Shipbroker exam registrations up 44%, says ICS

   Newly released statistics from the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) show shipping bucking the trend in terms of cuts to training budgets, the London-based organization said.
   ICS said examination registrations for the institute are up 44 percent, providing a “sharp contrast to the downbeat maritime industry forecasts for the medium to long term.”
   “This increase provides solid evidence that despite a global shipping recession, with the threat of darker times to come, the maritime industry and individuals recognize the value of investment in sector-specific education and training,” ICS said.
   The professional examinations provided by ICS mark the start of the path to ICS membership and cover 16 subject areas from legal principles to terminal management.
   “This exceptional increase is further evidence that internationally, maritime businesses are heeding professional advice to maintain and/or increase training budgets and not cut them during recessionary times in order to emerge fitter from an economic downturn,” ICS said.