry leaders from within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and around the world to share their ideas with AGWA members at these events.

These live events will provide attendees with professional and useful interaction along with personal companionship with top professionals in the marine field.

Additionally, AGWA will in all of the association's events put into effect various useful activities to achieve its other cornerstone initiative as an association that is devoted to the enhancement and welfare of the maritime community.

In the future, Saudi Aramco expects AGWA will grow into a vital organisation that will be
both a regional and international leader in the field of maritime human resource management
and will provide popular forums for exchanging knowledge and expertise in the marine field.

In keeping with the above, to promote better understanding and awareness in the Gulf region, AGWA has combined this very first Forum with the Work Boat Gulf exhibition.

The Forum will be spread over two days April 6 and 7, 2009, from 1000hrs to 1800hrs.

The first day will be divided into two sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon with coffee and prayer breaks in each session and the sessions by lunch breaks.

The second day will take the form of an excursion to visit work boat facilities in the nearby Bahrain/Damman area.