Developing local skills in the Brazilian offshore maritime industry

Abstract

This thesis explores the role of simulator training in the development of local skills in the Brazilian offshore maritime sector. In addition, the effect of policy promoting the use of local workers and education on skills development is analyzed. Linking empirical evidence to theories on knowledge and learning, this thesis provides an in-depth insight in how skills are developed in the offshore maritime sector. Through a qualitative case study based on interview data collected in Brazil, the thesis finds that simulator training is an efficient tool to nurture the learning process and fast-forward the development of skills. The research also finds that policies promoting the use of local workers have been successful in increasing the demand for workers and hence training. Poor basic education in Brazil and the lack of a proper offshore educational institution is found to further increase the role of simulator training centers in skills development. The lack of skilled workers in Brazil has been identified as one of the biggest bottlenecks in the development of a local petroleum industry. This thesis therefore aims to provide an analysis on how simulator training can be used to reduce the time to competence in the offshore maritime sector.