The Maritime Safety Authority databases will now be managed and used more effectively, thanks to upskilling attachment training within government agencies.

Maritime officer (safety) Merran Munro has completed a week’s attachment in the Statistics Office to learn additional skills in data base management.

Munro’s role includes creating and maintaining databases, collecting data from domestic and international vessels, small boat inspections, safety gear checklists, aids to navigation sites, and the Boat master courses.

She said the Statistics training attachment has developed and improved her data base skills and understanding.

“I really felt comfortable asking questions and having a better understanding of what was being taught to me, and I enjoyed the learning experience,” said Munro.

“Another highlight for me is the number of ways I could develop our database and the use of filters that I can play around with to make it easier for us to maintain and use.

“I do try my best by being consistent in what I have learnt, every day.”

A few months ago, Taggy Tangimetua, chief statistician and chief electoral officer, agreed to provide Maritime a training attachment with senior statistician Tuaine Unuia Jr, who was the lead tutor.

Patricia Tuara, Ministry of Transport director of maritime, said that the Statistics provided all the training it had requested.

Tuara said that during the training, Munro learned practical Excel training in areas such as data cleaning, database creation, sorting and filters, pivot tables, graph work, and formula calculations.

“Merran is more confident in managing our maritime database and there are plans to upskill her in other maritime skills,” said Tuara.

She said that Munro is focusing on applying the skills she has learned.

“This week Merran has set up teaching sessions and she’ll be passing on her new statistics skills to her colleagues,” Tuara said.

“We now have a relationship with Statistics and are happy that the door is open to provide us with more assistance if we need it. 

“We appreciate the training, time, and staff expertise provided by the Statistics Office.”