MPA, e2i and WDA jointly launch the new Certificate of Competency (CoC) (Special Limits) programme for Singaporeans and PRs

Aspiring seafarers can now look forward to a new opportunity to up-skill in areas such as navigation, operation of bunker tankers, and passenger vessels through the new Certificate of Competency (Special Limits) programme launched by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), in collaboration with the National Trades Union Congress' (NTUC) Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA).

The programme will not only prepare seafarers to perform the required tasks on board ships, but also help them secure placement with potential employers even before they embark on training.

Seafarers can now look forward to serve on board ships operating up to the "Special Limits". (Please refer to Annex A for the map on "Special Limits") As the ships ply near Singapore, seafarers can minimise having to engage in long international voyages, thereby reducing the time spent apart from their families.

Training programme offers wide theory and practical exposure

The 21-month programme will cover hands-on training for practical seamanship, boat handling and survival techniques (e.g. how to handle lifeboats and tug boats amongst others). The three training phases under this programme include:

a) Pre-sea induction- where trainees will be equipped with basic knowledge of seamanship and shipboard operations like navigation, lifesaving, fire fighting, first aid, operation of bunker tankers, tug boats and passenger vessels.
b) On-the-job training - where trainees will be attached to ships to apply the skills they have learnt through training
c) Exam preparatory course - the preparatory programme will summarise the experience and knowledge obtained by the trainees and prepare them for assessment.

(Details of the programme are available in Annex B).

The CoC (Special Limits) programme has been developed in close consultation with industry players like the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) and the Singapore Maritime Officers' Union, to help create awareness and increase the skill and manpower needs within the maritime industry. This new programme will see 60 trainees over the next two years.

"The new CoC (Special Limits) allows seafarers to enjoy the flexibility of serving shorter voyages while addresses the industry needs for more Singaporeans and PRs to join the harbour craft industry, "says Mr Lam Yi Young, Chief Executive of MPA.

The Singapore Maritime Academy will be the inaugural training provider for this programme and the first intake will commence in April 2011.

Career Progression

Trainees from this programme will start off as deck cadets on board Port Limit Vessels which operate within the Specials Limits. Upon obtaining the CoC (Special Limits) certificate, the cadets can work on board bunker tankers as Chief Mate (Special Limits).

After serving 24 to 36 months of sea time and with continued good performance, a Chief Mate may attend further upgrading and take examinations to qualify as Master (Special Limits).

Working in partnership with e2i, WDA and SSA's affiliated bunkering companies

MPA in partnership with e2i, WDA and SSA's affiliated bunkering companies will collectively contribute over $2.3 million in support for the CoC (Special Limits) programme. The funds will support the course fees and training allowances of the candidates.

"WDA is pleased to collaborate with MPA and e2i on this initiative to attract more locals to join the maritime industry. Under this programme, workers will be able to not only secure placement with potential employers, but be able to up-skill. This also ensures them a good career progression pathway starting off as a deck officer, and subsequently progressing to become a Master (Special Limits) if they performed well at work. WDA will continue to work with MPA and e2i to create more opportunities to raise the manpower capabilities of the maritime industry," said Ms Julia Ng, Director, Manufacturing and Construction Division, WDA.

In the pipeline is an industry preview on 28 February 2011 organised by e2i at the Singapore Polytechnic for those interested in exploring career opportunities within the maritime industry. Participants at the preview can learn about the industry, and the nature and expectations of a seafaring job. Interested job seekers can call 6474 3777 before 25 February 2011 to register for the event.

End of Release.

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.

About the e2i (Employment and Employability Institute)
e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) is a one-stop, skills-based institute for job seekers, employers and training providers. To ensure that job seekers meet the hiring requirements of employers, e2i conducts employment coaching, career coaching and conducts employability and skills training. e2i serves all segment of workers, from rank and file to professionals, managers, executives and technicians. e2i an initiative of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), supported by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA), the Singapore Labour Foundation (SLF), and the Singapore National Employers' Federation (SNEF). For more information, please visit www.e2i.com.sg.

About the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA)
The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) enhances the competitiveness of our workforce by encouraging workers to learn for life and advance with skills. In today's economy, most jobs require not just knowledge, but also skills. WDA collaborates with employers, industry associations, the Union and training organisations, to develop and strengthen the Continuing Education and Training system that is skills-based, open and accessible, as a mainstream pathway for all workers - young and older, from rank and file to professionals and executives - to upgrade and advance in their careers and lives. For more information, please visit www.wda.gov.sg.