The Australian Maritime College (AMC) has joined forces with two major interstate maritime training providers to raise the profile of seafarer training and support the Federal Government’s shipping policy reform.

 

AMC (Tasmania), Challenger Institute of Technology (WA) and Hunter TAFE (NSW) have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to further strengthen and develop their cooperation in maritime education, training and research.

 

Representatives from the three institutes met at AMC on Friday 13 July to work through details of the agreement, which will have far-reaching benefits for students, the shipping industry, and the Australian government.

 

“This meeting has ushered in a new era of cooperation and a national approach to maritime education and training that spans all levels of vocational and higher education qualification and locations across Australia,” AMC Acting Principal, Professor Neil Bose, said.

 

“The goal now is to meet regularly, implement the actions agreed at this meeting and exchange ideas to promote the best outcomes for maritime students and the industry.”

 

Key points include:

  • A streamlined credit transfer arrangement, allowing students undertaking Australian Maritime Safety Authority accredited courses to move between the three institutes.
  • All vocational units completed at any of the institutes will be applied as credit towards bachelor degrees issued by the University of Tasmania.
  • Sharing of resources – for example, skilled staff or infrastructure located at one institute may be used across common curriculum or in new ventures.
  • Ensuring maritime vocational training and education reaches emerging regional and industry demand.
  • Cooperating with the Maritime Workforce Development Forum, established by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, to address skill areas that are fundamental to building a sustainable domestic maritime industry.

 

Hunter TAFE Institute Director, Phillip Cox, said: “I am particularly proud of not only the Memorandum, which will generate new synergies between our institutions, but also the drive to promote cooperation and effort required to raise the profile of seafarer training, improve compliance and deliver high-quality educational outcomes for maritime workers and ship owners.”

 

Challenger Institute of Technology Director of Maritime Training Services, Mark Gooderham, added: “In Western Australia, demand has expanded from seafarer qualifications to supply skills for the booming off-shore oil and gas industry. For all parties, the intention has been to create a much more flexible, responsive