SIBU: Sarawak Maritime Academy (SMA) is inviting school leavers and those interested in becoming seafarers to register for June 2016 intake.
According to the marketing and administration staff Yu Chii Siang, SMA offers Diploma in Nautical Studies and Diploma in Marine Engineering.
“Each course is a three-year-course – two years in Sibu and one year overseas,” he said, adding that an applicant must be 16 years old or above; not colour blind; passed medical checkup conducted by medical practitioner approved by Jabatan Laut; pass in Bahasa Malaysia and English in SPM with credit in Mathematics, Science, technical, vocational subject and any one of other subjects.
Loans from Yayasan Sarawak are available for application.
“This career promises attractive salary and it is an opportunity for those who really like traveling because they can see many countries,” he said
Meanwhile, first year student Ling Su Nee, 28, said she enrolled at the academy because of her interest to become a seafarer.
Ling, who has a degree in bio-technology from Unimas, said she had dreamed of having her own cruise to go around the world.
“I dream of going around the world doing charity,” she said.
Ling, a Sibu-born, is doing her diploma in Nautical Studies. She graduated from Unimas in 2010 and had worked after graduation.
When she decided to continue her study, she initially could not get her parents’ approval. Returning to study after leaving school for a period is kind of tough, she confessed.
“Some adjustment must be made. But I am doing fine.”
For Watson Dana Snail who is now doing his diploma in Marine Engineer, there is his dream of becoming a chief engineer one day.
It would take quite a few years to achieve that, but he believes that through his perseverance, he can do it.
“I know I would have a bright future in this career. My mother sacrificed a lot for me and I think to be successful in this is the only way I can repay her,” he said.
Watson, 20, who studied in SMK Tabuan Jaya before, loves traveling around the world.
Meanwhile, SMA has engaged two professionals to teach nautical studies and two professionals to teach marine engineering. SMA’s yearly intake is around 40 students.
Among its facilities are Poseidon Borealis Full Bridge Navigation Simulator, Unitest low speed engine room simulator LER3D, Poseidon Borealis GMDSS/GOC Simulator, computer laboratory, hostel facilities, library, English language laboratory, swimming pool, fire protected-lifeboat housed on a set of gravity davits, engineering workshop, seamanship workshop and smoke house.
For more information, visit SMA at No 2, Upper Lanang Road or visit the website www.sarawakmaritimeacademy.com.