Singapore is to inject a further SGD 12.6m ($9.5m) into cadet training under an agreement between maritime unions and the government.
The funding, provided by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) will provide continued resources for the Tripartite Nautical and Engineering Training Award (TNTA & TETA) programs.
The three-year funding commences this year and aims to groom a pool of 200 Singaporeans to become deck and marine engineer officers.
“These two programmes not only meet the need of the maritime industry for seafarers, but also offers exciting opportunities to Singaporeans who wish to build a career in this sector,” said SSG chief executive Ng Cher Pong.
“Strong tripartite support and involvement is critical. SkillsFuture Singapore is therefore pleased to work closely with SMOU and MPA on the programmes.
“We will continue to expand the pathways available for skills development and deepening across the key sectors of our economy.”
In addition, SMOU is also contributing SGD 5,000 to shipping companies it has collective agreements with, for every training placement they offer to Singaporean cadets under the TNTA and TETA initiatives.
Separately, SMOU said that starting from 2018, it will contribute SGD 120,000 over a period of three years to The Mission to Seafarers Singapore (MTSS) to improve the welfare and general well-being of seafarers.
This contribution will serve to benefit seafarers who visit the International Drop-in Centre at Jurong Port operated by MTSS.
The facilities at the centre offer seafarers a cosy environment to relax, free Wi-Fi and interaction with fellow seafarers among others.
Chairman of The Mission to Seafarers Singapore, Captain Robert Francis Walker said: “We are absolutely delighted and extremely encouraged that SMOU has stepped up and provided a significant contribution to assist in our work caring for Seafarers in Singapore.
"The Mission is a charitable organisation and relies solely on the generosity of others to enable us to achieve our objectives.
"SMOU has given us the opportunity to share our common goal of caring for the welfare of seafarers and we are looking forward to a sustained and mutually beneficial relationship.”
Singapore is home to more than 5,000 maritime establishments employing over 170,000 people. The maritime industry contributes to 7% of Singapore’s GDP.
