The Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) has announced the launch of a Seafarers’ Accommodation Scheme (SAS) which provides 6,000 subsidised hotel rooms for the next 2 years in order to help lighten the financial load for Singapore shipping companies.
The SAS cost is estimated at S$300,000 and aims to help shipping companies provide quality lodging at subsidised rates for their Officers. Currently, shipping companies need to pay for their seafaring Officers’ lodging in Singapore when they are required to sign on/off a ship or for training. With the SAS, shipping companies are not only getting some financial relief but it ensures that the welfare of the seafaring officers will not be compromised.
Guest-of-Honour, Minister in Prime Minister’s Office and Labour Chief, Mr Chan Chun Sing, Special Guest, Minister for Manpower, Mr Lim Swee Say, and Speaker of Parliament, Madam Halimah Yacob were present when the scheme announced to some 1,400 tripartite partners and industry guests at the SMOU 65thAnniversary Gala Dinner on 25 November at the Resorts World Convention Centre.
The SAS can be utilised by the shipping companies that have Collective Agreement (CA) with SMOU.
