SMA Overview | SP

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OVERVIEW

Singapore Polytechnic began providing maritime training in Singapore in 1957 when it took over responsibility of navigation classes conducted by the Sailors’ Institution (Connell House, Anson Road). The underlying objective of producing seagoing officers who can operate ships in a competent and safe manner, and who will also acquire the necessary experience and communication skills to become captains in the maritime industry. However, over time the expanse of the training has evolved to include engineering and business aspects.

When the Singapore Maritime Academy was formed on 1 June 2000, it inherited a rich history from its two merged partners, the National Maritime Academy (NMA) which was under the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) at that time and the Department of Maritime Technology and Transportation (MTT). The combined experience of more than 80 years (46 years for MTT and 37 years for NMA) in maritime education and training made SMA an established maritime school from the day of its inception.

SMA offers diploma courses in Marine Engineering, Maritime Business and Nautical Studies as well as a comprehensive range of professional courses such as the CoC and STCW courses for deck and engineering officers. SMA remains at the forefront of Maritime Education and Training through three key thrusts; leveraging on Education Technology, building Staff Capability and strengthening Industry Engagement.

SMA grooms work-ready, life-ready and world-ready individuals to form a caring community of inspired learners committed to serve with mastery. SMA has a team of experienced and dedicated staff, and is supported by sophisticated facilities including a fully-integrated maritime simulation centre and a waterfront training facility. SMA actively reaches out to youths to promote Singapore’s vibrant maritime industry and has groomed many professionals and industry leaders for more than 60 years.

DIRECTOR'S WELCOME

Welcome aboard the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA)

SMA has been proudly contributing towards global maritime education and training since 1957. As Singapore’s premier maritime education and training academy, SMA prepares future talents to be work-ready, life-ready and world-ready.

SMA offers diploma courses in Marine Engineering, Maritime Business and Nautical Studies as well as a comprehensive range of professional courses such as the Certificate of Competency (CoC) and Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) courses for deck and engineering officers. Students in all three of our diploma programmes will have ample opportunity to immerse themselves in the workings of the maritime industry through enhanced internships while they are studying in SMA, so as to prepare them for the workforce.

Our resources range from the Maritime Business Centre that incorporates the IT-based shipping commerce and trading studios, state-of-the-art navigation simulators, a full mission engine room simulator as well as sophisticated electronic and electrical laboratories. SMA's Poly Marina houses our seamanship training centre equipped with a 42-footer “Grand Bank” yacht, fast rescue boats and lifeboats.

Our lecturers bring into the classroom their vast industry experience and technical expertise. SMA has also adopted innovative training solutions in the form of synchronous and asynchronous learning on online platforms as well as virtual reality (VR) technology. Students are given the opportunity to participate in trips such as the Maritime Experiential Learning (MEL) Camp onboard a cruise ship or student exchange programmes to overseas institutions such as those in Japan, South Korea and China.

Partnerships and collaborations also go beyond the school as SMA works closely with industry partners and educational institutions both locally and internationally such as SMTC Global Inc. (SMA-SMTC Safety Training Centre), University of Plymouth in United Kingdom, University of Tasmania in Australia and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology in Japan. Locally, SMA works closely with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) to support the training needs of the industry and to promote maritime careers. SMA also works with industry partners for tailor-made courses as part of SMA’s efforts to upskill Singapore’s maritime workforce.

SMA aims to prepare the next generation workforce in the maritime industry with technical competencies, industry knowledge, overseas exposure and character development through the purposefully-designed curriculum and activities beyond the classroom.

I urge you to come on board as we chart your voyage towards your aspirations.

Capt. Chatur Wahyu
Director, Singapore Maritime Academy