Leading maritime training school MaritimeMT has announced the launch of its new OOW (Officer of the Watch) Unlimited course, and a new partnership with Greek partner institution City Unity College.
It held an event last week at its facilities to mark the venture, attended by Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia, who also got the opportunity to tour the facilities and explore some of the facilities available to students at the school.
The new 45-week course, officially titled ‘Officer in charge of Navigational Watch - STCW REG II/1’ meets the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
The is the first step to becoming a Ship Officer, it includes several academic modules and a number of ancillary/role-specific courses, covering anything from a an ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) to GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) to Leadership and Teamwork amongst others.
The launch was something of a landmark event for the training school, and its Principal Edwin Vella commented: “MaritimeMT has always been on the forefront to lead the way to create and improve new training paths varying from a Nautical license for private use, to a yachting career path, introducing the Engineering and Hospitality departments, and today we are here to officially launch the OOW Unlimited course.”
The new course will also be offered via the company’s Greek partner, and Captain Vella said: “This shall increase the synergies and give further opportunities to both countries going forward.”
“This is a very important step for us as MaritimeMT as we are focusing on creating strategic alliances and furthering our growth internationally,” he added.
A spokesperson for City University College, Argyro Manoli also celebrated the news, describing it as a “splendid occasion.”
The course will be taught in Athens starting from October 2022 and will fit the requirements specified by Transport Malta and MaritimeMT.
It will be taught exclusively in English, by “qualified and experienced” lecturers who are professionally involved in the shipping industry.
From left to right: Minister Farrugia, Pauline Micallef (MaritimeMT CEO), Marco Portelli (MaritimeMT Director), Ms Manoli, Capt Vella.
Speaking at the launch, Ms Manoli said: “I thank and congratulate you for the event remarkable organization; I extend my sincerest appreciation for hosting us in the beautiful and historical country Malta, for your exquisite hospitality and the warmth of your friendship.”
The new course will equip aspiring mariners with the required knowledge, competence and skills to work worldwide as a Deck Officer on Vessels of Unlimited tonnage.
For newer, less-experienced students, MaritimeMT also offers all the required ancillary courses to meet certification requirements.
Looking to the future, Minister Farrugia concluded: “I wish that what MaritimeMT and City Unity College have achieved to date would only be the tip of an iceberg of success that is driven by a strong vision, good leadership, and dedicated commitment, coupled with a team of experienced professionals behind the project, will leave a positive mark not only in the local maritime industry but also on the international stage.
“I wish you fair winds and calm seas in this new partnership.”
Readers can find out more about the course on MaritimeMT's website.
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