INT’L SCHOOL FOR MARINERS PLANNED IN SUBIC

PhilStar - by RIC SAPNU

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – An international maritime institution based in Kings Point, New York is planning to establish an international maritime school here to boost the training of Filipino seafarers.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Feliciano Salonga said the Global Maritime and Transportation School (GMATS) will be working with the SBMA and three other maritime institutions to set up the proposed Subic International Maritime Institute (SIMI).

Salonga said the Subic maritime school project “will be an important step toward alleviating the shortage of maritime shipboard officers and crew members.”

GMATS, part of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, provides world-class professional education and training programs for mariners and maritime industry professionals.

The school also conducts research studies and offers technical assistance to enhance the safety, security, efficiency and environmental soundness of maritime operations and global transportation systems.

Far from competing with existing maritime schools in the country, Salonga said SIMI will collaborate with them to enhance maritime education and training.