APL To Train 20 Sri Lankan Seafarers Annually
Collaborates with Sri Lanka’s Mahapola Training Institute on training programs
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA, 5 APRIL, 2011: APL has agreed with Sri Lanka Port Authority’s Mahapola Training Institute to train 20 new seafarers from the Institute annually onboard its ships. The agreement was signed today by APL President Eng Aik Meng, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Directorate General for Merchant Shipping.
“This initiative demonstrates APL’s commitment to the Sri Lankan maritime community,” said APL President, Eng Aik Meng. “It enables us to tap into the country’s pool of capable and well-qualified graduates from the Institute.”
The agreement also extends to collaboration between APL and the Institute in areas of maritime education, training, management and development of seafarers. Together with the country’s Directorate General for Merchant Shipping, the parties aim to produce qualified maritime officers and engineers for service onboard merchant vessels.
Training courses run by the Institute will be in line with international requirements for safety, marine environmental protection and well-being of seafarers.
The Mahapola Training Institute will provide customized training programs and facilities. These will focus on preparing cadets and certified maritime offices for shipboard employment in accordance to Standards of Training and Certifications and Watch-keeping, and be endorsed by the Directorate General.
There are currently 24 cadets from Sri Lanka serving on APL vessels. APL has been operating in Sri Lanka since the 1980s. It offers five weekly services that connect to other global trade lanes.
Source: APL