Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) has hosted a delegation from Japan-based Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to explore potential areas of collaboration, particularly in cadetship placement and sea-time opportunities for the Academy’s trainees.
The delegation, led by Mr Yuji, General Manager, Global Maritime Resources Division at MOL, was received by the Academy’s Acting Deputy Director, Maritime Transport and Port Operations Training, Mr Enock Okemwa, who hosted the team on behalf of BMA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eric Katana.
The discussions focused on establishing a partnership that would provide BMA cadets with opportunities to undertake sea-time training aboard MOL vessels, enabling them to gain the practical experience required for career progression in the maritime industry.
Mr Okemwa noted that the Academy is keen to establish strategic industry partnerships that will create opportunities for cadets to acquire the necessary sea-time experience to advance their maritime careers.
“We want to see our cadets progress in their careers, and this can only be achieved by providing them with opportunities to gain the necessary sea-time experience,” he said.
BMA Acting Deputy Director of Maritime Training, Major (Rtd.) Franklyne Toniok, described BMA cadets as disciplined and hardworking, expressing confidence in their ability to meet industry expectations and become competent maritime professionals.
He further highlighted the importance of language proficiency among BMA cadets, noting that their competence in English gives them a competitive advantage in the international maritime industry, where English is widely used as the global language of communication.
He observed that strong language skills enable cadets to communicate effectively with multinational crews, follow operational instructions and integrate easily into maritime workplaces across the world.
He noted that providing cadets with sea-time opportunities would benefit both the trainees and the shipping industry by supporting the development of a skilled and competent maritime workforce.
