Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) is set to address future demand for maritime personnel in the emirate with the setting up of a martime training centre at the Musaffah Port.

The training centre courses for maritime professionals is being developed, jointly with the Higher Colleges of Technology to develop and deliver new maritime for Emirati college students.

The centre is the first in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region to receive the Lloyd’s Register Approved Training Provider status and the only IALA listed Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) training centre  between Turkey and Malaysia, that has expanded its VTS training courses.

It has been accredited by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and has added two more modules to the VTS programme and now offers a total of four specialist courses to train VTS operators, supervisors and on-the-job instructors.

Under the deal signed between ADPC and HCT, ADPC will assist with the training of HCT naval or marine students in navigational training courses covering fields such as simulated ship handling, radar navigation and general operator qualifications.  In turn, the HCT will provide the necessary training and educational programmes where required.

As part of the MoU, ADPC will look to assist HCT during those courses by providing access where practical to ADPC facilities and vessels to enable HCT students to take part in work experience, field trips and similar initiatives.

The education programmes will lead to a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in marine transport. The courses will include the study and examination required for the Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention, allowing the students to be qualified to become watch keepers, senior officers and masters of merchant vessels.

The training will also equip UAE nationals with the skills and experience needed by shore based marine industries which are particularly interested in recruiting staff with a seafaring background, for example as harbor masters, marine surveyors or consultants.

The students will also study for the international safety standard; Restricted and General Operator Certificate for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).  

Capt Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, chief executive officer, ADPC, said: “Given this projected demand, ADPC is working to provide serious development opportunities for its employees, training them to become highly qualified maritime professionals, while promoting this exciting industry to the younger Emirati generation.

“The MoU is an important step towards the national goal of empowering Emirati talent. According to industry analysts, over the next two decades, the greatest growth in container trade will take place between the Far East and the Middle East. With this in mind, our mission is to help build a strong UAE national workforce ready to seize the many opportunities.”

Dr Tayeb Kamali, vice chancellor of HCT, said: “The Higher Colleges of Technology is proud to be developing a broad range of degree courses and training initiatives for the UAE’s constantly expanding maritime industry and we look forward to the potential enhancement of these with the relevant practical experience and courses offered by the ADPC.

“The Higher Colleges is dedicated to providing its students with hands-on and work relevant programmes which are designed to meet the growing industry needs of our nation.  We therefore aim to ensure that our graduates have the skills, knowledge, training and confidence to make important contributions to UAE society and their communities when they enter the workforce.”

“We look forward to working closely with the Abu Dhabi Ports Company to ascertain where our institutions can collaborate in the training and development of future leaders and experts in the UAE’s vital maritime and seafaring industries,” he concluded. - TradeArabia News Service