NTUC This Week: What are some of the prospects available for young officers in the maritime sector?
Mary Liew: I think the future for a young person entering the maritime industry is bright as shipping actually contributes seven per cent of Singapore’s GDP. Besides that, the industry employs 170,000 people in the workforce. Of that number, some 75,000 of these working people are Singaporeans, and there are many good jobs out there.
It is forecast in professional reports that come 2025, there will be a shortage of some 150,000 sea-going officers worldwide. There is still a very good opportunity for good paying jobs, and not just when they sail. That said, we hope that these officers will continue sailing for as long as they can to obtain their certificates of competency. These are very valuable qualifications which companies will look out for. And should these officers one day decide to come ashore, the shipping companies will be on the lookout for them to take on higher management jobs.
What are some challenges young seafarers face and how can they overcome them?
I think for a young person, especially when they have families and loved ones, it’s not easy for them to say that they’ll be going out to sea for some six months at a stretch.
It really takes a lot of passion, and they must have a very clear objective of what they want to do.
This is why before prospective applicants apply for courses like the Tripartite Nautical Training Award, we make sure they are made aware of exactly what this industry is all about and what career they are pursuing, especially the time spent away from home. This is where we require that our applicants’ families are aware of what prospective maritime officers have to go through, and get their family’s support.
How does SMOU work with its management partners to realise the dreams of these young
seafarers?
The important thing is that we must be aware of the requirements and the needs of our partner companies and the shipping community. This was how Place-and-Train programmes like theTripartite Engineering Training Award also came about.
SMOU will continue to work closely with our tripartite partners on building the Singapore maritime core as well as identify future skills and jobs of tomorrow for our seafarers.
Does SMOU provide career advice for members?
We have our officers in the industrial relations department whom our members can speak to for advice. Wavelink Maritime Institute is also very well versed in this with very experienced mentors. At SMOU, we believe that we have to pre-empt, be more proactive in looking at what’s happening in the industry and help our people go through their phases as well.
What are three ways in which young workers can ready themselves for the future?
Do not take things for granted. Don’t treat the tasks given to you by your company as ‘small’ tasks. Always give your best and be professional. Know that one day, you will be the CEO of a ship commanding millions of dollars worth of assets. Another thing that we always remind our people is to come back safely. Don’t be a hero and take unnecessary risks.
