Emirates International Maritime Academy to establish a world-class offshore safety training centre
Emirates International Maritime Academy (EIMA) has announced that it has recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Malaysia's Sribima Maritime Training Centre (SMTC Global) to establish a world-class offshore safety training centre that will be based within Dubai Maritime City Campus (DMC Campus). The new training facility is poised to strengthen the portfolio of services and maritime courses already offered by EIMA, which focuses on providing a suitable gateway for citizens and residents in the region to enter the maritime field.
Under the agreement, SMTC and EIMA will collaborate towards the establishment and operation of a maritime safety training centre that will underpin the socioeconomic programmes of the UAE and the region. The new facility will offer training in the fields of Emergency Response, Safety Skill and Safety Management and will be on top of the various marine-oriented academic programs already offered by EIMA.
"SMTC Global is a world-renowned organisation in the field of maritime training, particularly in conducting competency-based safety courses for the oil and gas industry. As such, Dubai Maritime City is confident that this partnership will complement our policy of providing high-quality services to all clients within the maritime complex. Moreover, this joint venture will act as a catalyst that will accelerate the growth of the much-needed manpower and skills in the maritime sector and subsequently reinforce Dubai's reputation as a world-class maritime centre," said Capt. Jaafar Sidin, Director of DMC Campus and EIMA.
Capt. Rudy Rijckaert, Chairman, SMTC Global commented: "Through our cooperation with EIMA we aim at introducing a world-class safety training facility within Dubai Maritime City that will cater to the specific requirements of the oil and gas sector. For over 20 years, SMTC has been providing specialised courses to maritime professionals from the US, Canada, Russia, UK, Japan, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia and many other countries. We will work with EIMA to reinforce the image of Dubai as the region’s hug for maritime safety training."
The Emergency Response Training covers a wide range of offshore emergency situations that are discussed in detail in specialised courses. The training includes personal survival techniques, first aid, and fire prevention and fire fighting, among others. The Safety Skill Training offers courses that promote safety skills in driving; rigging and slinging; crane and forklift operation; scaffolding; welding; assessment of substances hazardous to health; abrasive wheels; and HACCP – Code for Catering Personnel, among others. The courses under Safety Skill Training include hazard management; supervising safety; accident investigation; job safety analysis; and permit to work (Applicant and Management). Courses will be offered in different languages including English and Arabic and are set to commence in mid 2009.
EIMA was established by Dubai Maritime City Authority to provide marine-oriented academic programs and open opportunities for individuals to work in the maritime sector by offering certificates in engineering and other fields of maritime navigation. It will be based within DMC Campus, the region's first-of-its-kind maritime educational campus that will accommodate over 1,300 students and will host several world-renowned universities and institutes.
