MOL Acquires Competence Management System (CMS) Certification from DNV
- Recognizes Effectiveness of MOL's Independent Seafarer Education and Training Management Program -

April 16, 2012

TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President: Koichi Muto) today announced the certification of its own seafarer education and training program by Oslo-based Det Norske Veritas (DNV). The MOL Rank Skill Training and Evaluation Program (MOL RankSTEP) received DNV certification for compliance with the Competence Management System (CMS) on April 13. CMS is a management system that improves education programs by identifying gaps between the skills seafarers currently possess and the qualifications needed to fulfill the corporate philosophy.

The program also complies with Society of International Gas Tanker & Terminal Operator Ltd (SIGTTO*1) and Tanker Officer Training Standard (TOTS*2) requirements. MOL adopted the MOL RankSTEP Program in 2007.

The introduction of CMS will help MOL will identify problems after determining gaps between skills required of seafarers in previous program and those currently needed, ensuring ongoing improvement of MOL RankSTEP.

MOL strives to training of seafarers who will help it become "the world leader in safe operation" by continually reviewing and operating its seafarer education program.

MOL RankSTEP establishes MOL seafarer skill requirements by position, which unifies skills to be acquired, acquisition methods, and evaluation methods for different types of jobs.

(*1)SIGTTO
SIGTTO engages in dialogue to promote the safety of the entire business from LNG and LPG production and transport to consumption, and sets forth international SIGTTO Standards for LNG seafarer training, etc.

(*2)TOTS
TOTS sets standards for onboard and land-based training for tanker officers under the
International Association of Independent Tanker Owners INTERTANKO, with the aim of improving skill levels.

Det Norske Veritas Project Execution Manager Christopher Hoo (left)
and MOL Senior Managing Executive Officer Soichi Hiratsuka