SOLOMON Islands seafarers are assured of job opportunities in international vessels by the national government through the auspices of the newly launched Maritime Labor Mobility and Shipping Registry National Roadmap Policy.
The policy was launched at the Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel in Honiara on Wednesday.
Minister for Infrastructure and Development (MID), who is responsible for maritime and shipping services in the country, Manasseh Maelanga stated that Solomon Islands has reached a time to explore a labor mobility scheme for its citizens in the international maritime industry.
“We have reached the time to consider maritime development opportunities at the international level and make Solomon Islands maritime truly international.
“We want to open international employment opportunities that attract more maritime operators and our registry.
“This initiative is to be a joint effort among key ministries with our development partners, Maritime Authority Solomon Islands (SIMA) and Solomon Islands National University with our maritime industry and international maritime operators in Solomon Islands.
“We are adamant to pursue this collaboration and therefore, I invite you to carefully consider this new policy as it marks the significant opening of our maritime sector,” Minister Maelanga said.
As per initiative 1.1 of the Government of National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT’s) Policy, the government will upgrade the Maritime College at SINU to train local students to be internationally-recognized seafarers to fill up the labor mobility scheme.
“This policy marks a pivotal moment as we embrace a future that prioritizes maritime safety, blue sustainability, environmental cleanliness and digital innovation,” Minister Maelanga said.
This policy bridges the most recent advancement in the maritime industry.
Minister Maelanga said over the past four years, government initiatives have been driven by resilient commitment to enhancing the objectives and environment sustainability of transport services across the country.
“We have been dedicated to creating a maritime future in collaboration with all stakeholders to shape a robust and forward-thinking maritime sector,” he further added.
By adopting those goals, the government is positioning Solomon Islands at the forefront of maritime focus, ensuring that its sea transport sector remains dynamic, efficient and align with global standards and expectations.
SINU Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau welcomed the initiative for the Maritime College to be upgraded to train students to be internationally-recognized seafarers.
He also expressed delight about the “Maritime Labor Mobility and Shipping Registry National Roadmap Policy.”
Dr Aqorau said he was excited about this new policy because it is in line with his view, adding that policy will definitely make things happen.
This is good news for students undertaking Maritime courses at SINU and young Solomon Islanders who dream of becoming a seafarer because the national government has developed a policy that will enable local seafarers to take up job opportunities abroad.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
