Media Release Articles

Shorter Training Duration with Stronger Training Outcomes

2. First established in 2009 by SMOU, the TMTA supports mid-career individuals to acquire the skills and certifications needed to serve as 3rd Officers and 5th Engineers. Under the enhanced TMTA, the training duration will be reduced from 31 months to 22 months. High training standards will be maintained through a more streamlined curriculum that strengthens core maritime competencies, incorporates greater use of advanced ship simulators for both navigational and engineering training, and optimises onboard training to accelerate skills development.   

3. To provide better financial support during the training phase, monthly training allowances will be increased from S$1,200 to S$2,200, with co-funding by MPA, e2i, and SMOU.

Commitment to Workforce Development

6. A Memorandum of Understanding to enhance the TMTA will be signed on 25 March 2025 with SMOU, e2i, and SSG. The signing will be witnessed by Mr Stephen Cotton, International Transport Workers’ Federation General Secretary, Ms Caroline Yang, Singapore Shipping Association President, and Mr Thomas Tay, Wavelink Co-operative Ltd Chairman. As part of the collaboration, government agencies, SMOU, and industry will commit S$8.5 million over the next three years to support the TMTA’s enhanced training programme.  

7. Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said, “A career in seafaring is meaningful and rewarding. Seafarers enable seaborne trade which is integral to the growth of economies. We are committed to working with our partners to grow a strong local seafaring workforce. The enhanced Tripartite Maritime Training Award provides mid-career individuals with the skills and financial support to make a successful transition into a rewarding maritime career at sea, which will thereafter also open many pathways to careers ashore.”  

8. Ms Mary Liew, General Secretary of SMOU, said, “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. Through close collaboration with our tripartite partners, we continue to strengthen the maritime workforce and ensure that seafaring remains an attractive career choice. SMOU remains committed to nurturing and upskilling seafarers, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with a life at sea, while building a strong Singapore Core in the maritime industry.”

9. Ms Caryn Lim, Chief Executive Officer of e2i, added, "Seafaring is a vital profession that keeps Singapore’s maritime trade moving and our economy connected to the world. The enhanced TMTA programme opens doors for mid-career individuals to embark on this meaningful path, equipping them with the skills and support to succeed. At NTUC's e2i, we believe that every worker should have access to good jobs with strong career prospects, and we are proud to support this effort through tripartite collaboration to build a resilient and skilled local maritime workforce."

10. Mr Tan Kok Yam, Chief Executive of SSG, said, “With a shorter and more streamlined training curriculum, aspiring seafarers can now look forward to an accelerated and well-supported career pathway in the maritime industry. SSG is committed in providing our fullest support to this enhanced TMTA programme, and will continue to work closely with MPA and our other partners to build talent pipeline and a resilient Singapore maritime workforce.”