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Hong Kong's first free study centre dedicated to the provision of professional training and learning facilities for seafarers - the Hong Kong Seamen's Union (HKSU)'s Study Centre, formally opened today (October 28).
Located at A4, 2/F, United Court, 37G Jordon Road, the centre is equipped with computer software on ship safety and over 1,000 books. Seafarers are most welcome to make use of the centre.
A key part of Maritime Awareness Week (MAW), the opening ceremony for the study centre was held at the HKSU.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of Marine, Mr Roger Tupper, said that the centre would achieve two purposes. Firstly, local students could study there towards their seafaring examinations and secondly, active seafarers or other marine professionals would be able to access the latest information on the maritime industry.
Mr Tupper said, "The nature of the sea-going profession does not permit all candidates to come back at the same time and study for their certificates of competencies. In view of this, the Hong Kong Seamen's Union and Hong Kong Shipowners Association have joined hands to organise small classes and short tutorial classes for these candidates. The study centre will play an important role in addressing a looming shortage of seafaring professionals."
The Chairman of the Hong Kong Seamen's Union, Captain Li Chi-wai, said that about 140 graduates from the Maritime Services Training Institute (MSTI) had become cadets on ocean-going vessels in recent years. Additionally, seafarers working on different types of ships and high speed craft plying between Hong Kong and Macau needed to take part in various examinations. He believed that with the support of the Government and maritime industry, the study centre would provide a valuable service in training local maritime professionals.
The study centre comprises a lecture room, study room and library, adding up to an area of 150 square metres. The centre is designed for the use of up to 20 people at any one time and its library has a collection of over 200 types of books, covering engineering to nautical fields. In addition, the library houses publications of the International Maritime Organization, training videos, training manuals and charts. In order to help establish this centre, the Government has set aside $1 million for the procurement of information materials.
MAW is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council and Hong Kong Shipowners Association. The event, which takes place from October 25 to 31, aims to promote career opportunities in the maritime industry for young people, as well as to mark Hong Kong's commitment to the International Maritime Organization's "Year of the Seafarer". For more information, please visit www.maritimeawarenessweek.org.hk/.
Ends/Thursday, October 28, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:56
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