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Every successful seafarer has a story shaped by experience, perseverance and the guidance of those who have sailed before them. Recognising this, the SMOU brought together mentors and aspiring seafarers for the SMOU Mentorship Orientation 2026 at Wavelink Maritime Institute on 29 May.
The orientation marked the start of a new mentorship journey for 14 mentees from the Tripartite Maritime Training Award (TMTA) and 10 Young SMOU Mentors. Designed to foster meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, the programme aims to provide aspiring officers with valuable insights and practical guidance as they embark on their careers at sea.
After a lively icebreaker that sparked conversations, SMOU Youth Division Manager Sherry Tan set the tone for the programme, outlining its goals and emphasising the importance of trust, communication, and a shared commitment to growth in every mentor-mentee relationship.
In smaller group discussions, mentees shared their aspirations and ambitions. From navigating life at sea to planning long-term career goals, the discussions gave mentors an opportunity to better understand their mentees’ challenges and hopes, while offering advice drawn from their own experiences.
Facilitated by Mr Larry Chan, SMOU Training & Employability Consultant, the closing discussion addressed the realities of a seafaring career. Mentors shared candid insights into managing expectations, maintaining a strong safety mindset and adapting to unforeseen circumstances, including extended periods away from home due to contract extensions.
Beyond technical competence, the discussion emphasised the importance of resilience, adaptability and continuous learning in an ever-evolving maritime landscape. Participants also explored the value of teamwork and mutual respect when working with multinational crews, both of which are essential for effective shipboard operations.
As the mentees prepare to embark on their maritime careers, they were encouraged to remain focused on their professional development and work towards attaining their Class 1 Certificate of Competency (CoC).
With the support of dedicated mentors and the wider SMOU community, they are well placed to navigate the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities awaiting them at sea.
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