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.