Gapasdap supports maritime executive competency assessments

The Indonesian Association of National River, Lake, and Ferry Transport Entrepreneurs (Gapasdap) has expressed support for a proposal by Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi to implement competency assessments for directors and commissioners of shipping companies.

Gapasdap Chairman Khoiri Soetomo stated that safety must begin with the commitment of a company’s highest leadership. He emphasized that executives should not only focus on commercial and operational aspects but must also ensure that safety is integrated into all corporate decisions, including investments, vessel maintenance, human resource competence, and risk management.

While supporting the initiative, Gapasdap requested that the assessments be designed proportionally to the specific roles and responsibilities of the executives. Soetomo noted that while directors and commissioners are not expected to master technical details like captains or marine inspectors, they must understand corporate responsibility regarding safety systems and ensure adequate resources are available for implementation.

Furthermore, Gapasdap suggested that improving maritime safety requires a holistic approach involving the entire ecosystem, including regulators, port managers, classification bodies, and cargo owners.