Singapore inks deal to upgrade seafaring jobs

It also launched a specialist diploma course in maritime superintendency for graduates.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that marks its collaboration with four seafaring organisations that will improve human capital in the sector.

According to an announcement, the collaboration will focus on three things, namely: identifying new competencies and skills required to operate the next generation of ships, enhancing the current training syllabus, and developing Singapore as a “maritime training hub.”

The MOU was signed with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), Singapore Maritime Employers Federation (SMEF), Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), and Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS) at the third Maritime HR Forum.

A Specialist Diploma course in Maritime Superintendency was also launched at the same time. The course, which will begin its first intake in October 2018, was developed by a working group comprising representatives from DNV GL, MPA, Marine Engineers, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF), Singapore Polytechnic, SSA and Society of Naval Architect.

“The Specialist Diploma course, which is funded by SkillsFuture Singapore, provides participants with the relevant knowledge and technical skills to plan and coordinate operations from shore. It will facilitate sea-to-shore transition for experienced seafarers and career conversion for mid-careerists from relevant fields such as mechanical engineering. Graduates will be awarded a nationally-recognised Specialist Diploma by Singapore Polytechnic,” MPA said.

Companies keen to enhance their HR and manpower capabilities may tap on the MPA Maritime Cluster Fund, which was recently injected with $100m, the organisation added.

MPA chief executive Andrew Tan said, “The face of ports, shipping and the maritime industry is changing with the advent of automation, new technologies and business models. This MOU reflects a strong commitment by the government, industry and unions working together to identify the skill gaps, and to train and upskill the maritime workforce for the future economy.”