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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has appointed the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) as one of two bodies to be the training service provider of its Enhanced Bunkering Course for Cargo Officers in Singapore.

From 1 July 2012 all new cargo officers will be required to not only be familiar with the requirements of the Singapore Standard on Bunkering (SS 600), but also to have successfully completed the Enhanced Bunkering Course, prior to working independently on board bunker tankers. Existing cargo officers will be required to attend and successfully complete the course by 30 June 2013.

The move is part of MPA’s on-going efforts to enhance cargo officers’ professionalism and competency.

IBIA, along with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), has run a cargo officers’ course since 2009, to enhance cargo officers’ technical knowledge on bunkering related shipboard operations as well as to raise general awareness of maritime security and personal safety.

Trevor Harrison, IBIA’s acting Chief Executive said: “Credit must go to the Regional Manager of IBIA Asia, Kwok Fook Sing, who has invested a great deal of time and effort in devising the course structure and producing its content, as well as liaising with the MPA to ensure that the course fulfils its objectives and meets the MPA’s high standards.”

Kwok Fook Sing commented: “We are pleased to be able to have worked with the MPA in developing this course to members of the bunkering community and we look forward to working with them to achieve their targets for quality standards through the delivery of these courses. I would also like express my personal thanks to MPA especially the officers in the Marine Services Department and Training Standards Department who have provided valuable assistance.”

As well as the enhanced course, IBIA is also providing a one-day Basic Bunkering Course on SS600, which is recognised by MPA.

Both courses currently run at monthly intervals. For more information on both courses please visit: www.ibia.net/content.cfm?page_id=72