Mahapola Training
Institute (MPTI)
Sri Lanka has a
strong potential to
cater to the
International
Maritime Labour
Pool, by training
its educated,
unemployed youths in
the maritime field
and provide them
with employment
opportunities on
ships operated by
international
shipping companies.
Taking advantage of
scarcity of
professionals, this
is high time to
increase the output
of existing local
Maritime Training
Institutions which
provide officers and
similar ranks.
According to
shipping forecast
currently, there is
a huge shortage of
crew; especially
officers rank in the
Maritime Sector.
Recent studies have
predicted that this
will be doubled by
the year 2015.
In line with the 'Mahinda
Chinthana' programme
both Ministers of
Port, Aviation,
Irrigation and water
Management Chamal
Rajapaksha and Port
Development Dilan
Perera have given
instructions to
commence the cadet
training programme
at the Mahapola
Training Institute (MPTI)
of Sri Lanka Ports
Authority (SLPA) in
collaboration with
Ceylon Shipping
Corporation.
The new programme is
a three year full
time course designed
for completion in
four semesters of
full time studies.
The academic
training includes
academic and
practical training
in work-shops,
laboratories, Tugs,
launches, Dredgers,
and intensive
training use of
Engine Room
Simulators with the
latest in Maritime
Technology. One year
onboard training
will be provided by
Ceylon Shipping
Corporation Ltd; at
the third year.
The selection for
the course would be
done by a placement
test and applicants
from 18 to 24 years
of age who have
fluency in English
will be eligible to
apply. Three passes
at G.C.E. (A/L)
Science stream in
one sitting is among
the other
educational
requirements to
apply. Students
already at sea, who
also fulfill above
requirements except
the age limit could
also apply for the
course. The age
limit for the
students who are
already at sea is up
to 30 years.
This three years
programme will be an
internationally
recognized
qualification that
attracts well paid
positions in a sea
going carrier with
international
shipping. The
programme also
prepares students
for employment as
Maritime Engineering
Officers in the sea
going sector of the
shipping industry.
The course will be
conducted according
to IMO and STCW
recommended modules.
