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Singapore sets up taskforces to boost maritime careers

Singapore sets up taskforces to boost maritime careers
The Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has set up two taskforces to try and encourage more to take up careers is seafaring and shore-based maritime jobs.

The two taskforces are in the form of a tripartite cooperation between government, industry and the unions.

Speaking at the opening of the Maritime Manpower Singapore conference, MPA chief executive Andrew Tan said: “One of the key thrusts is to develop multiple pathways to success in the maritime sector, covering both sea and shore-based jobs.” The conference organised by the Singapore Maritime Officers Union (SMOU).

The Tripartite Maritime Manpower Taskforce on Seafaring aims to build a national-core within the seafaring workforce for both harbour craft and oceangoing Singapore-flagged vessels.

“One of the initial measures of the taskforce is the training of about 180 Singaporeans to graduate with the Certificate of Competencies (CoCs) Class 3 or 5, through cadet allowance reimbursement, so that more employers will be incentivised to place Singaporean cadets on their ships,” Tan said.

Meanwhile the Maritime Manpower Taskforce for Shore-based Sectors will focus on key areas including port operations, shipowning and operating, ship broking and technical services.

“We plan to develop structured competency roadmaps for these positions, working with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) and industry stakeholders,” he explained.