MPA makes enhancements to manpower schemes & maritime welfare fees

SINGAPORE: The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore will be raising its co—funding support for three manpower schemes by 20 per cent.

They are Training@MaritimeSingapore, Talent@MaritimeSingapore and InvestManpower@MaritimeSingapore.

Co—funding support for the schemes will be increased from the current 50 per cent to 70 per cent and will take effect from October 2012 for a period of three years.

The increased co—funding support is expected to cost MPA S$2 million a year.

And to reduce overall operating costs and provide a pro—business environment for maritime businesses, MPA will also exempt vessels with a port stay of not more than five days, from the payment of Maritime Welfare Fees.

This initiative will take effect on 1 October 2012 for a period of five years and is expected to cost MPA an estimated S$7 million a year.

These announcements were made by Minister for Transport, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, at the Singapore Shipping Association’s 27th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

In addition, the Training@MaritimeSingapore scheme will also be extended to include non—maritime employees and displaced maritime executives who wish to attend maritime—related certifiable programmes.

The move aims to encourage more mid—career personnel to position themselves for a career in the maritime industry.

— CNA/ck