Thus far marine society has use the ocean to generate profits. But for the future, actions for the preservation of the ocean have become to be indispensable and the training of human resources, which will support its realization, has become a significant subject. This is to introduce a new initiative to maritime education, which began in the Kobe University of Mercantile Marine.

While fully clothed, even an Olympic swimmer will drown in a pool. It's because of such a nightmarish experience that I incorporated clothed swimming in the curriculum - a swimming class for babies. Child-related drowning accidents happen every summer but having a sense of entering the water while fully clothed can prevent accidents.

The sea is a cornucopia of discoveries. An on-site training dealing with nature (i.e. the sea) is shunned for the reason that it is risky but teaching what is dangerous is also important. In order to send a lot of courageous children, who will challenge new things and have no fear of failure, out into the world such a training ground should be set up.

Maritime and environmental education not only imparts knowledge but also has to aspire to train people who can incorporate environmental concerns in a positive way in their lives. Public interest and information toward the sea, and the understanding and support of the people for various activities concerning ocean and coastal development, utilization and preservation support Japan as a maritime state. Education is that which holds the foundation and there is a need to strengthen and improve it.