Richard De Nobrega, Senior Vice President, Sales & Development, at Blue Water Shipping, recently shared insights into how his team approaches training, emphasizing the need for continuous learning in the ever-evolving logistics industry. “New systems, platforms, and technologies are constantly emerging,” he noted during a panel discussion at the Offshore Technology Conference.
He believes training must be balanced with daily responsibilities. “We aim to equip employees with the right knowledge without taking too much time away from their work.” The goal, he explained, is for staff to apply what they’ve learned immediately.
At Blue Water Shipping, training is often integrated into the day-to-day workflow. “We learn on the job – that’s how most of us were trained,” Richard said. However, formal training sessions are still needed, particularly when introducing new tools or updates, to ensure everyone is well-prepared.
One of the challenges De Nobrega faces is the varied learning speeds of team members. “Some catch on quickly, while others need more guidance,” he acknowledged. Patience and tailored support are essential to address these differences.
De Nobrega also believes in the power of short, focused sessions. “If training goes on for too long, people tune out.” He said it’s preferred to break down lessons into smaller, more digestible parts.
Feedback plays a crucial role in refining the training process. “After each session, we always ask: Did this work? Do you understand it?” De Nobrega explained. This ensures workers can adjust the content or delivery as needed.
For Blue Water Shipping, training is not a one-off event, but a continuous journey. “The goal is constant improvement. We never stop learning,” he said.
Blue Water is a global logistics provider with over 50 years of experience, 2,300 employees, and 70 offices worldwide. Each office combines global reach with local expertise across specialized business segments. In Guyana and the wider Caribbean, Blue Water delivers reliable transport and logistics solutions through a skilled local team and strong regional network.
