The CadetsPlus program, now in its 36th iteration, has significantly impacted the maritime training landscape by supporting nearly 3,000 cadets across 15 cities in six countries. This initiative is a collaboration among the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), the Thai Seafarers’ Association (TSFA), and various shipping firms in Thailand. Recently, the program successfully trained approximately 90 Thai cadets, who have completed a two-week pre-sea preparatory course at the Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI) in Singapore.
The graduation ceremony for these cadets took place on June 2, 2018, in Bangkok, where they received certificates in the presence of their families and shipping employers. The event also served as an opportunity for Singaporean shipping companies to identify potential crewing solutions from Thailand, addressing a global shortage of maritime officers.
This training partnership marks a significant milestone, being the first of its kind between WMI and Thailand’s Merchant Marine Training Center. Financial support comes from the Singapore Maritime Training Fund (SMTF), a collaboration of SMOU, maritime authorities, and shipping employers aimed at cultivating qualified seafarers to operate Singapore-flagged vessels. The partnership was solidified through a Bilateral Arrangement signed between SMOU and TSFA, both members of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), focusing on enhancing the employability of Thai cadets in Singapore.
The program, conducted by Singaporean trainers, equips cadets with essential skills necessary for working on Singapore-registered vessels. Its curriculum includes modules such as Report Writing, Shipboard Organization and Teamwork, Shipboard Safety, and Maritime English. Mary Liew, General Secretary of SMOU, emphasized the organization’s commitment to advocate for seafarers’ rights and the importance of providing them with valuable career opportunities and better wages.
Nopadol Kaewsuwan, President of TSFA, highlighted that this collaboration is crucial for equipping Thai seafarers with the skills needed in the competitive international shipping sector, ensuring their safety and employability. Cadet Wasin Pothiyan remarked on the program’s effectiveness in building confidence through practical learning, preparing them for the challenges they will face at sea.
The CadetsPlus program, initiated in 2007 in Qingdao, has expanded its reach across Asia and aligns with SMTF’s goals of collective training and education for maritime professionals. It covers essential topics tailored to the specific needs of cadets in different countries, underscoring the program’s commitment to adaptability and excellence in maritime training. Overall, CadetsPlus plays an integral role in fostering a well-trained, competent workforce for the maritime industry, enhancing the livelihood of those involved in this vital sector.
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