KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says there is currently a demand for 5,000 Jamaican seafarers in the cruise industry.

Speaking on Tuesday at the graduation ceremony for the Blue Ocean Servidores pilot programme, offered at the Caribbean Maritime University, the minister said, “I have been told by the cruise lines that Jamaican seafarers are in the highest demand in the cruise business but they have labour market arrangements which need tweaking.

“As I speak to you, there is a demand for 5000 seafarers. Therefore, graduating from the Maritime University, focusing on tourism is a very positive area with immediate demand.”

There are also plans in place to further develop the marine tourism industry, so that more Jamaicans will benefit from increased earnings from the industry, a release from the Tourism Ministry noted.

“We are just finishing discussions with two of the largest investors in maritime tourism – one to come to Port Royal and the other one in the Montego Bay area. One thing that Jamaica has not yet developed properly is marinas for yachting and maritime tourism – this is a high income and special demographic area of tourism. It is an area where the rich and the famous particularly control,” Bartlett was quoted as saying.

“Jamaica has not been able to dominate but we are looking forward to that. We are also talking to our cruise ship partners in a very strong way for you.”

According to the ministry the aim of the Blue Ocean Servidores is to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for a smooth transition to the cruise tourism sector as professionals.

It said training took place with 10 students over an eight-week period, with classes on: Basic Safety; Ship Security Awareness; Crowd and Crisis Management; Protocol; Business Etiquette; Resume Writing and Managing your IT Footprint. All participants were students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science Degree Programme in Cruise Shipping and Marine Tourism.