This marks both the first time the Australian Maritime College (AMC) has exported its vocational education and training overseas, as well as the first coastal seafaring qualification that has ever been offered in the country.

15 students, including four women, began a Master up to 24m Near Coastal course—leading to a qualification for work as a Master on a commercial vessel up to 24 metres in length within the exclusive economic zone—in Abu Dhabi on 9th October.

The course is being offered as a joint initiative between Abu Dhabi Ports—a master developer of ports and Khalifa Industrial Zone in the emirate of Abu Dhabi—and the Australian Maritime College, a centre of excellence for maritime education, training and research.

The two organisations are collaboratively offering the course in order to meet the demand in the UAE for high-quality seafaring training.

Professor Athanasios (Thanasis) Karlis, Director of AMC’s National Centre for Ports and Shipping, explained why AMC is extending its training to Abu Dhabi.

“The UAE is a strong seafaring nation and a fast-growing hub for the international maritime industry; as such, it has an immediate demand for qualified seafarers.

“As a provider of high-quality seafaring training courses for over 30 years, AMC is ideally placed to work with Abu Dhabi Ports and bring its expertise to the country to meet this demand.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Captain Mohamad Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said:

“Being a graduate myself from the Australian Maritime College, I can assure all seafaring enthusiasts in the UAE that this training course represents a great learning opportunity to acquire in-depth understanding of the maritime business and related activities."

“We will continue to forge such ties to further expand our seafaring knowledge and build the much-needed skillset to maintain a world-class performance,” he added.

Published on: 21 Oct 2016