The Management of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Ghana has appealed to the International Maritime Organization to assist the University to acquire a training vessel and a full-mission bridge simulator to expose the students to hands-on practical.
The training vessel will offer opportunities to acquire the requisite sea time after their undergraduate programmes to enable them pursue the certificate of competency courses.
Professor Elvis Nyarko, the Vice Chancellor of the University, made the appeal to Mr Kitack Lim, the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, during his visit to the University recently.
Mr Lim inspected a 96-man Guard of Honour and toured the University’s facilities to acquaint himself with the operations of the school.
The Vice Chancellor said the University in collaboration with Bernhard Shulte Shipping Management was providing ship-board training for the school’s cadet, adding that there were about 400 students on board their ships all over the world.
He said IMO in the late 1970s set up a system that continuously supply well-trained and qualified marine personnel to operate the regional merchant and fishing fleets of the region, in a quest to support the development of the maritime sector of the West and Central Africa.
Prof Nyarko said IMO provided assistance through the United Nations Development Programme to initiate the process of regionalization of the maritime education and training institutions of West and Central Africa.
Touching on the contributions of the RMU, the Vice Chancellor said the University was the first tertiary institution of choice in advanced maritime education and training, research and consultancy in West and Central African region.
He said the University provided specialized training programmes for the Ghana Navy as well as safety courses for the offshore oil and gas industry and aviation industries.
Responding, Mr Lim expressed IMO commitment to support and adapt global standards for safety and environmental protection, security, and efficiency for shipping and the maritime industry, and as well provide a level playing ground for all member states.
He commended government for its planned strategy to develop the University to meet international standards.
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