The Malta Maritime Forum has launched a marine induction course, in conjunction with the Malta Maritime Research and Training Centre and the full endorsement of the Transport Malta Ports and Yachting Directorate.

The course is aimed at attracting people already working within the maritime industry as well as prospective employees and is designed for shore-based personnel working at the Port Authority, in ship agency services, as freight forwarding agents, terminal operators and other maritime related service providers.

The learning objectives of this course are to: create awareness to newly employed personnel in the shipping industry for land-based jobs; impart a sense of situational awareness in the candidates so as to reduce accidents; familiarise new candidates with ships and port regulations so as to avoid unnecessary mistakes and to increase efficiency; and familiarise new candidates with a ship’s working procedures and personnel so as to have a better working relationship.

On completion of the course, the candidates will have gained the necessary knowledge in: vessel types, trades and terminology, health and safety on board and in terminals; security and safe movement in ports and ships; legislation; environmental protection; and maintaining an effective working relationship.

To enrol, candidates must be aged 18, be fluent in English and have a sound knowledge of basic mathematics or work experience in the maritime sector.

Due to the amount of contact hours and diversity of subjects a pool of qualified lecturers deliver the course subjects and each professional lecturer dedicates his talents in the relevant areas he feels most confident in.

Marine related subjects are delivered by qualified instructors having a qualification of chief officer or higher. Topics such as fire fighting and first aid are by qualified instructors.

For more information, send an e-mail to admin@mmf.org.mt.