---

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has awarded certificates of competency to the first graduates of its professional training programme for Bunker Cargo Officers.

Chen Chao, Mohamed Riszuan and Shahrizal Mohamad were presented with their certificates by IBIA Chief Executive Ian Adams at the IBIA Asia Forum in Singapore on July 2. The graduates are the first to successfully complete the three-month Bunker Cargo Officer Course, which has been approved by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

The course, which was jointly developed by IBIA's Asia Branch, Wavelink Maritime International (WMI) and bunker industry stakeholders in consultation with the MPA, aims to raise professionalism through recognised industry qualifications.

Commenting on the training programme, Ian Adams said, "IBIA recognises and champions the need to raise the professionalism and competitiveness of the bunkering industry. With the introduction of the Competency-Based Professional Training Programme, we have taken the first step to enhancing employability and the advancement of graduates' careers by establishing this industry-recognised qualification."

Simon Neo, IBIA Asia Branch Executive Committee Chairman, added, "Our graduates should be very proud to be the first to complete the Bunker Cargo Officers' Course. IBIA is delighted that it has paved the way for standards of certification in the bunker industry and we hope to develop this programme for other industry professionals in the future. The sky's the limit."

About Wavelink

Wavelink Maritime Institute Pte Ltd. is a subsidiary of Wavelink Education Group, a partner of Singapore Maritime Officers Union (SMOU) and the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC).

It is an organization dedicated to providing maritime education, training and consultancy services for the local and international maritime and shipping industry.

The company was incorporated under the flagship of SMOU/WAVELINK, with the aim of providing efficient services to the shipping industry and in particular to the Collective Bargaining Agreement companies within SMOU.