The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and NSSPL, the ship management business unit of Neptune Orient Lines which manages APL vessels, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise a new Mariner Exchange Programme.

The pilot Mariner Exchange Programme, which will start from November 2009, will help enhance the development of staff of both MPA and APL/NSSPL.

Under the programme, APL/NSSPL ship masters and chief engineers will be attached to MPA for up to 18 months over a three-year period to augment the pool of marine surveyors carrying out ship inspections. These mariners will be attached to marine surveyors to learn how to carry out Port State Control (PSC) and Flag State Control (FSC) inspections on ships. The objective is to enhance the capabilities of APL/NSSPL's mariners in PSC and FSC inspection regimes so that they will be in a better position to ensure that the ships they are sailing into ports are fully prepared to meet new and changed criteria for PSC and FSC inspections.

MPA's marine surveyors and officers will be attached to APL/NSSPL for sea trips to gain updates on the latest developments in shipboard technology and operations. This will help them in performing their jobs in MPA better.

Witnessing the signing on behalf of MPA, Chief Executive Mr Lam Yi Young said, "The Mariner Exchange Programme provides a platform for MPA and APL/NSSPL officers to exchange knowledge and gain exposure. The programme embodies MPA's twin strategy of People and Partnership as it involves working in partnership with the industry to develop quality people for both the industry and MPA."

Speaking at the signing ceremony, APL President Mr Eng Aik Meng said, "The Pilot Mariner Exchange Programme is an exciting and valuable opportunity that offers our senior officers a chance to develop both a theoretical and practical understanding of changes in regulation, enforcement and compliance. In return, we look forward to sharing our experience and expertise in technology and operations with MPA."

This collaboration is a testament to MPA's commitment in the development of human capital and strives to ensure that Singapore has a ready pool of talent with the right skills to enable the maritime ecosystem to flourish. If successful, MPA will explore similar exchange programmes with other local shipping companies.

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About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.