October - November 2013 Bi-Monthly Publication of the ... · Wavelink Building 75 Jellicoe Road...

MICA (P) 047/11/2012

seavoicesBi-Monthly Publication of the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union and Wavelink Co-operative

October - November 2013

A New MAritiMe MANpower LANdscApe

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03 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Message 2013

04 NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say's National Day Message 2013

05 The Dawn of a New Maritime Manpower Landscape MMS 201310 MLC Launches Officially in Singapore

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12 Bowling to Deeper, Stronger Friendships13 Sowing Seeds of Care Among The Youth 14 A New Lease Of Life For Henderson Home15 IBIA Awards Four TNTA Cadets16 A Meaningful Exchange With FKSU/KSSU CBA With Alfa Crew17 ITF Summer School Gathers Young Transport Unionists18 Fund Briefings for CBA Companies

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20 Celebrating Singapore’s 48th Birthday Bash 21 Movie Screening Shop till you drop

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23 Have You Collected Your SPF? 24 Wavelink SMTF Training Calendar25 Training CBA Companies’ Officers in India WMI OfficersPlus Programme26 TNTA Batch 6 – The Search is ON

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27 Lighthouse Bistro Website

NAtioNAL dAY MessAGe 2013LEE HSIEN LOONG Prime Minister

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered his National Day message at the new SAFRA clubhouse in Toa Payoh.

Here, we highlight excerpts of his message.

On the White Paper on Population

“TheWhitePaperonPopulationinJanuaryprovokedstrongreactions,but thedebatehelpedustounderstandtheissuesbetter.Wefacedifficultchoices:WeneedforeignworkerstoserveoureconomyandSingaporeans’needs,andimmigrantstomakeupforourshortfallofbabies.Butwealsoworryaboutcrowdingandcongestion,andmaintainingourSingaporeanidentity.Sowearefeelingourwayforwardcarefully,consciousbothofourneedsandourlimits,andseekingthebestoutcomeforSingaporeans.”

On the Economy

“Oureconomyisholdingsteadyamidstglobaluncertainties.Weareattractingmorequalityinvestments.Unemploymentremainslow.Wegrewby2.0%inthefirsthalfof2013,andexpecttogrowby2.5-3.5%thisyear,higherthanpreviouslyexpected.Evenaswetightenuponforeignworkersandimmigration,wemustmaintain investorconfidenceandkeepSingaporeopenforbusiness.”

“Singaporeischangingtoo.Theeconomyismaturingandourpopulationisageing…Ourroadaheadwillbedifferentfromtheroadwehavetravelled.Sowemustreassessourposition,reviewourdirection,andrefreshourstrategiestothriveinthisnewworld.”

Our Approach to Nation Building

“Tosucceedunderchangedcircumstances,wemustadaptourbasicapproachtonationbuilding.Wemuststrikeanewbalancebetweentherolesoftheindividual,thecommunityandtheState.

Wemuststrengthenoursenseofcommunity.Weneedtogivegreatermutualsupport tooneanother–helpingthelessfortunateinbigwaysandsmall;volunteeringforcausesthatwecareabout;organisingourselvestoworkforthecommongood.

The Government willalsoplayabiggerroletobuildafairandjustsociety. We will domoretoenableeverySingaporeantosucceed, througheducationand lifelonglearning.Wewillkeepavenuestorisewideopentoall.Wewillhelpthosefromfamilieswithlessgetofftoagoodstartinlife,beginningfrompre-school.Wewilltacklethecostofliving,forexamplehealthcarecosts,especiallyfortheelderly.Wewillfosteramoreequalsociety,byhelpingeveryfamilyaffordtheirownHDBflat,andgivinglowincomeworkersabetterdealthroughWorkfare.InSingapore,everyonewillalwayshaveastakeinthiscountry,andamplechancestomakegoodinlife.”

On Staying United

“…Eachoneofusmuststilldoourbest,andbeself-reliantandresourceful.BecauseSingaporecanonlysucceed ifeachoneofuscontributeshispart.

Atthesametime,allthisisonlypossibleifweareoneunitedpeople,andnotdividedbyrace,socialclass,orpoliticalfaction.Wemustalwayshaveable,honestandcommittedleaders,whocanbetrustedtoserveSingaporeans.WeneedagoodGovernmentthatthinksandplansahead,andmoreimportantlyfeelsforourconcernsandhopes.ThatisthewaytobuildabetterSingapore–together.”

“We have come a long way, but our best years are ahead of us. We have the power to shape our destiny and write a new chapter in the Singapore story. Let us stand together, and dedicate ourselves to building in Singapore a brighter

future for all.”

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october november 2013seav o i c e s newsletter 3

Dear fellow Singaporeans, Happy National Day.

Everyyear, Iattendthe InternationalLabourConferenceinGenevatotouchbasewithunionleadersfromaroundtheworld.Thepicture Igathered thisyear is far fromencouraging.Manycountriesarefacedwiththeproblemsof“threenotenough”:notenough jobsfor theyoung,notenoughwageincreasesfortheworkingadult,andnotenoughpensionfortheretirees.

Againstthisglobalbackdropofhighyouthunemployment,prolongedwagestagnationandunsustainablepensionplans,wecantakeheart thatwearedoingrelativelywellhereinSingapore.Ourunemploymentrate is low,wagesarerisingsteadily,andre-employmentageformatureworkersisgoingup.

Evenso,wedohaveourchallenges.Besidescounteringtheglobalthreatof“threenotenough”,wealsohavetotackletheissuesofawideningincomegap,anageingworkforceandthepotentialriseinstructuralunemployment.

Tostayahead,wemustdobetterinthreeareas.

First, transform our economy into a better economy.

Tominimiseunemployment,weneedtocreateenoughgoodjobsforourpeople.Givenourtightlabourmarket,itisbettertogrowoureconomyat3%ayearwithaproductivitygainof2%,thanat4%ayearwithaproductivitygainofonly1%. Inresponseto labourshortagesandrisingbusinesscosts,companiesand industriesneedtopushharder toupgradeoperations, tobe leaner,greenerandcleverer.Toattractandretainstaffbetter,wealsoneedtohelpourworkerstodotheirjobseasier,smarterandsafer.Thisisabetterwayofsustaininggrowth,creatingjobsandavoidingwagestagnation.

Second, transform our workforce into a better workforce.

Asahighercost location inalowercost region,wehavetobemorecapableandinclusive.We need to speed up theupgradingandupdatingofskills,knowledgeandexpertise,andlearntodothingsthatevensmartrobotsarenotabletodo.Wealsoneedtomakeourworkplacesmoreageandfamilyfriendly.Mostofall,weneedtostrengthentheSingaporeanCore ineverymajorsectorofoureconomy,especiallythenewandhighgrowthsectors,sothatourpeoplecantakegreaterpride inourprogress.

Third, transform our society into a better society.

Weneedtobeabettereconomytostayaheadof thecompetition.Wealsoneedtobeabettersocietyforustostaytogetherasonecohesivesociety.Weareproudofourschools,hospitals,airport,seaport,publichousing,hawkercentresandmore-allofwhichareamongthebestintheworld.Butitwouldbeevenbetterifwecanalsobeproudofourselvesforbeingnumberoneinthewaywenurtureandtreatallourfellowworkerswithcourtesyandrespect–cleaners,securityguards,landscapingtechnicians,nurses,buscaptains,taxidrivers,hawkerassistantsandeveryoneelse.Wecanmakethisournewwayoflife,providedweallplayourpart-everyday,everywhere,andeveryone.

For 48 years, we built this nation with passion and pride. The journey ahead will be even more challenging and yet more exciting. With positive energy, shared aspiration and collective efforts, we can make our country a Better

Singapore for all Singaporeans.

Happy National Day!

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NAtioNAL dAY MessAGe 2013LIm SwEE SaySecretary-General, National Trades Union Congress Minister, Prime Minister’s Office


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the dAwN of A New MAritiMe MANpower LANdscApemmS 2013

The 7th biennial Maritime Manpower Singapore 2013 held on 6 September created waves when 15 speakers spoke passionately and candidly on the dawn of a new maritime manpower landscape to 360 participants from countries all over the world such as China, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, just to name a few.

Theevent,heldbySMOUandorganisedbyWavelinkMaritimeInstitute,caughttheattentionofallmajorTVnewschannels,radioandprintmedia.On-linecoveragewasalsoextensiveasthecountrysatupandwasremindedonceagainthatthemaritimeindustryremainsvitaltoSingapore’seconomyandgrowth.

Inthenext fewpagesofSeaVoices,wehighlightsomeoftheinsightssharedinthishighlyimpactingconference.LookoutformorereportsinthenextissueofSeaVoices.

Overseas delegates listening intently at the conference


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THE DawN Of a NEw marITImE maNpOwEr LaNDScapEmmS 2013

Seafaringcareerscanprovidegood career prospects andwages,andwewanttoseemoreofthesewell-payingjobsgoingtoSingapore.

Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, ActingMinister for Manpower,madethissalientpointattheMaritimeManpowerSingaporeConference.

“The stakeholders have worked hard to build a pipeline of manpower for the sector. I believe that the support and infrastructure put in place to attract and retain talent will create more interest among young Singaporeans for the maritime sector, and our efforts to build a strong and competent maritime workforce will see results.”

Amongthemultiplepathways intothemaritimesectorhighlightedbyMrTanwastheTripartiteNauticalTrainingAward(TNTA)startedbySMOU,workingtogetherwithe2i,SingaporeWorkforceDevelopmentAgency(WDA)andtheSingaporeShippingAssociation.

Singapore Eyes Well-Paying Maritime Jobs for Locals

TheMaritimeLabourConvention,2006hasbeensuccessful,butmorework is tobedonetoreachthegoalofglobalcoverage.

ThegroundbreakingConventionhassofarrecordedatotalof51countriesthathavedepositedtheirratificationswiththeILO,46ofwhichhavebeenregisteredwithatotalgrosstonnageof76.2percentoftheworldfleet.

At theMMSconference,DrCleopatraDoumbia-Henry,Director,InternationalLabourStandardsDepartment(ILO),pointedout that“for the immediate future while the entry into force is a tremendous event – after this initial month or two of celebration – I think we must expect a year or two of some uncertainty and possible confusion as the MLC 2006 comes into operation”.

MLC: Next Stop, The Future

APL female seafarers interacting with women leaders such as Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry and SMOU ES Ms Mary Liew

Asthemaritimesectorgrowsandweexpandourportfacilitiesinthenext15to20years,thesector’sdemandforskilledmanpowerwillcontinuetogrow.

ToincreasetheproportionofSingaporeansinthesector,thegovernmentexpectsemployerstoplayasignificantroletodeveloptheSingaporecore“so that Singaporeans at all levels can be trained and developed, so that when the opportunities arises, it makes sense to look to Singaporeans to take up some of these positions,”MrTansaid.

Inherspeech,DrCleopatraexplainedthatMLC,2006 isanewregimeandtherearedifferentideasonhowitwillbeapplied.ItisimportantthatallactorsinthesectorareaccuratelyinformedaboutwhattheConventiondoesanddoesnotaddressandalsotounderstandthattheILOasaninternationalorganisationdoesnotdirectlyregulateanyship.

“Our landscape will keep developing as new issues arise. I believe that this possibility for growth will prove to be one of the strengths of the MLC, 2006,”DrCleopatrasaid.


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Inordertobuildthefuturemaritimecoreofhaving20%SingaporeansonboardSingaporeflaggedshipsby2030,SMOU,togetherwith thetripartitepartners,SingaporeMaritimeAcademyandWavelinkMaritimeInstitute,aretargetingtotrain500cadetsperyear.

“We are definitely going all the way out so that these well paying jobs go to Singaporeans,”saidMrThomasTay,SMOUGeneralSecretary.NoeffortswillbesparedtocontinuetobuilduptheSingaporeMaritimeTrainingFundandinvestintraininginfrastructuretothetuneof$4.3millionsubjecttotheSMOUGeneralCouncil’sapproval.

Today,MrTaypointedout,Singaporeishometomorethan5,000maritimecompaniesemployingover170,000people.

Singapore’s Maritime Industry – A Force To Be Reckoned With

“For Singapore to be chosen by ILO to launch the MLC implementation shows its importance. Congratulations Mary and Thomas for making MMS the biggest and most successful. I commend the Acting Minister for Manpower Minister for wanting to invest in maritime training.”-MrStephenCotton,Acting General Secretary, International TransportWorkers’Federation(ITF)

“We considered what is artificial and excessive from employers point of view and what is insufficient from the ITF’s point of view to create a balanced outcome. The IBF bargaining process may not be perfect but it is time-tested, stable working and ready for the future. Just like the MLC, it is not perfect but each step we take is one step closer to perfection.” -MrGilesHeimann,ChiefExecutiveOfficer,InternationalMaritimeEmployers’Council

“The maritime industry remains a force to be reckoned with as it contributes to more than 7 per cent of Singapore’s GDP. We want to continue to grow this industry so that our nation will continue to grow as well.”

Thinkingoutofthebox,MrTaycalledforanexemptionoradefermentofseagoingSingaporeansfromNationalServicetoattractmoreshippingcompaniesto invest in trainingSingaporecadetsandmoreyouthtotakeupmaritimeasacareer.

Inhisspeech, theunionchief inspiredthecadetswhowereattendingtheMMStohavethePHD-PASSIONtoamakeabetterlifeforthemselves;HUNGERtosucceed;andDISCIPLINEtopersevere.

The dawning of a new and brighter maritime manpower landscape evokes positive expression - SMOU GS Thomas Tay with Acting ITF GS Stephen Cotton, ILO Director Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry and IMEC CEO Giles Heimann


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THE DawN Of a NEw marITImE maNpOwEr LaNDScapEmmS 2013

“One factor remains constant – shipping is still about people. And while automation requires fewer officers and crew to operate the ship, no technological innovation can replace the

judgment of the human mind on the bridge. With this singular reliance on the human element to ensure safe and efficient navigation, our maritime professionals need to demonstrate a higher degree of competency at all times.” -MrGerardoA.Borromeo,Vice-Chairman,ChiefExecutiveOfficerofPhilippineTransmarineCarriers

“The MMS is very timely and insightful for everyone to learn from each other. The fact that there are issues, people are debating, discussing is a good sign that they are taking the MLC seriously.“

-MrOngYenHer,SeniorDirectorandAdviser,MinistryofManpower

“I was skeptical that TNTA would work. In my previous job, we have been investing in training Singapore seafarers hoping that they would become masters but many of them quit. But now I

saw shipping companies taking up TNTA cadets. So I commend SMOU for taking the initiative. My advice to the cadets is stay at sea because it is a really good career. Your perseverance will blaze a trail for those that come after you.” -MrLimTauKok,Director,PACCShipManagement

“As responsible shipowners, however, we must always be mindful of the well-being of our seafarers. The SSA, representing Singapore’s shipowning community, is therefore strongly committed

to safeguarding the fundamental rights of our seafarers as provided in the MLC.” -MrDanielTan,ExecutiveDirector,SingaporeShippingAssociation


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The MMS 2013 was not just a conference to gather shipping officials and tripartite partners, it was also a networking session for all to interact and build international relations.

Indonesian tripartite partners sat down for a discussion over lunch with Mr Stephen Cotton, and Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry


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TripartitepartnersandinternationaldelegateswerewelcomedonboardtheAPLYangshanandSMOUsincerelythanksAPLYangshanfortheirkindhospitalityonboardthevessel.

Anhour-longpaneldiscussionwasbroadcastliveovertheInternetfromthebridgeofAPLYangshan,aSingapore-flaggedshipownedandmanagedbyNeptuneOrientLines.

OnthediscussionpanelwerethearchitectoftheConvention,DrCleopatraDoumbia-Henry,Director, ILODepartment,

MLc LAuNches officiALLY iN siNGApore

It was a monumental day for the 1.5 million seafarers all over the world and the maritime industry as the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, entered into force on 20 August 2013. The historic moment was all the more significant when Singapore played host to the ILO to mark the groundbreaking launch.

International Labour Organisation; Captain Robin Foo,President,SingaporeMaritimeOfficers’Union(SMOU);MrDanielJSTan,ExecutiveDirector,SingaporeShippingAssociation (SSA) and Mr Mark Lim, Deputy Director(Shipping),MaritimeandPortAuthorityofSingapore(MPA)andChairmanoftheTripartiteWorkingGrouponMLC.TheydiscussedtheimpactoftheMLC,2006onworldshippingandtook‘live’questionsreceivedviaILO’sFacebookpageandTwitterhashtag#MLC2006.

Herearesomeofthequestionsthatwerepostedtothepanel:

Why is the MLC so significant?

Dr Cleopatra: Itbrings togethermore than70existingconventionsandregulationsbytheILOsince1920.Bybringingthemtogether,itiseasilyaccessible,easytounderstandandeasytoenforce.Seafarerscanthenexpecttoenjoydecentworkconditions.

Capt Foo: TheMLCwillprovidethemtheiremploymentrights,suchasbringingupissuestotheirMastersthroughproperprocedures.TheMLCgivesastrongmandateandclearer instructionson theprocedures to take towardsgrievancesforallinternationalvessels.

Daniel Tan: It’san importantconventionbecauseit’soneofthepillarswhichgoverntheshippingindustryapartfromthethreeILOconventions.Itprovidesdecentemploymenttoseafarersandasemployersitisourdutytotakecareofourseafarersworkingonboard.

Mark Lim:Singaporeisamajorhubfortradeandwerecognisethecontributionsmadebyships,andseafarerswhoworkonboard,totheglobaleconomy.Whetherweareamajorportoraone-shipoperator,weneedtorecognisethatseafarerswillalwaysneeddecentlivingandworkingconditions.MLCmakesitpossibleforthesestandardsofconditionstobeimplementedandMPAisverygladforitsentryintoforceasseafarerswillgettoseetherightstheydeserve.


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How important do you think the new conditions of the MLC are to enforcing proper rest hours, and what else do you think seafarers worry about?Capt Foo:Restisthemostimportantpartofworkingonboardavesselbecausewithoutproperrest,yourworkwilldefinitelybeaffected.Thingssuchasinjuriesmightoccur,andyouwillbehurtingyourmatestoo.WiththeMLCinplace,theshipshavetocomplywithproperresthours.Plus, ifaseafarerthinksthathe isnotgettingthepropertreatment,hecanalwaysspeakanddiscusswiththeshipmaster.

Responding to a reporter’s query on Singapore being the first country in Asia to ratify the Convention, Dr Cleopatra:Singaporeplaysaveryimportantleadershiproleastheyleadbyexample.Clearly,thisisveryimportantbecauseAsiaisanimportantregioninthemaritimeperspectiveglobally.Singapore also has a fantastic tripartite social dialogue and has many lessons to share with other Asian

Going Hand-in-Hand with Tripartism

countries, such as what the government has gone through to ratify and implement the convention, which requires working across ministries such as MPA and SSA.Ifyouwanttobeaqualityshipownerandaqualityflag,yougottotaketheleadandthatiswhatSingaporehasdone.BybeingthefirstinAsia,SingaporehascreatedagreatpulleffecttobringinotherAsiancountriestoratifyingtheMLCandIwanttocongratulatethegovernmentandsocialpartners.

“We welcome the implementation of the MLC, 2006 as it imposes a minimum standard of decent work for seafarers all over the world, addressing the issues of employment conditions, work and rest hours, accommodation, food, health protection, medical care, repatriation, welfare and social security protection. The maritime tripartite partners here in Singapore have worked in concerted effort towards ensuring that our maritime industry is ready for the MLC coming into force. Whilst the MLC, 2006 provides a minimum standard for seafarers, as unions, we will continue to work with shipping employers to offer employment and wage conditions that are above and beyond what the Convention offers, for our seafarers and members sailing across the world’s oceans.” -MsMaryLiew,　aNominatedMemberofParliamentandExecutiveSecretaryoftheSingaporeMaritimeOfficers’Union

“As a responsible maritime administration, Singapore recognises the essential role that seafarers play in our maritime community. We are glad that seafarers’ welfare and interests will be protected under the MLC. MPA will continue to work closely with our tripartite partners to facilitate the smooth implementation of the MLC and the continued protection of seafarers who provide a service that is essential to world trade and the global economy.” -MrTanSuanJow,Director(Shipping)oftheMaritimeandPortAuthorityofSingapore(MPA)

“Given that there are 185 ILO Member States, complications may well arise as the Convention enters into force across the globe. Nonetheless, I am confident that as we continue working with our tripartite partners, we will be able to address any unexpected hiccups if they arise!” -MrDanielJ.S.Tan,ExecutiveDirectoroftheSingaporeShippingAssociation

Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, with Capt Robin Foo presenting the SPF cheque to Capt S Sandrasekaran M Subramaniam


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High fives to spur each other on

Thisyear’sSMOUannualbowlingchallengesawoneofthehighestnumberofteamshittingthelanes.

Bringingthetripartitepartnersfromthemaritimeindustry;theMaritime&PortAuthorityofSingapore,theSingaporeMaritimeFoundation,YoungNTUC,shippingemployers,SMOUandYoungSMOUmembers,theleisurelygameon13July2013attracted31teamsofmorethan120participantsbowlingitoutatOrchidBowlatDowntownEast.

Theevent’sGuest-of-Honour,MrMichaelElwert,DirectorofGroupStrategy,HR&Support,ThomeShipManagementPteLtd,waspresenttosharetherobusttripartitespirit.

BowLiNG to deeper, stroNGer frieNdships

Individual and team winners of the 8th SMOU Bowling Challenge posing with their prizes in victory

Guest-of-Honour, Mr Michael Elwert (standing), Director of Group Strategy, HR & Support, Thome Ship Management Pte Ltd with the SMOU team

“I’ve been participating in this event for four years now and this gives me a great opportunity to interact with my colleagues outside of our office environment. I also get to see other shipping companies’ staff whom I’ve gotten to know over the past few Bowling Challenges.” -MsChongMingHui,26yearsold,ProcurementExecutive,NYKCarriers.

“This is my first time attending the bowling challenge and I’m glad to meet and network with so many like-minded industry people.” -MrThaniarasuSannasi,YoungSMOUmemberfromthethirdbatchofTNTAcadets,PIL.


SMOUishonouredtohaveadoptedtheHendersonhomesince1991andtakeseveryopportunitytoorganiseoutingsthatwillbenefittheelderly.On31July2013,theseniorswerebroughttoBollywoodVeggies,anorganicfarminKranji,bySMOUofficialstogetherwithstudentsand lecturersfromtheSingaporeMaritimeAcademy(SMA).Thefirst-evercommunityoutreachcollaborationbetweenSMOUandSMAsawatotalof60participantsduringtheouting.

AsSMOUofficials,SMAlecturers,andstudentshelpedtheelderlymovearoundthefarm,theentouragehadtheopportunitytotouch,smellandtastesomeofthevegetables

sowiNG seeds of cAre AMoNG the Youth

SMOU President Captain Robin Foo (extreme right) and SMOU Executive Secretary Ms Mary Liew (second from right) greeting an elderly from Henderson Home.

Young SMOU officials with SMOU President Captain Robin Foo and Executive Secretary Ms Mary Liew, students and lecturers from SMA with the elderly all set to go!

Young SMOU Chairman Terence Tan helping the elderly to pot their plants!

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andfruits,herbsandspices,andmedicinalplants.Therewasafoodmuseumthatchronicledthehistoryoffood,beautifullyillustrated–awell-spenttimeofinteractiveeducationfortheseniors.Theseniors“puttheirhandstotheplow”astheyattemptedtopottheirownplants.

Thevisitroundedupwithahearty lunch,happyresidentsandevenhappierSMAstudentsandYoungSMOUmembers,afterhavingspentafulfillingoutingforagoodcause.Seedsofvolunteerism,whensownongoodsoil,willcertainlyreapgoodfruit.

“This outing is a good chance for me to get away from my studies for a short while, and to relax with the seniors who are kind and open-minded. I hope that Young SMOU can organise more of such activities for SMA students as it will let us learn how to take care of them too.” –MrDuLaiXing,aYoungSMOUmemberfromSMA

“It was a great experience for me as I had the chance to assist the elderly around the farm, and it was very enjoyable. I am very lucky to visit this farm for the very first time, and managed to see a hidden part of Singapore.” –MrJosuaVidoviDebaleyg,aSMAstudentvolunteerfromSMA,ofFijiannationality


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(From L-R) Mr Chua Song Khim, ED NTUC Eldercare, Ms Mary Liew, Executive Secretary, SMOU, Ms Tan Hwee Bin, Chairman, ED NTUC Eldercare, Ms Datin Patricia Lim, Ms Betty Chen, Patron of the Henderson Home and President of the Chinese Women's Association, Ms Indranee Rajah, Senior Minister of State for Law and Education, and Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC, Captain Robin Foo, President, SMOU, His Excellency, Ambassador Waldemar Dubaniowski, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Mrs Helen Tan, Vice Chairman of Henderson Home Management Committee

Recently,SMOUcelebratedwithHendersonHomewhentheyre-openedaftermonthsofrenovationtoimprovetheirfacilitiesandrevitalisetheirinteriors.On2July2013,thespankingnewhomewasunveiledinthepresenceofGuest-of-Honour,MsIndraneeRajah,SeniorMinisterofStateforLawandEducation,andMemberofParliament(MP)forTanjongPagarGRC;MrsBettyChen,PatronoftheHendersonHomeandPresidentoftheChineseWomen’sAssociation(CWA);HisExcellency,AmbassadorWaldemarDubaniowski,DeanoftheDiplomaticCorps;HendersonHomeManagementCommitteemembers;residents,daycareandsenioractivitycentremembers,andSMOUofficialsrepresentedbyPresidentCaptFooandExecutiveSecretaryMsMaryLiew.MsIndraneeRajahcommendedHendersonHomeforitsrelentlessspiritincaringfortheelderly,sinceitsinceptionin1974.

A New LeAse of Life for heNdersoN hoMe

Championing the spirit of caring and sharing has always been at the heart of SMOU. This has been the case with Henderson Home when Capt Robin Foo, President of (SMOU) first volunteered to help at the centre as early as 1991. His passion for the aged led SMOU to adopt Henderson Home that same year and he also became the Chairman of Henderson Home Committee up until today.

Thenewinfrastructureandfacilitiesofthecentrewerebuiltwiththeneedsoftheseniorsinmind,withtheaimofkeepingthemhealthyandhappy.Someoftheimprovedfacilitiesforthehomeincludedwiderdoorwaysforeasieraccessibilityforelderlyonwheelchairs,additionalgrapplebarsandnon-sliptiles,andnewfirealarmsandsprinklersystems.

Formorethantwodecades,SMOUhasstoodinsupportofHendersonHomebyconsistentlyraisingfundsforthem;invitingthemtoLunarNewYearCelebrations,handingoutredpackets,hostinglunchesfortheelderlyandtakingthemonseveralexcursiontrips.“Aftersomanyyearsofsupportingthem,Istillcountitaprivilegethatweareabletocareforourelderlyinthisway,andwewillcontinuetodoso,”saidCaptRobinFoo.


iBiA AwArds four tNtA cAdets

SMOU President Capt Robin Foo (centre), together with the TNTA cadets receiving the IBIA award

Financial capabilities should not be a stumbling block between a keen learner and his studies. With this principle in mind, the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) Bursary Fund was set up in 2009, awarding bursaries to those who are in need of financial support to complete their studies.

For the fifth year running, while holding their annualgolfevent, IBIAcontinued itscorporatestewardshipbychannelingitsfundsraisedtowardsthecauseofmaritimestudentswhoneedfinancialassistance.TheIBIAhelditsGolfChallenge2013inconjunctionwiththeBursaryAwardceremonyon26July2013,at theSeletarCountryClub,wherefourcadetsfromtheTripartiteNauticalTrainingAward(TNTA)programmereceivedachequetotalling$2,000each.TheamountawardedwouldcoverthetuitionfeesforsixmonthsoftheTNTAprogramme.

Theretoreceivetheirawardsatthepresentationceremony,inthepresenceofGuest-of-Honour,CaptMSegar,AssistantChiefExecutive(Operations)MaritimeandPortAuthorityof Singapore; and members of the maritime industry,wereYoungSMOUmembers,MuhamadRedzzaBinE.M.HabeebRahman,MuhammadRiduanBinMohdSidek,MuhammadFadhilBinAbdulSidekAtanandMohdNoorHalifiBinMohamed.

TheseTNTAcadetsweregratefulforthefinancialassistance.Receivingthebursaryliftedthefinancialburdenthatcouldhavebeenabarriertowardscompletingtheirprogramme.Withheartfeltappreciation,MrMuhammadRiduanspokeonbehalfofhisfellowbeneficiariesandthankedIBIAandtheTNTAprogrammefornominatingandgivingthemtheaward.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity given to me and I will definitely cherish the chance for me to complete my studies and go to sea. The help given is very timely.” -MrMuhamadRedzzaBinE.M.HabeebRahman,25yearsold,TNTACadet

Morethan justprovidingfinancialaid, the IBIABursaryAwardspursaspiringcadets to reachfor thestarsandcontributetowardsstrengtheningtheSingaporeancoreinourmaritimeindustry.

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SMOU welcomed unionists from the Federation of Korean Seafarers’ Union (FKSU) and the Korean Special Seafarers’ Union (KSSU) when they came for an exchange programme at SMOU on 26 July 2013.

Alfa Crew Managers Pte Ltd, a global shipping management company engaged in crew management, renewed their commitment as a responsible employer to its staff by sealing its Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with SMOU.

A MeANiNGfuL exchANGe with fKsu/Kssu

cBA with ALfA crew

TheCBAsigningceremonyheldon22July2013at theSMOUofficemarkedagreatdayforSMOUmembersworkingwiththecompany.Signedforaperiodof threeyears,effectivefrom1Aug2013to31July2016,theCBAspellsout termsandbenefitsunionmembersemployedunderAlfaCrewManagersPteLtdwillenjoyandensurethattheirwelfarearetakencareof.

RepresentingAlfaCrewManagersPteLtdatthesigningceremonywas itsCEO,MrBernardTanandManaging

Thevisitprovidedanavenuefortheunionsbetweenthetwocountriestohaveadeeperunderstandingofeachother,exchangeideasandsharetheirviews.TheoutcomefurtherstrengthenedtieswithKSSUandFKSU,whilebuildingsolidarityamongsttheunionsacrosstheregion.

During their visit, SMOU officials from the industrialrelations,nationalandmembershipdivisionssharedwithFKSUandKSSUonissuesrangingfromlatestdevelopmentsintheunion;programmesandbenefitsformembers;majormilestonesachievedovertheyearsandfuturechallengesfacedbythemaritimeindustryacrosstheAsianregion.

Unionistsfrombothcountriesagreedtomaintainstrongtiesandtodrawoneachother’sexperiencesfortheimprovementofseafarers’welfareintheregion.

SMOU officials led by ES Mary Liew together with brothers Mr Park Young-Sam (KSSU), Mr Choi Soon (KSSU) and Mr Lee Sang Hee (FKSU).

Director,MrAndyWang;whileSMOUwasrepresentedby itsPresident,CaptRobinFooandIndustrialRelationsOfficer(IRO),MrTerenceTan.


theIRfile

Youth activists gathered together to spur each other on!

HostedbyITFaffiliateInternationalAssociationofMachinistsandAerospaceWorkers(IAM),theITFSummerSchoolheldfrom24to28June2013attheWilliamWWinpisingerEducationandTechnologyCentre,Maryland,USA,drew40participantsfrom24differentcountries.SMOUwasrepresentedbyYoungSMOUChairman,MrTerenceTan.

Duringtheweek-longsummerschool,youngtransportactivistsfocusedonawiderangeoftopicsrelevanttobuildingandstrengtheningunions.Theylistenedaskeyindustryspeakerstouchoncrucialandrelevanttopics,andhadtheopportunitytolearnanddiscussvitalissueshappeningaroundtheworldthatareaffectingtransportworkers,suchasthecausesofthe internationalfinancialcrisis,powerrelationships intheglobaleconomyandbuildingalliancesbeyondtheworkplace.

Togetherwithotheryoungtransportunionists,MrTerenceTantookacommitmentto increaseyouthparticipation intheunion,and isappreciativeofthewarmhospitalityextendedthroughouttheconference.InsupportoftheITFyoungworkers’programme,SMOUaffirmsthatbuildingadirectrelationshipwithfellowactivistswouldgiveastrongbasisforfutureinternationalsolidarityandaction.

For 14 years, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has been running a summer school that provides opportunities for young activists to get together, network and develop their skills in international campaigns and solidarity. Since it began, the summer school has reached over 500 participants from transport sectors and this year marked the second time the school had run it specifically for youth transport activists.

Celebrating the Day of the Seafarer!

Young SMOU Chairman Terence Tan sharing the discussion outcomes of his group

“The ITF summer school was an eye opening experience for me, meeting different people from different parts of the world, sharing our views and developing our skills to further the cause we believe in. As a young activist, I am motivated and committed to increase youth participation in my union. I appreciate the warm hospitality extended from ITF and IAMAW during my stay. The relationships built with my fellow activists are something I will cherish dearly.”-YoungSMOUChairman,MrTerenceTan


itf suMMer schooL GAthers YouNG trANsport uNioNists

theIRfile

fuNd BriefiNGs for cBA coMpANies SMOU conducts briefings every year to all CBA companies, with the objective of creating greater awareness and to update on all aspects of the various funds.

Overtwoseparateoccasions,SMOUheldbriefingson18and25July2013,reachingouttoatotalof56representativesfrom47shippingcompanies.ThebriefingfocusedonthreefundsthatCBAcompaniesarecontributingtonamely,Seafarers’ProvidentFund (SPF), theSeafarersMedicalScheme(SMS),andtheSingaporeMaritimeTrainingFund(SMTF).Thebriefingprovidedtheopportunity forCBAcompanies’representativestoclarifyanydoubtspertainingtotheusageandcoverageofthefunds.

SMOU IRO Terence Tan (standing) sharing on the stringent checks with representatives from the shipping companies

Afterthebriefing,aQ&Asessionopenedthewaytoclarifyingsomepertinentquestionsthatarehighlightedbelow.

Seafarers’ Provident Fund (SPF)

1. How was the disbursement of the SPF announced?FromSeptembertoOctober2012,circularsweredistributedtoallshippingcompaniesandMastersonboardSMOUCBAvessels.FromNovember2012onwards,thecircularsweresenttoallSPFmembersat their lastknownaddresses.The iSPFwebsitewasupdatedtoprovidevisitorswithinformationonthedisbursement.AfullpageadvertisementwithinformationonSPFwithdrawalispublishedregularlyinSMOU’sbi-monthlynewsletter,Seavoices.Inthefourthquarterof2013,announcementswillbepublishedinmajornewspapersinSingapore,Philippines,India,andChina.

2. Do seafarers have the interest amounts returned to them when they collect their money?

Yes.Allearned interestsarereturnedtogetherwiththeprincipalamount.However,theinterestsarecalculateduptothesecondquarterof2012.

3. What is the processing time for the SPF? ThewithdrawalofSPFhastogothroughsixstringentcheckswhichwilltakeapproximatelyfourmonths.Thesixroundsofchecksaremadeby:•SPFAdministrativeStaff •SPFThrift•SPFAdministrator •SPFFinance•SPFAdvisoryCommittee •ExternalAuditorTheunionaimstoshortentheprocessingtimeevenmore.

4. What if the seafarer has thrown away his old passport? Will he still be able to collect his/her SPF balance?

Itwillbeassessedonacase-by-casebasis.Shouldtheseafarer loseorhasthrownawayhisoldpassport, theAdvisoryCommitteewilldecideonthewithdrawalapplicationbasedonexistingproofofdocuments.

5. What does an SPF member have to produce to withdraw his/her SPF?

AnSPFmemberisrequiredtosendinhis/herrequestforSPFwithdrawalwithhis/herdulycompletedwithdrawalform,acopyofNRIC/Passport(botholdandnew),andacopyoftheSeamenLogBook(s).Ifthememberisbasedoverseas,acopyofthebankbook/statementandtheswiftcodeoftherelevantbankarerequiredtofacilitatepaymentviatelegraphictransfer.Thechargesfortelegraphictransferwillbeimposedbythebankandoffsetfromthepayout.


Mr Larry Chan (standing) from WMI sharing the uptake of cadet training in the region

theIRfile

4. How do we know if the seafarers are utilising the SMS?

ThereareatotalofsevenclinicslocatedaroundPhilippines.Beforetheseafarersignsontothevessel,heorshe isrequiredtosubmit thedetailsof thefourdependantstothemanningagents.Thedetailswillthenbesentbythemanningagentstotheunionforprocessing.Uponapproval,theunionwillforwardthedetailsofthedependantstotheSMSclinics.Onamonthlybasis,theclinicswillconsolidatealltransactionsbeforesendingittotheunionforpayment.

5. What is the criteria in choosing the clinics to carry out the SMS?

TheclinicscouldberecommendedbyCBAcompaniesorlocalunionsintheirowncountries.

Singapore Maritime Training Fund (SMTF)

1. Why is WMI’s Electronic Chart Display & Information Systems (ECDIS) course more expensive as compared to those conducted in Philippines and China?

VeryfewtrainingcentresrunIMOmodelcourse1.27(2012)that isapprovedbymaritimeadministrations.TheECDIScourserunbyWMIisapprovedbytheMaritimeandPortAuthorityofSingapore (MPA).SeveralCBAcompanieshadrequestedforWMItoconduct thiscourseastheyareawareof the incidentssuchasgroundingand“nearmisses”thatarerelatedto improperuseofECDIS. Inanumberofcases,theyalsosenttheirofficerstoSingaporeforthisECDIScourse.Inaidingtheshippingcompanytosavecostsonflyingtheiremployeeshere,WMIbringsthiscoursetotheregionallocationsoutsideSingapore,soastoaddvaluetoourCBAcompanies.Indoingso,WMIabsorbsthecostoftransportationandaccommodationforourtrainerswhileconductingthisrecognisedECDIScourseatoverseasvenues,at thesamepriceas inSingapore.PerhapsafairercomparisonofcoursefeesinPhilippinesshouldbebenchmarkedagainstNorwegianTrainingCentreorIDESS,insteadoftheirlocalinstitutions.Thisisagoodcaseofvaluepropositionversuslowestcost.Yet,weremainmindfuloftheneedsoftheindustryandaddvaluetoourCBAcompanies.

Seafarers Medical Scheme (SMS)

1. Will the SMS be extended to other countries?Theunionislookingintoexpandingthenetworkofclinicsto IndiaandMyanmar.SMOUwillworkwiththeclinicsthatarereputableandhaveanexistingpartnershipwithourCBAcompanies.

2. What happens when the seafarer signs off the ship? Does the SMS coverage stop immediately?

TheobjectiveofSMS is toprotectandprovidemedicalcoveragetothedependantsoftheseafarerswhentheyareoutatseaandtoprovidethemwithapeaceofmindwhileworkingonboardourCBAvessels.Hence,whentheysignofffromthevessel,theSMSbenefitswillbetransferredtotherelievertakingovertherole.

3. Is it possible to extend the scheme by the payment and not by the CBA covered ships?

TheschemeisonlyavailabletocompanieswhohaveCBAwiththeunion.

2. Are our overseas programme approved by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore?

Yes,overseasprogrammesareapprovedandrecognisedbyMPA.But,thereareextracostsincurredbyWMIinsendingthetrainers,whichWMIhasabsorbed, includingairfare,accommodationandtransport.

3. What are the advantages of engaging Wavelink Maritime Institute?

OntheWMIfront, the institutewillensurethatcoursesareconductedinregularintervalsandbasedonSingaporestandards,whicharemuchclosertointernationalstandardscompared to the regional local trainingstandards.Thecoursesareaimedtobeconductedasagroupfor themaritimeindustry,andhencewillbeatareputablestandard.ForindividualcompanieswhowishedtobetrainedbyWMI,a10percentdiscount isofferedtothemontopof thesubsidisedfundingfromtheSingaporeMaritimeTrainingFund.


ceLeBrAtiNG siNGApore’s 48th BirthdAY BAsh It was Singapore’s 48th birthday and SMOU got into the thick of celebration with more than 150 members and their families of all ages singing their all time favourite national day songs, tucking into their favourite food, participating in numerous stage games and more.

membuzz

Heldat theSingaporeFlyeron3August2013, thefun-filledeventhadtheparticipantsroaringwithlaughteratthemagician’santicsandendlessteasing.Thehighlightofthenightwasthespectaculardisplayoffireworkswhichwowedthepatrioticcrowdwhoeagerlywavedtheirmini-nationalflagsandbeamedwithprideatthenation’sachievements.EvenasSMOUholdstheNationalDaycelebrationeveryyear,membersalwayshavesomethingtolookforwardtoeagerlyforanexcitingeveningofpatriotismandloveforSingapore.

Themembersbroughthomememoriesofanunforgettablenightfilledwith humour, heart-warmingmomentsandgratitude.

“Although Singapore is not my home country, I enjoy the peace and harmony it has provided to the people regardless of where they come from. I am happy to celebrate Singapore’s 48th birthday with my family members as well as other SMOU members.” -MrHokeKyaing,SMOUmembersince2008withfamily,attendinghisfirstFamilyConnectionevent

“My mom likes fireworks and since we can enjoy a cool air-conditioned environment with good food, entertainment and watch fireworks, why not?” -MrRichardMokCheeChoong,SMOUmembersince1997

SMOU members waved their Singapore flags in cohesion and celebrated National Day

Children captivated by the magician’s magic tricks!

One of the stage games involved blowing up a balloon on your own!

Everyone enjoyed themselves with the exciting

stage games from the children to the adults!


Receivenewsofourlatestevents!Updateyouremailaddresswithus

[email protected]

Formoreinformation,visitusat

www.smou.org.sg

membuzz

Back by Popular Demand Whenyouthinkoflunarnewyearshopping,goodfoodandgreatcompanionship,thinkofourannualLNYshoppingtrip!!CallingallSMOUmembers!!!

Come January 2014, Let’s get together for the festive season!

Tistheseasontobejolly;tistheseasontolineupyourDecember2013holidayswithSMOUmoviescreeningforfamiliesandfriends!

Coming to you very soon!

Movie screeNiNG

shop tiLL You drop


Subsidiary Companies and Business Divisions

OURVISIONTheNumberOneProfessional,DynamicandGrowingOrganisationForTheMaritimeCommunityAndBeyond.

WMI

Set up by SMOU in 2001 to improve the welfare of seafaring members on board ships covered by the SMOU Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), the Seafarers’ Provident Fund (SPF) was administered and managed by Wavelink Thrift Pte Ltd, and co-managed by NTUC Thrift & Loan. However, NTUC Thrift & Loan had discontinued with the administration and management of the SPF and has since terminated SPF from 1 October 2012 onwards.

Witheffect from1October2012, theSPF isnowgovernedbytheSchemeofAdministrationtoprovideaclearandtransparentmechanismforthedissolutionanddistributionoftheSPFfunds.

Salient Points on SPF Balance Withdrawals:

Submission Period Sevenyearswitheffectfrom1January2013to1December2019.

Submission Requirements MembersarerequiredtosubmittheirrequestforSPFwithdrawalwiththerelevantdocumentations:

1. DulycompletedWithdrawalForm(canbedownloadedfromwww.ispf.org.sg)

2. CopyofNRIC/Passport(botholdandnewones)

3. CopyofSeamanLogBook(s)

4. Indicatemodeofpaymentas:• “Cheque”forpersonalcollectionbymemberswho

arebasedinSingapore.or• “TelegraphicTransfer”formemberswhoarebased

overseas.ItiscompulsorytoprovideacopyoftheBankBook/Statement,clearlyshowingthenameofthebank,member’snameandmember’sbankaccountnumber.

5. ProvidetheSwiftCodeoftheoverseasBankforpaymentviaTelegraphicTransfer.

6. ProvideadditionaldocumentslikeBirth/Death/MarriageCertificateifpayoutistobemadeinthenameofthenominee/beneficiary.

Email: [email protected]

Fax: +6563395436

Post: 75WavelinkThriftPteLtd75JellicoeRoad#02-01WavelinkBuildingSingapore208738

hAve You coLLected Your spf?

Submission channels ThedulycompletedWithdrawalFormandalltherelevantdocumentationmaybesubmittedviatheavailablechannels:

Additional Information 1. ChargesforTelegraphicTransferwillbeimposedbythebankandoffsetfromthepayoutmoney.

2. Anadministrativefeeof2.8%approvedbytheSPFAdvisoryCommitteeshallbedeductedfromtheSPFmoneyduetothememberbeforepayouttothememberorthemember’sproperclaimant.

Contact Details SPFAdministrator@email:[email protected]

No. of Members

Paid

Amount Paid (S$)

989 $2.24m


Visit us at: www.wavelink.com.sg/wmi

TrAiNiNg CAleNdAr

Course Title Date Duration Course Fee

PilotageExemption(LargeVessel)Course&Assessment

OnDemand 5Hrs $2808.75

PilotageExemption(LargeVessel)RenewalAssessment

OnDemand 2.5Hrs $1,472.32

PilotageExemption(SmallVessel)New

OnDemand 1Day $402.32

PilotageExemption(SmallVessel)Refresher


PortLimitTankerMaster(New) OnDemand 1.5Days $621.67

PortLimitTankerMaster(Refresher)


TugMaster(New) OnDemand 3Hrs $880.61

MaritimeResourceManagementCourse(MRM)**

11-13Nov 3Days $909.50

MaritimeResource&BridgeTeamManagementCourse

11-15Nov 5Days $1,605.00

IMOModelCourse1.27(OperationalUseofECDIS)**

21-25Oct09-13Dec

5Days $1,016.50

ShipSimulatorandBridgeTeamwork

13-15Nov 3Days $1,070.00

ShiphandlingCourse 13-15Nov 3Days $1,284.00

ShipSafetyOfficerCourse OnDemand 2Days $642.00

ProficiencyinSecurityAwareness30Sep

11,31Oct0.5Day $160.5

FamiliarisationonOperationalUseofECDIS

21-22Oct09-10Dec

2Days $535.00

SafetyCultureforOptimumSafetyPerformance


SeafarerswithDesignatedSecurityDuties(SDSD)

30Sep11,31Oct

1Day $256.8

Course Title Date Duration Course Fee

ExperiencedTugMaster(Refresher) OnDemand 1.5Hrs $483.64

PassengerFerrySafety(New) OnDemand 1Day $309.23

PassengerFerrySafety(Refresher) OnDemand 4Hrs $241.82

PortLimitSpecialGrade(DeckOfficer)

OnDemand 3Days $471.87

BunkerSurveyingCourse OnDemand 2Days $337.05

OilSpillControl OnDemand 1Day $179.76

IMOModelCourse3.19(ShipSecurityOfficer)**

26-27Nov 2Days $642.00

IMOModelCourse3.20(CompanySecurityOfficer)**

26-28Nov 3Days $963.00

IMOModelCourse3.21(PortFacilitySecurityOfficer)**

08-10Oct10-12Dec

3Days $963.00

ISM&ISPSInternalAuditor** 19-21Nov 3Days $1,284.00

ISMInternalAuditor 19-20Nov 2Days $695.50

ISPSInternalAuditor 20-21Nov 2Days $856.00

DesignatedPersonAshore(DPA)TrainingCourse

1-2Oct

17-18Dec2Days $749.00

MaritimeLabourConvention,2006AwarenessProgramme**

05Sept23Oct

1Day $321.00

FamiliarisationwithShippingTerms&MaritimeJargon


IntroductiontoRiskManagement OnDemand 1Day $272.85

August - October 2013

Maritime Courses

Maritime Introductory Courses

MPA Mandatory Courses

For MPA Mandatory Courses, please contact Mr Kevin Loh Tel:(65)63901651Fax:(65)62951121Email:[email protected]

For registration or enquiries, please contact: Ms Christina Tey Tel:(65)63901648Fax:(65)62951121Email:[email protected]

**MCFsubsidiesavailableforeligiblecandidates

CourseFeesinclusiveof7%GST

WMI


Upcoming OfficersPlus Programme in China and Philippines

October 2013

trAiNiNG cBA coMpANies’ officers iN iNdiAwmI OffIcErSpLuS prOGrammE

For the first time, WMI OfficersPlus Programme embarked on its journey into India at the Euro Tech Maritime Academy, the largest maritime educational institution in that part of the country. This was made possible after much groundwork to find a suitably located and equipped maritime training centre.

ThankstotheeffortsofWMI,some20officerswereabletoenjoyasubsidyofupto$200perofficerandanadditional10percentdiscount.ThroughtheSingaporeMaritimeTrainingFund(SMTF),companieswhohaveCollectiveBargainingAgreements(CBA)withtheunionwereabletoparticipateintheprogramme,thusallowingtrainingsubsidiestobetappedfromthefund.

Thecoursesthatwererunfrom21to28July2013includedMaritimeResourcesManagement (MRM)andElectronicChartDisplay&InformationSystems(ECDIS).Thetrainingprogramme,aimedatenhancingtheskillsandincreasingthecompetencyofofficerswhileworkingonboard,wasmet

withgoodresponsebyCBAcompaniesastheyrecognisedthevalueandqualityofthetraining.Officerswhoattendedthesessionsgainedmuchknowledgeonhowtoadaptquickly todifferentsituations, throughcasestudiesandwereexposedtosimulatorexperience.TheOfficersPlusprogrammeinIndiameetstheneedofpromotingcollectivetraining,educationandupgradingofseafarers.

WithitsfirstsuccessfulprogrammeinIndia,WMIhopestoregularisethetrainingschedulesandcarrythemoutmorefrequentlyforCBAcompaniestomaximisetheirbenefitsfromtheSMTF.

WMI


WMI

seav o i c e s newsletter 26

It’s a talent search of a certain kind – the search for the 6th intake of Tripartite Nautical Training Award (TNTA) cadets has begun.

tNtA BAtch 6 – the seArch is oN

AtvariousvenuesthroughoutSingapore,fourindustrialbriefings,conductedoverthreedays,on31July,13Augustand16August,attractedmorethan130younghopefulSingaporeans.

TheTNTAbriefingswerewellreceivedandserved as a first step for many aspiringseafarerswishingtopursueacareeratsea.Itwasclearbythe lineofquestioningthatinterested applicants were well-informedabouttheseafaringcareer.ThosewhoturneduphadachancetoengagewithpreviousTNTAcadetsandindustryspeakerssuchasCaptStanleySiawfromNSSPL,CaptAnthonyKhoofromPACCandCaptYeowKokKeanfromWMIatthedialoguesessions.

The Singapore Workforce DevelopmentAgency(WDA),SMOUandEmploymentandEmployabilityInstitute(e2i)whoprovidethefundingwhichincludestrainingallowancesandstipendduringtheperiodoftheprogrammemadeitpossibleforthesuccessfulapplicantstobegivenachancetopursueacareer inseafaring.UnderWMI’scapablehands,theTNTA programme will transit safely andefficientlyasthe6thintakeofTNTAcadetsbegintheirjourneytogether. Aspiring seafarers listening in on the

sharing

Capt Stanley Siaw relating to the aspiring seafarers on how tough it might be

Captain Anthony Khoo sharing on the determination needed to be a seafarer

TNTA Cadets Selvakumar and Thani sharing their experiences at sea

“I’ve always wanted to embark on a seafaring career since I was young. I joined the navy after I graduated but realised it was not what I was looking for. This programme presented me the perfect opportunity to pursue my dreams. The briefing also gave me a lot of insights on the industry and I am more than ready to make my dreams come true!”

–MrAlvinderJeetSingh,24

“This programme is a great opportunity for me to embark on a seafaring career. I was inspired to join seafaring when I found myself able to work well with many foreign crew in my previous job. The briefing gave me a chance to ask the right questions and has helped me make the decision to join!”

–MrJackYapKokBua,23



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Lighthouse BistroWebsite

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What’s NEW Fresh Peek, Fresher Pics, Freshest Picks• QuickandEasyuserinterface• Enhanceduserexperience

Lighthouse menu listing (from 38 dishes) and a quick access to the full menu.

Daily deals such as semi-buffet lunch, set meals and happy hour; monthly specials; and additional discounts for union members, NTUC members and Passion card holders.

Connecting with Lighthouse Bistro on Facebook.

A peek into our gallery of events.Easy on-line reservations.

RED October Chilli Crab PastaPairuponeofSingapore’snationaldish,chillicraband Italy’s traditional noodles, and you get thefusionofbothcountries’best inonemeal.Savoursucculentcrabcookedinathicksweet-and-savoury,smooth and eggy tomato-based sauce, served onperfectly al dente pasta. Abandon all notions ofelegant eating and just accept that the sauce willgeteverywhere!

November GRILLSChicken Kebab with RiceTheunmistakablearomaoffreshmarinatedkebabsperfumes the air. Whoever invented the idea ofmarinated meat threaded onto skewers and thengrilled over fire was a culinary genius. The secretspiceused inourchickenkebab impartsanexoticaromasoinvitingthatitwillkeepyouwantingmore.Servedwithfreshvegetablesandwarmfluffyrice,thisisnorun-of-the-millgrill!

December HEATS UPRoast Chicken with Raisin Butter RiceThe classic roast chicken may be very familiar tomany,butdon’tletthisroastedpoultrydishfoolyou.Roastedchickenthisjuicymakesthosewhoeatitgosilent.Theraisinbutterricegoesverywellwiththe chicken andhas that buttery and sweet fruitytastethatisveryappetising.Itreallypacksapunchofflavoursleavingnotracesofleftovers!

75JellicoeRoadWavelinkBuilding#01-00Singapore208738

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