Crew Retention a Major Issue to be Discussed at Industry Roundtable Debate
30 March 2007
Cheaper, flexible on board mobile telecommunications could be key to reducing crew turnover.
Cruise and ferry operators are finding crew retention a challenge. It's also expensive to be constantly recruiting and therefore there is tough competition to try and win over staff loyalty. This will be one of the topics for discussion at the free industry roundtable event on the Future of Passenger and Crew Telecommunications, taking place at the Cruise & Ferry Exhibition at ExCel on 25th April 2007 at 11.00am.
Richard Hall, the well-known travel television presenter will be chairing the panel discussion. Speakers for the event include Bo Pinel, business development director at Navitas Telecom, Rob Marjerison, chief executive at Wireless Maritime Services, Espen Kristiansen, purchasing director at Scandlines and Markus Selin, president and CEO at SatPoint Maritime Communications.
As well as discussing solutions for crew retention, the debate will also look at whether passengers perceive mobile phones to be essential or whether they just want to switch off and relax. This industry event will investigate what passengers really want. Most passengers take it for granted that they will be able to use their mobile phones on board, so the question is how cruise and ferry operators are responding to their needs.
This discussion will feature case examples from shipping and ferry operators across Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. The seminar will also explore the future of telecommunications and what applications can realistically be used at sea.
"People today are increasingly dependent on keeping in touch via their mobile phone. Passengers expect to be able to use their phone wherever they are and are often frustrated if left without a signal," explains Navitas Telecom's Bo Pinel. He says, "Many cruise and ferry operators are beginning to realise the benefits of providing a maritime mobile service; however they are often not familiar with the commercial aspects and logistics involved in installing GSM networks on board. This session will inform them on the services available so they can make the best possible choices."
Markus Selin from SatPoint added: "Cruise and ferry operators are under increasing pressure to provide better service and added value extras. How operators continue to find ways to provide the best possible service is one of the key issues the debate will cover."
To register for the event please email Sarah Le Feuvre: Sarah Le Feuvre.
About Navitas
Navitas creates mobile GSM networks on board ships, ferries, other boats and even oil rigs. This means that people can use calling and messaging features on their own mobile phones, whenever they like, wherever they are. They can either use their own SIM cards or purchase pre-paid and top-up SIM cards on board.
Its equipment is purpose built for the maritime industry and is tailored specifically for the type and size of vessel, from private yachts and ferries with the capacity to seat 200 commuters, to cruise liners and other vessels carrying 2,000 or more passengers.
Navitas Telecom is a trading name of Jersey Telecom, the licensed telecommunications operator. Navitas specialises in providing mobile networks and services in remote locations. The service works by creating and interconnecting an on board mobile network with traditional land based networks via a dedicated satellite connection.
