Abu Dhabi Ports graduates first batch of Vocational Education Training Master/Skipper up to 35 meters Commercial Vessels

July 30, 2018

VET held in cooperation with Australian Maritime College (AMC) and approved by UAE Federal Transport Authority (FTA) and Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)

Abu Dhabi Ports announced today the graudation of the first batch of trainees on Vocational Education Training (VET) Master/Skipper up to 35 meters Near Coastal. The training course was held at Abu Dhabi Maritime Training Centre, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports, in cooperation with Australian Maritime Academy (AMC) and was approved by the UAE Federal Transport Authority (FTA), and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

The 37-week training course has seen the participation of 9 students. The training encompassed six weeks of theoretical and practical training, two weeks of assessments and 26 weeks practical training on board of vessels as well as two weeks of assessing task books and oral examaminations. Successful students, who completed all requirements, are awarded FTA/AMSA certificate for competency Master/Skipper of up to 35 Meters Vessels-Coastal Waters.

The ceremony also saw the graudation of a VET Master/Skipper of 24 Meters Near Coastal. The 32-week training course (theory, practical on board of commercial vessels and assessments) encompassed safety courses and other approved maritime courses. Successful students were awarded with Abu Dhabi Port Course Completion Certificate, AMSA Certificate of Competency for Master up to 24 Meters Vessels – Coastal Waters.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Captain Mohamed Al Shamisi, the CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, Dr. Nasser Mansoori, Senior Training Manager, and senior managers and staff from FTA, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Ports, Unity Education and Training Institute, AMC Teaching Staff and AMSA Examiners.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi congratulated all students. He said, “At Abu Dhabi Port, we are proud to help build a knowledge-based economy and support the Emiratization goals set by our Wise Leadership. The first of its kind in the region offering high end and special courses, Abu Dhabi Ports Maritime Training Centre plays a pivotal role in boosting and promoting the capabilities and expertise of the UAE National wishing to pursue their career in the maritime sector.”

“I would like to thank and appreciate all the support given by our VET Course partners in accordance with high international standards. We are proud that we have worked together to prepare and develop new maritime leaders who are able to professionally commanding commercial vessels.”

The trainee participants at the VET programme highly appreciated the training courses which helped them boost their know-how and expertise on how to deal with commercial vessels professionally. Mr. Rashed Al Mheiri, from Abu Dhabi Marine Services, Safeen, said he has benefited greatly from both courses as they streamlined his knowledge on how to move vessels and deal professionally with the crew and the challenges they face when berthing and setting off the quay. He thanked Safeen for enrolling and giving him the opportunity to attend these courses, he encourages more people who are interested to enroll for these courses.

Mr. Mohammed Aqeel Ashrafa, from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) who graduated from both courses truly appreciates Abu Dhabi Ports Maritime Training Centre for all the support and effort provided and to ensure all students gain the utmost from theoretical and practical training. He said, “I have learnt a great deal of knowledge especially from Sea time training as well as learned how to balance vessels when sailing or uploading or offloading. We have been working as one team during these courses, thus helping us gain maximum benefits. I would like to thank Abu Dhabi Ports for hosting these essential maritime training courses.”

Mr. Adel Al Najjar, Captain at the National Marine Dredging Company, who completed both courses, emphasized stressed he learned many new things that will be hugely reflected on his practical expertise. He called upon all people interested to pursue a promising career in the moving commercial vessels to enroll on these courses exclusively offered by Abu Dhabi Ports.

Abu Dhabi Ports Maritime Training Centre is a path-breaking initiative by Abu Dhabi Ports to help invigorate the future of the maritime industry by developing skilled cadres with world-class maritime education and training in the UAE and the region.

A pioneering undertaking that focuses on building homegrown and international talent for diverse functions in the maritime sector, the Training Centre is a Centre of Excellence. It offers turnkey education from beginner-level to advanced courses and training and helps build a talent pool of maritime professionals, who can pursue rewarding careers in the fast-growing maritime industry.