Guiding the Next Generation: YSMOU Shares Seafaring Journeys with Cadets - SeaVoices - Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) Publication

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21 Oct 2024

2 mins

Guiding the Next Generation: YSMOU Shares Seafaring Journeys with Cadets

Young SMOU (YSMOU) reached out to more than 40 cadets from the Diploma in Marine Engineering (DMR) and Diploma in Nautical Studies (DNS) of Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) on 22 August and 21 September, respectively.

During the outreach session with DMR cadets, YSMOU Chairman Dominic Yong raised awareness about the union. He highlighted the benefits of union membership and the role of SMOU in collective bargaining agreements to safeguard seafarers’ welfare. He shared examples of how SMOU addressed grievances related to unpaid wages and workplace compensation.

The cadets also discovered that the union’s care extends beyond seafaring to education and family, with benefits such as education subsidies for seafaring members, social and networking events, training and development workshops, and volunteering opportunities. The outreach session concluded with an invitation to become union members.

YSMOU member 3^rdAssistant Engineer Raphael Tay engaged the cadets with a light-hearted sharing of his seafaring journey, recounting his life at sea and the memorable experiences. The cadets had the opportunity to network with SMOU Vice President 4^th Engineer Siti Nellisa and Raphael, where they were able to seek advice in preparation for their upcoming cadetship.

In the following month, the union outreach with DNS cadets saw SMA Director Captain Chatur Wahyu welcoming the cadets and their parents. The union awareness talk was facilitated by YSMOU manager Sherry Tan, where she introduced the union and how the seafarers can benefit from joining the union as a member.

During the outreach session, YSMOU Committee Member 3rd Officer Nafiz Bin Khairul Anwar shared how SMOU had supported his seafaring journey, including assistance with his sign-off during the Covid-19 pandemic when the world was in lockdown. He also mentioned how the union’s events helped him expand his network by connecting with other seafarers.

Sherry Tan (far left) and Nafiz Bin Khairul Anwar (far right), presenting a token of appreciation to SMA for providing the opportunity for the outreach

SMOU is always committed and resolute towards building a better future for our seafarers, ensuring you get the support needed in your seafaring journey.

Seafarers interested in joining the SMOU membership can apply through this link—click here.

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