Shiptalk News http://www.shiptalk.com/ Latest news from Shiptalk.com en-gb Copyright: (C) 2005 Shiptalk Ltd Shiptalk News http://www.shiptalk.com/images/st_logo.gif http://www.shiptalk.com/ Big Bail Bond http://www.shiptalk.com?itemid=2845#newsThe Hong Kong-based owner of a ship that spilled oil in San Francisco Bay has paid the federal government nearly $80 million (€55 million) as bail of sorts while U.S. officials seek a civil judgment, the Justice Department said Friday (14 Dec). Payment Pains http://www.shiptalk.com?itemid=2839#newsIn The Philippines alleged anomalies on overseas employment have been unravelling, and controversy over the overcharging of recruitment fees. Indian Shortages http://www.shiptalk.com?itemid=2818#newsAs per the estimates of the Indian National Shipowners’ Association, there is a shortfall of about 834 officers in Indian Flag vessels as of June, 2007. However, there is no shortage of ratings for manning the Indian ships. Educational Reform http://www.shiptalk.com?itemid=2817#newsJapanese shipping firms are pushing The Philippines to reform some of its current systems on seafarers, from education to licensing, after fleet owners announced their preference for the Philippines to supply the crew for almost all of its newly built vessels. Domestic Shortage http://www.shiptalk.com?itemid=2783#newsThere is shortage of skilled staff in Indian domestic shipping lines, and as per estimates received from the Indian National Shipowners' Association (INSA), there is a shortfall of about 834 officers in Indian flag vessels, as of June, 2007. Further Philippine Training Pacts http://www.shiptalk.com?itemid=2768#newsThe Norwegian Maritime Foundation of the Philippines Inc. (NMFPI) and the University of Cebu-Lapulapu and Mandaue (UC-LM) on Thursday inked a deal for an exclusive partnership to train local cadets to become high-quality ship officers. Philippine Schools Gearing Up http://www.shiptalk.com?itemid=2763#newsPhilippine schools and shipping industry players are investing more on student scholarships to meet the projected demand of at least 25,000 seafarers in the global shipping industry in 2015. Marine Electrical Maintenance Course Creates Buzz http://www.shiptalk.com?itemid=2753#newsA marine course at South Tyneside College is helping address skills shortages and saving shipping companies thousands of pounds in staffing costs. Ever Growing Demand http://www.shiptalk.com?itemid=2744#newsAsk young Filipinos what they want to be when they grow up and they will likely answer doctor, lawyer and--especially these days--nurse. Active Owners http://www.shiptalk.com?itemid=2732#newsIncreasing investment moves by shipowners, including takeovers and plans for takeovers, tend to be regarded as opportunistic, rather than strategic, by the Greek domestic market. Looking To Women http://www.shiptalk.com?itemid=2703#newsThe Philippine news site Sun.star recently carried an article "Out at sea", which looked at the increasing shortfall in personnel across shipping.