MMRTC Coop Ltd, run by the Malta Maritime Pilots, announced a €3 million investment in a new maritime training facility in Ħal Far. The new centre, branded as MaritimeMT, will offer a new holistic approach that targets all the maritime sectors and will include both seafarers and shore-based personnel.

The addition of new courses to the current ones offered by the MaritimeMT training centre will create new opportunities for individuals seeking a maritime career. MaritimeMT will provide accredited courses that serve the global maritime industry. These include cruise ships, superyachts, merchant shipping as well as the shore-based side of the industry.

The courses meet the competency standards of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Accredited by Transport Malta and DNV-GL, MaritimeMT will also offer ship-handling training on its state-of-the-art DNV-certified Full Mission Bridge Simulators complete with ARPA & ECDIS systems.

“The maritime sector is vital for the Maltese economy and its contribution to GDP will soon reach 14 per cent,” Chief Pilot Captain Jesmond Mifsud said.

“The maritime sector means investment employment opportunities. MaritimeMT will provide the necessary training for existing mariners and individuals aspiring to work in the maritime sector.

“The Maltese Maritime Pilots’ philosophy has always been to work hand-in-hand with all those involved in the sector, with the aim of furthering excellence.”

Construction work on the new training facility in Ħal Far has already started and the new facilities are planned to be ready by the beginning of 2019.