[EN-SEA] "NYK" Maritime Academy Accept First Students

The NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA), jointly run by NYK and business partner Transnational Diversified Group (TDG), held a pre-boarding ceremony to launch onboard training for the first 116 students enrolled at the academy.

After completing one year onboard training on NYK vessels, students will acquire a seaman's certificate of competency, and be ready to start their careers as officers and engineers.

The ceremony was attended by NYK corporate officer Koichi Akamine, Roberto Delgado, founder and group chairman of TDG, academy staff members and families of the students.

Said Mr Akamine: "I remember the day when I went on board for the first time. You must feel a strong sense of unease as you start to sail the oceans. May you return as better, more knowledgeable seafarers."

The first students enrolled at the academy when it opened in June 2007. They have now completed their three-year academic requirements in line with the educational curriculum defined by NYK.

The academy offers a wide range of maritime programs, including basic classes, training courses using operational simulators and an engine plant, and lectures on preparedness to be senior officers responsible for safe navigation.

As a result of such a refined curriculum, at the nationwide Maritime School Assessment Programme (MSAP) examination, held for students attending merchant vessel seamanship schools in the Philippines, most of the NTMA students were at the top of the class in academic performance.

Eighty-one of the 92 schools throughout the Philippines took part in the MSAP.

After completing three months of basic training on a cadet ship - NYK ocean vessels equipped with classrooms and living facilities, and staffed by specialised instructors - students will do a further nine months of training on NYK vessels, which amounts to a total of one year of onboard training.

Source : HKSG, 17.04.10.