The Tripartite Maritime Training Awards (TMTA) program, designed to boost Singapore’s maritime workforce, was relaunched on February 14, 2024, during the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union’s Lunar New Year event. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat and NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng attended the launch, emphasizing the initiative’s importance.
Formerly known as the Tripartite Nautical Training Award and the Tripartite Engineering Training Award, the refreshed TMTA (Deck/Engine) program aims to prepare 120 deck and engine officers, enhancing Singapore’s Core of maritime talent. Jointly developed by the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and the NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), the program enjoys support from the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA). SMOU General Secretary Mary Liew highlighted the program’s role in fostering a skilled maritime workforce essential for a robust sector.
Since its inception in 2009, the TMTA program has successfully trained over 400 cadets, contributing to more than 130 holders of the Certificate of Competency (COC). The refreshed program targets both working adults transitioning into the maritime sector and fresh graduates eager to start maritime careers. Graduates will find opportunities both at sea and onshore, reinforcing Singapore’s status as a leading maritime hub.
Wavelink Maritime Institute, SMOU’s training arm, will deliver the training, ensuring high-quality education and skill development for students. The next intake for the TMTA (Deck/Engine) program is scheduled for September 2024, and interested individuals are encouraged to seek further information through the Wavelink website.
In its ongoing commitment, SMOU has invested over $10 million in the TMTA program, reflecting a serious dedication to strengthening the maritime industry in Singapore. The union plans to collaborate with key stakeholders to enhance financial support and practical training, ensuring the curriculum remains responsive to industry demands.
By fostering an environment of tripartism, the TMTA program aims to improve wages, benefits, and career opportunities for seafarers while providing employers with a skilled workforce. Additionally, the government can utilize the combined expertise of all parties to establish sound maritime policies.
Overall, the TMTA (Deck/Engine) program is positioned as a key initiative for empowering individuals and bolstering Singapore’s maritime sector, aligning with the nation’s strategic goals in the industry.
