Increased Allowance and Shorter Training Duration to Make Seafaring a More Attractive and Meaningful Career for Mid-Careerists

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), in partnership with the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), and supported by the Singapore Shipping Association, has launched the enhanced Tripartite Maritime Training Award (TMTA).

Shorter Training Duration with Stronger Training Outcomes

First established in 2009 by SMOU, the TMTA supports mid-career individuals to acquire the skills and certifications needed to serve as 3^rd Officers¹ and 5^th Engineers². Under the enhanced TMTA, the training duration will be reduced from 31 months to 22 months. High training standards will be maintained through a more streamlined curriculum that strengthens core maritime competencies, incorporates greater use of advanced ship simulators for both navigational and engineering training, and optimises onboard training to accelerate skills development.  

To provide better financial support during the training phase, monthly training allowances will be increased from S$1,200 to S$2,200, with co-funding by MPA, e2i, and SMOU.

Applications for the TMTA will open in April 2025. Interested applicants can find out more details about the programme at https://www.smou.org.sg/resources/tmta.

Stronger Mentorship and Industry Support

As part of the enhanced TMTA, a structured mentorship programme will be introduced to support cadets in their transition to a seafaring career. Experienced seafarers will provide personalised guidance to help cadets navigate both classroom learning and real-world challenges at sea. MPA and the Young SMOU committee will facilitate these mentorship arrangements, ensuring that cadets receive practical advice, career insights, and support throughout their training and into their early career.

Commitment to Workforce Development

A Memorandum of Understanding to enhance the TMTA will be signed on 25 March 2025 with SMOU, e2i, and SSG. The signing will be witnessed by Mr Stephen Cotton, International Transport Workers’ Federation General Secretary, Ms Caroline Yang, Singapore Shipping Association President, and Mr Thomas Tay, Wavelink Co-operative Ltd Chairman. As part of the collaboration, government agencies, SMOU and industry will commit S$8.5 million over the next three years to support the TMTA’s enhanced training programme. 

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said, “A career in seafaring is meaningful and rewarding. Seafarers enable seaborne trade which is integral to the growth of economies. We are committed to working with our partners to grow a strong local seafaring workforce. The enhanced Tripartite Maritime Training Award provides mid-career individuals with the skills and financial support to make a successful transition into a rewarding maritime career at sea, which will thereafter also open many pathways to careers ashore.”  

Ms Mary Liew, General Secretary of SMOU, said, “Seafaring is a demanding yet rewarding profession that plays a vital role in global trade. The enhanced TMTA is a strong example of tripartism at work—where unions, industry, and government come together to equip mid-career individuals with the skills they need for a meaningful and sustainable career at sea. It also provides a second chance for individuals looking to pivot into a new and fulfilling profession. Through close collaboration with our tripartite partners, we continue to strengthen the maritime workforce and ensure that seafaring remains an attractive career choice. SMOU remains committed to nurturing and upskilling seafarers, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with a life at sea, while building a strong Singapore Core in the maritime industry.”

Ms Caryn Lim, Chief Executive Officer of e2i, added, "Seafaring is a vital profession that keeps Singapore’s maritime trade moving and our economy connected to the world. The enhanced TMTA programme opens doors for mid-career individuals to embark on this meaningful path, equipping them with the skills and support to succeed. At NTUC's e2i, we believe that every worker should have access to good jobs with strong career prospects, and we are proud to support this effort through tripartite collaboration to build a resilient and skilled local maritime workforce."

Mr Tan Kok Yam, Chief Executive of SSG, said, “With a shorter and more streamlined training curriculum, aspiring seafarers can now look forward to an accelerated and well-supported career pathway in the maritime industry. SSG is committed in providing our fullest support to this enhanced TMTA programme, and will continue to work closely with MPA and our other partners to build talent pipeline and a resilient Singapore maritime workforce.”

¹ A 3^rd officer is a junior sea-going deck officer responsible for navigational watchkeeping, upkeep of life-saving safety equipment and assisting with cargo operations. https://www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg/content/student/en/preu/world-of-work/occupation/occupation-detail.2nd-3rd-4th%20Mate-80901.html

² A 5^th engineer is a junior sea-going engineer officer responsible for engine room operations, machinery maintenance, and routine inspections. https://www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg/content/student/en/preu/world-of-work/occupation/occupation-detail.3rd-4th-5th-Engineer-80903.html