Singapore celebrates 15 years of co-operation with the IMO on theThird Country Training Programme
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Singapore's co-operation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP). In celebration of this milestone, a commemorative book entitled "A Bridge to Our Future" was launched today at the 63rd session of the Technical Co-operation Committee at the IMO in London by Mr Lam Yi Young, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), said in the press release.
This commemorative book tells the story behind the Singapore-IMO TCTP, as well as the men and women dedicated to advancing the IMO's objectives of safe, clean and efficient global shipping. The book is available on MPA's corporate website at http://www.mpa.gov.sg/sites/pdf/tctp-mpa-15-anniversary-publication.pdf from today.
In 1998, Singapore and the IMO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Third Country Training Programme, which was the first of its kind at that time. Under this MOU, Singapore conducts and contributes to the funding of training programmes for developing IMO Member States in the Africa, Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions on matters relating to maritime safety and the prevention and control of marine pollution. Through the Singapore-IMO TCTP, Singapore hopes to enhance IMO Member States' capacity to implement international maritime regulations and standards.
In 2012, the geographical scope of the Singapore-IMO TCTP was expanded to include Latin America and the Caribbean. Today, the Singapore-IMO TCTP reaches out to countries in Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
To date, more than 1,400 participants from over 70 countries have attended a wide range of courses conducted under the Singapore-IMO TCTP. In addition, new TCTP courses have been rolled out over the years to complement new regulations being adopted at the IMO, while existing courses have been continually refined and updated to meet the evolving needs of participants. These courses include workshops on the Implementation of the Voluntary IMO Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS), as well as the Ballast Water Management Convention.
Mr Lam Yi Young, MPA's Chief Executive said, "We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the IMO and other member States for their continued support over the years, as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Singapore's co-operation with the IMO on the TCTP. 15 years on, Singapore remains committed to providing technical assistance and training programmes to developing countries through the Singapore-IMO MOU on TCTP."
In addition to its contributions under the Singapore-IMO MOU on TCTP, MPA has been providing technical assistance through bilateral and other initiatives that aid the maritime capacity building efforts of other countries. Some of the initiatives include platforms such as the Singapore Cooperation Programme, through which Singapore provides technical assistance in port-related areas, the Maritime Public Leaders' Programme, a holistic and interdisciplinary executive programme for global maritime leaders, and the annual World Maritime University Field Study Visits, which Singapore has been hosting since 2004.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.