The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signed a MoU with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), Singapore Maritime Employers Federation (SMEF), Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) and Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS), aimed at developing human capital for the seafaring sector, on the sidelines of the 3rd Maritime Human Resource (HR) Forum in 23 April.
The collaboration will focus on:
(i) identifying new competencies and skills required to operate the next generation of ships;
(ii) enhancing the current training syllabus; and
(iii) developing Singapore as a maritime training hub.
Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive, MPA, 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.
To help locals take advantage of opportunities in the maritime industry and build a future-ready workforce with relevant skills, a new Specialist Diploma course in Maritime Superintendency was also launched. The course, which will begin its first intake in October 2018, was developed by a working group comprising representatives from Singapore Shipping Association, MPA, Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers Singapore (SNAMES) and DNV GL.
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. Mr Tan added:
Graduates today expect well-structured career progression pathways and wage growth. They look forward to working in an environment which is flexible and where they have control over their own development. Companies that can successfully navigate these changes and learn how to tap on the potential of these different workforce segments will stand a better chance of attracting the best talents.