MPA Academy, the training arm of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), has launched today its inaugural Port Management Programme. The programme is one of the new flagship programmes developed by the recently re-positioned MPA Academy for overseas port and maritime officials. The first run of the programme was attended by 15 officials from around the world.
The five-day programme, which runs till 12 December 2014, has been developed for port masters, harbour masters and middle managers from various maritime and port authorities. The programme covers a broad range of topics facing the maritime industry and underscores our commitment to share our knowledge and experiences with the international maritime community. Participants will have opportunities to interact, network and exchange ideas with their peers and industry practitioners. The participants of the Port Management Programme are recipients of the MPA Academy Training Award, which covered their programme fees, airfares and accommodation.
MPA's Chief Executive, Mr Andrew Tan, said, "MPA believes that developing maritime talent is a common denominator that cuts across different maritime nations. This will help to ensure that the global maritime workforce is well prepared to meet the industry's current and future needs. Hence, we are happy to share our experiences and insights in port operations and management, as well as the opportunities and challenges we face as a global hub port, quality flag state and coastal state of a major international waterway. At the same time, we can mutually benefit through sharing of best practices and exchange of ideas with the participants and the industry professionals."
The programme covers a wide spectrum of topics such as master planning for container terminals maximising efficiencies in container/cargo terminal operations, vessel traffic management, emergency planning and response, port security and crisis communications. The topics will be delivered by professionals from the industry, adjunct trainers from the MPA Academy and officers from MPA's line divisions.
One of the lecturers is Capt Mark Heah, an adjunct trainer from the MPA Academy, who will share Singapore's experience in successfully handling major marine incidents.
Capt Mark Heah said, "MPA Academy's Port Management Programme will allow participants to understand how MPA prepares for and deals with major oil spills and other marine incidents, and the various initiatives to maintain a safe, secure and efficient port. The sessions will allow participants to discuss the success factors and the pitfalls for mutual learning and benefits."
Mr Saungaki Rasmussen, Harbour Master from Cook Islands Ports Authority, is one of the officials who attended the programme. Said Mr Rasmussen, "I am excited to have this great opportunity to attend the first Port Management Programme. The programme will assist the development of small island ports in the Pacific and in the Cook Islands".
Besides lectures, participants will also be going on site visits to facilities such as PSA Terminals, MPA's Port Operations Control Centre, Integrated Simulation Centre as well as Oil Spill Response Limited to gain insights into Singapore's maritime operations.
The MPA Academy conducts training for MPA officers as well as overseas officers under various multilateral and bilateral technical assistance programmes. Through its programmes, the Academy seeks to share knowledge and experience for the benefit of the international maritime community with its partners.