Watch This Video to Learn More About Boarding the Maritime Industry!
There’s an increased interest from employers in the maritime industry in taking on board mid-careerists looking to join their boat (all puns painfully intended).
In 2025, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), in partnership with the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), and supported by the Singapore Shipping Association, launched an enhanced Tripartite Maritime Training Award (TMTA).
The award supports mid-career individuals to acquire the skills and certifications needed to serve as 3rd Officers and 5th Engineers.
The training duration was reduced from 31 months to 22 months. The streamlined programme focuses on core maritime competencies that incorporate greater use of advanced ship simulators for navigational and engineering training, and optimises onboard training to accelerate skills development.
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Monthly training allowances were increased from S$1,200 to S$2,200, with co-funding by MPA, e2i, and SMOU.
As Mary Liew, General Secretary of SMOU, said in a press release on the award, “Seafaring is a demanding yet rewarding profession that plays a vital role in global trade.”
“The enhanced TMTA is a strong example of tripartism at work—where unions, industry, and government come together to equip mid-career individuals with the skills they need for a meaningful and sustainable career at sea.”
“It also provides a second chance for individuals looking to pivot into a new and fulfilling profession!”
The interest in new talent extends beyond mid-careerists to include fresh grads and young workers too, according to a report by the Straits Times.
Companies like Singapore-listed Seatrium are actively seeking young talent as the industry grows more global and technologically demanding.
Seatrium chief executive Chris Ong said: “It is a very exciting time to be in this industry with the energy transition. You are not just dealing with oil and gas, you will be involved in pushing the boundaries of energy transition.”
“(Young) people think they’re joining the yard for construction work. I think that’s a very big misconception.”
Chris emphasised that Singapore needs highly capable and tech-savvy professionals to develop advanced technology and provide strategic foresight, ensuring the country remains competitive and attractive to global energy majors.
If you’re interested in the maritime industry and want to find out what skills are needed to join it, watch this video to learn more!
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