GlobalMET / Vels Academy of Maritime Studies Seminar: "E-Learning in the Maritime Sector - The Global Scenario" A higly participative seminar, organised and hosted by Captain Vivekanand, Director, and his staff at Vels Academy of Maritime Studies, was held in Chennai on 30 September 2006. The initial presentation by Rod Short, Executive Secretary, GlobalMET, summarised the current situation in MET, the development of GlobalMET network and the potential of the network to assist development for maritime education and training globally. The next address by Capt Sarath Kumar of Teledata Informatics ranged over the potential for e-learning in the global shipping industry, described the systems and technology involved and gave examples of course materials already prepared by Teledata. The following two addresses, by Mr Shivkumar of axis-v and Capt Rajagopal of New Horizons Solutions & Technologies, built on the previous presentations, described the background to e-learning, the growing technological dominance, the great potential for extensive use of information and communications technology in MET, the major investment required to achieve long-term advantages and the key role e-learning will play in improving maritime safety. The afternoon was devoted to live e-learning exercises demonstrating the enormous potential for this rapidly growing educational facility. Seminar participants were fully involved and interest and discussion continued at a high level until the closing of the seminar. The following Statement of Outcomes was agreed by the participants: We, the participants in the GlobalMET / Vels Academy of Maritime Studies Seminar: "E-Learning in the Maritime Sector - The Global Scenario", held in Chennai on 30 Sep 2006: Express strong support for: the establishment and development of a major maritime education and training (MET) hub in the Chennai area, including the proposal to establish a maritime university; the networking of MET institutions and individuals to assist the development of MET and to enable a professional 'voice' for the MET providers; the development and delivery of e-learning for seafarers and others in the global maritime industries. Call upon the industry, regulators and other interested parties to support and participate in these initiatives and thereby contribute to raising the quality of MET and the supply of employees competent to meet the needs of the global shipping industry; Express gratitude for the initiative taken by Vels Academy of Maritime Studies and GlobalMET in organising and hosting this highly relevant seminar.