Top Page > Press Release 2016 > Graduation Ceremony Held for 5th Class in "3rd Year Program" for Filipino Seafarers - Anticipating key roles in supporting MOL's safe operation -

Graduation Ceremony Held for 5th Class in "3rd Year Program" for Filipino Seafarers
- Anticipating key roles in supporting MOL's safe operation -

March 10, 2016

MOL Chairman Koichi Muto delivers his address at the graduation ceremony
MOL Chairman Koichi Muto delivers his address at the graduation ceremony

TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Junichiro Ikeda) today announced the graduation of 85 students in the fifth class of the "3rd Year Program," which MOL introduced with the goal of developing crewmembers who will uphold strict safety standards in vessel operation.

The 3rd Year Program targets new seafarers from among third-year students at partner maritime schools in the Philippines. MOL provides education and training at the Magsaysay Institute of Shipping (MIS) (*1), its training center in the Philippines.

On hand for the graduation ceremony were of Executive Director IV of Commission on Higher Education Atty. Julito D. Vitriolo, Ceso IV, First Vice President of Development Bank of the Philippines Mr. Paul D. Lazaro, MOL Chairman Koichi Muto, MOL Senior Managing Executive Officer Masaaki Nemoto, and others.

In his address to the graduates, MOL Chairman Muto said: "Ocean shipping has an important mission - supporting the prosperity of people all over the world with the safe, reliable transport of commodities and products that are indispensable for their daily lives. We welcome you, who are ready to meet the challenges that world will bring. Even as you face rough seas in the future, make full use of the knowledge and skills you have gained here at MIS to maintain a steady course."

MOL Senior Managing Executive Officer Nemoto also addressed the graduates, saying "No matter how detailed your manuals are, or how much advanced technology you have, your vessel is sure to face unexpected threats and even natural disasters. It is your job, in those moments, you draw upon your five human senses, your accumulated experience, and further, the ‘seamanship’ you have mastered here at MIS to overcome any difficulty that comes your way.

The program received accreditation as the equivalent to university-level education under the Academe-Industry Linkage Program (AILP) (*2) promoted by the Philippine government. Selected students will study at the MOL training institute and aboard MOL-operated vessels for the second half of a four-year university curriculum. Graduates of the program will be recruited as MOL crewmembers after training aboard one of 15 training vessels, which were specially equipped with additional cabins for cadets, and MOL-operated vessels. AILP will be extended to MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy (MMMA) (*3) , which is scheduled to open in June 2018, in order to cultivate top-quality seafarers continuously, based on experience and achievements through AILP.

Graduates pose for a photo with guests
Graduates pose for a photo with guests

(*1)Magsaysay Institute of Shipping (MIS)
MIS was jointly established by MOL and Magsaysay Maritime Corporation in 1993. The institute provides various types of practical and theoretical training to prepare students for careers at sea. Since 2007, MIS has contributed to the development and enhancement of maritime education programs, improving students' skills through supplementary lessons, technical support to instructors, and upgrading of maritime curriculum, in collaboration with designated maritime schools in the Philippines.

(*2)Academe-Industry Linkage Program (AILP)
A program to help schools upgrade the education of students and enhance employment opportunities for top-quality students, based on cooperation between academia and industry.

(*3)MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy (MMMA)
Press release on March 9, 2016 "MOL Breaks Ground on New Maritime Academy in Philippines"