Who Are We?
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The SARAWAK MARITIME ACADEMY (SMA) SDN. BHD is part of the SHIN YANG Group of Companies, was established to cater for the critical need of having an internationally accredited maritime training institution able to provide on-site pre-sea and diploma courses for Malaysian youths, particularly those located in Sarawak and Sabah. We are conducting the two courses namely Diploma in Nautical Studies (DNS) and Diploma in Marine Engineering (DME) on their behalf. It endeavours to nurture, train, guide and prepare qualified Malaysian youths to venture into a seagoing career as competent Nautical (Deck) or Marine Engineer Officers serving on board the foreign-going (Unlimited Trade) vessels.
What Do We Do?
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The DNS Course entails a two-year study period at the SMA followed by a 1-year sea-service to be performed on board ships. During the sea-service the Cadet is expected to complete an assigned project as well as undertake all tasks listed in his/her "Training Record Book" tasks.
Upon completion of the sea-service period, the Cadet will submit his project for assessment by the SMA as well as appear at an Orals Examination conducted by the Marine Department Peninsular Malaysia.
Should he/she be successful, a Diploma in Nautical Studies will be awarded and a Certificate of Competency (CoC) as an Officer-in-charge of a Navigational Watch by the Marine Department. This will enable the officer to serve as Third or Second Mate on board vessels plying the unlimited voyages (foreign-going) trade.
The DME Course requires the Cadet to follow a 2-year study period at the SMA followed by a 6-months apprenticeship training at a shipyard and another 6 months sea-service on board foreign-going vessels.
Upon completion of the requisite sea-service period, the Cadet will submit to SMA his/her project paper as well as evidence of satisfactory completion of all the tasks listed in the "Training Record Book". He/she will also appear for an Orals Examination conducted by the Marine Department.
Should he/she be successful, a Diploma in Marine Engineering will be awarded and a Certificate of Competency (CoC) as an Officer-in-charge of an Engineering Watch by the Marine Department. This will enable the officer to serve as Forth or Third Engineers on board vessels plying the unlimited voyages (foreign-going) trade.
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Where Are We Located?
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The Academy is appropriately located right beside the mighty Rejang River in the town of Sibu, Sarawak. In cognisance of the globally well-known shipbuilding and ship-repair expertise and facilities available in Sibu, the Shin Yang Group of Companies decided to establish the SMA along Upper Lanang Road, a mere 3 km. from the town centre. It is envisaged that locating the Academy within the environs of an industry closely associated with ships will provide an impetus for the future seagoing officers to strive for excellence in their studies at the Academy.
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Why The Need For SMA?
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Studies conducted by the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) indicated that, currently, almost 50% of officers and crew serving on board Malaysian-registered ships are foreigners. The dire need for Malaysians to replace these foreign nationals, especially within the officers ranks is, indeed, crucial, not only for commercial and economical reasons, but, also for strategic purposes.
The existence of a maritime academy in Melaka could not ameliorate the scarcity of Malaysian officers, more so in terms of employing those from Sarawak and/or Sabah.
As such, with the establishment of the Sarawak Maritime Academy located in Sibu, it is hoped that more youths from these 2 states would be keen to venture into a seagoing career. It is also envisaged that the many shipping companies located in Sarawak and Sabah would now source their future Malaysian officers from the SMA rather than having to look for foreigners.