The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) to assist in the training and professional development of maritime professionals in Singapore.

The MoU was signed between Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of MPA and Mr David Loosley, Chief Executive of IMarEST.

Both partners aspire to improve the skills and retain maritime talent in Singapore's maritime industry, by providing more pathways for professional development and recognition. This collaboration will have many advantages for marine surveyors and marine hydrographers in MPA, as well as offshore and shore-based maritime professionals.

Therefore, maritime majors, such as former seafarers and those without seafaring experience will have two options to continue their professional development; They could choose between a MSc/BSc jointly offered by IMarEST and Plymouth University in the UKi via distance and online learning and/or Chartered Status through the IMarEST.

Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive, MPA commented

MPA recognises the importance of continued education and training of our maritime professionals  This partnership will enhance our manpower development efforts as mapped out in the Sea Transport Industry Transformation Map. We see continuing education as a necessary investment for individuals to upskill themselves to stay relevant in a maritime industry which is transforming rapidly.

Concerning seafarers' training, in an exclusive interview, Alexander E. Querol, President, MAGSAYSAY Learning Resources, Inc. stated that 'training providers must be able to catch up and develop courses that will meet the demands of new conventions, stringent regulations, and technology application onboard.'

Concluding, MPA Singapore issued a circular on training and certification requirements for seafarers on ships, subject to the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).