Shipping Industry Congratulates High Flyers

Representatives from all areas of the shipping industry gathered in London on September 27, to congratulate the highest scoring students in the 2001 Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ISC) examinations. This year, more than 1,100 students sat the examinations in 80 centers around the world. Eighty-two percent of the students were from overseas, illustrating the international appeal of the ICS. "It is very encouraging that so many students, from all corners of the world, have access to maritime related education and training. Also encouraging is the diversity of their backgrounds including accountancy firms, ship agents, oil companies, shipowners, government bodies, ship managers, insurance companies, port authorities and shipbrokers," says Barbara Fletcher, director at the ICS. Twenty-eight of the highest scoring students received prizes at the Institute's annual prize-giving lunch, held at Drapers' Hall, London. Among those was Ian Pratt, managing director of Powell Duffyn, parent company of Cory Brothers Shipping. Ian's completion of the Port Agency qualifying exam demonstrates the appeal of the ICS courses at all levels of the profession. "The ICS exam is an instantly recognised qualification in the industry. It not only improved my knowledge base, it also showed me first-hand what is involved in the exams we so actively encourage our own staff to take," says Ian. "Everyone should endeavour to improve themselves. Continuous professional development should be just that - continuous."