New FMA Concept Gives Seafarers International Recognition
The Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) has commenced with new programmes in alignment with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) giving local seafarers international recognition.
FMA executive officer Mohammed Taslim yesterday confirmed that management of FMA with the assistance of Acting Dean of Fiji National University (FNU) has developed the concept.
“This programme was suspended two years ago, our local seafarers with the new concept will be now internationally recognised,” Mr Taslim said.
“We now have the necessary approval of the new concept and it is now included this semester,” he said.
According to Mr Taslim students now have the option to complete their Diploma qualifications.
“The diplomas will accumulate 240 credit points which are the way towards the next levels of Certificate of Competency (CoC) Class 1 and Class 2,” he said.
Meanwhile FMA is currently developing the necessary documents for approval to be presented to the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) and FNU.
On Monday FMA, commenced with the new programmes based structures which over 200 students attended the first day of six levels of study.
Certificate IV for Shipbuilding also commenced on Monday.
Conducted as Trade Diplomas in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering, the new structure is now aligned with the Fiji National University (FNU) Diploma Programmes.
“Significant changes have taken place to the advantage of seafarers with new developments that it is now possible to complete a two-year diploma and then attend the mandatory sea time,” he said.
“What also important is that the flexibility allows students to exit each semester if they have the shipping companies to join.
“It was a concern in the past that students who did not find a suitable ship either dropped out of the programme or discovered alternative career paths.”
– Fiji Maritime Academy