Graduation of TNTA 18th Cohort! - SeaVoices - Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) Publication

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10 Nov 2020

3 mins

Graduation of TNTA 18th Cohort!

It was a momentous occasion for 13 graduating cadets from Tripartite Nautical Training Award (TNTA) Cohort 18 on 9 October. Traditionally, the TNTA graduation event is packed with loved ones, representatives from shipping companies and officials, happy to witness this rite of passage for the graduating cadets. This year has been an unusual year for the 18^th cohort of TNTA. Not only was learning moved to home based learning, even the graduation ceremony was scaled down with social distancing measures in place.

Prior to the graduation ceremony, cadets attended the Shipboard Mental Health programme conducted by Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI) lecturer Dr Priscilla Leong. The programme was sponsored by SMOU to help prepare the cadets mentally to understand the stresses that they will experience at sea and the possible coping techniques to manage their mental health. It is useful especially with the ongoing pandemic since some seafarers may end up being out at sea for prolonged periods.

Graduating cadets were presented with their Pre-Sea Graduation Scrolls by WMI Lecturer Capt Mohd Razid Bin Mohd Azahari.

The graduation ceremony concluded with Cohort 18 Class President, Deck Cadet Muhammad Noor Hilmy Bin Surya Dinata, encouraging his cohort mates, “Being a part of this course has not only prepared us academically but it also taught us the importance and value of teamwork, honesty, integrity and self-confidence. Let’s continue to keep a lookout for each other and together we can achieve the dreams and goals we have charted!”

In his graduation speech, on behalf of the graduating cohort, he thanked WMI lecturers, SMOU and fellow cohort mates, who played an important role in shaping their future career in seafaring. He also thanked the tripartite partners and the shipping companies for giving them a chance to pursue their passion.

TNTA Cohort 18 cadet Jill Tan, employed by CMA CGM was awarded the most Outstanding Cadet Award. Jill had always wanted to join a career that is unique. She learned that the maritime industry has good career prospects and being a seafarer could satisfy her quest for adventures and challenges. “WMI has prepared us well for the next phase. I am excited to prepare for the upcoming challenges and I look forward to making a difference in the maritime industry.”

TNTA Cohort 18 cadet Muhammad Khairin Bin Zakaria, employed by Pacific International Lines, shared that “the past six months had allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the maritime industry and life onboard the vessels. I look forward to the next phase where I get to continue with my training onboard the employer’s ship.”