Large cohort of Egyptian seafarers graduate

Milestone for training institute

EGYPT: A group of 447 students graduated on Sunday at a ceremony at the Port Training Institute (PTI) in Alexandria, Egypt, marking the 44^th cohort of Basic Studies for Seafarers to successfully complete the training.

Students were also able to participate in a maritime job fair held on the sidelines of the ceremony where they engaged with maritime companies offering opportunities for further training as well as employment.

Authorised by the Egyptian Maritime Authority, PTI’s Basic Studies for Seafarers program, allows graduates to obtain their maritime passports.

The Institute provides comprehensive training in various maritime and engineering specialties, including navigation principles, use of navigation equipment, maritime arts, rope work, cargo shipping, container handling, types of engines, diesel engines, pumps, electrical circuits, and practical ship handling.

Students can also take specialised courses in maritime English language to enhance their professional qualifications.

Speaking at the ceremony, which was attended by a number of dignitaries, Prof Alaa Mahmoud Morsy, Dean of Port Training Institute emphasised the importance of the institution’s efforts to strengthen skills to help graduates in the job market.

He highlighted how training in personal interview techniques and the acquiring of important behavioural skills would give graduates an advantage when leaving the academy.

Graduates also participate in community programs such as the "By Fisher To Fisher" project in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment.

Morsy also announced that the Institute, as the training arm of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport and the Egyptian Ministry of Transport, has become a regional centre for the Union of Mediterranean Ports and a centre of excellence for the Middle East and Africa, in cooperation with the Port of Antwerp in Belgium and the Shandong University of Technology in the People's Republic of China.

During his speech, Prof Dr Ismail Abd El Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, commended the students on their efforts and noted the Academy’s efforts to prepare qualified maritime personnel to meet the needs of both local and international labour markets, in line with Egypt's vision to become a global hub for commerce and maritime transport.

He also lauded the PTI’s efforts to prepare students to work aboard various types of ships, ensuring their ability to handle all situations and conditions efficiently and professionally.

The Academy has also introduced a Qualification for Employment programme aimed at rehabilitating youth for the job market, in collaboration with companies such as the Suez Canal Container Terminal and Ban Marine.