MPA pledges $8.88m funding to train seafarers

The funding will help train 90 Chief Mates and 90 Marine Engineers.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), together with Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and partner companies, has pledged a total $8.88m to extend funding for the Certificate of Competency (CoC) Class 5 (Special Limit) programmes until 2021.

The CoC (Special Limit) programmes train Singaporeans to become navigation or engineering officers who serve on board ships operating in the immediate region.

Also read: Singapore launches maritime innovation lab for smart ships

The $8.88m funding will go towards grooming and training 90 chief mates and 90 marine engineers. According to the announcement, both the chief mate and marine engineer programmes will prepare and equip trainees with the necessary competencies to perform ship-handling duties, with the opportunity of securing employment even before their training commences.

Meanwhile, the CoC Class 4 (Special Limit) master and chief engineer programmes will also receive extended funding until 2020 to support the current pool of professionals as they improve on their competencies to become qualified masters and chief engineers in the future. An LNG Bunkering Course (Management and Operational Level) will also be added to their training syllabus.