MONROVIA – The Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) is now offering an associate degree in Marine Science for students interested in the marine sector.
By Edwin G. Genoway, Jr. (Tel: +231886457910, Email: [email protected])
The Associate Degree program has been recently added to the LMTI Curriculum, aiming to meet the mandatory minimum requirements for knowledge, understanding, and proficiency in Table A-III/1 of STCW 2010 for functions such as Marine Engineering, Electrical, Electronic and Control Engineering Maintenance and Repair at the Operational Level, Controlling the Operation of the Ship, and Care for Persons on Board at the Operational Level.
LMTI has also disclosed plans to offer an MEO Class-3 Preparatory Course for future Marine Engineer Officers, a 6-month program to be conducted for the first time in Liberia. Making the announcement at a program marking the graduation exercise of cadets from LMTI, the General Manager of LMTI, Tal Hendler, said the program would not only benefit Liberia but also extend to the larger region.
“Before I take my seat, I would like to inform all of our distinguished guests that LMTI is planning to offer a Marine Engineer Officer Program (MEO Class-3),” he stated.
Marine Engineering Officers inspect ships and machinery to determine compliance with maintenance standards and/or the extent and nature of repairs required.
On Thursday, May 16th, at its campus in Marshall, Margibi County, LMTI graduated twenty-four cadets, including two females, from its two-year program.
The graduation ceremony was marked by scenes of ecstatic cadets. Wrapped in smiles, the graduates expressed joy by visibly hugging family members and well-wishers in manners reflecting their enthusiasm.
For the graduates, this was more than just a ceremony; it was a recognition of their achievement. They were leaving the country’s premier Maritime Academy after acquiring top-notch training.
Their sense of fulfillment was evident as they took their seats in the ceremony hall.
“Being a graduate of this prestigious institution is an honor I cherish,” said Sarah Favor Towieh, who served as Commander of the cadets, adding, “This moment will remain etched in my mind forever.”
According to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., the graduation aligns with his administration’s desire to ensure Liberians obtain the skills needed to compete in the job market.
“By pursuing studies at this prestigious institution, you are genuinely placing yourself on an enviable track of human resource development.”
“You are not just cadets; you are graduates who are going to be amongst those shining stars that help the name of Liberia illuminate so brightly in the comity of nations.”
President Boakai further applauded the cadets, saying, “It is not just your family who is proud of you; the government and people of Liberia are honestly proud of the feat you have achieved here today.”
“Go out there and raise the flag of Liberia so high,” President Boakai added, while admonishing the graduates to do their very best.
Liberia Maritime Authority Commissioner Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe praised the graduates for diligently putting in their time and efforts to develop their chosen careers.
“You have chosen an enviable career pathway, and we are all here to cheer you on to success,” Commissioner Lighe said, visibly pleased.
“By acquiring these skills and knowledge, you are setting yourselves apart in a profoundly special way as great sons and daughters of this nation,” Commissioner Lighe enthused.
He also commended the exceptional partnership between the Liberian government and LISCR.
“This partnership is steeped in the vision of making the maritime sector of Liberia a bastion of growth, productivity, and human resource development,” Commissioner Lighe emphasized.
The Chairman of the Liberia Maritime Training Institute, Mr. Abraham Avi Zaidenberg, revealed that the graduation of the 24 cadets further demonstrated LMTI’s determination to become a cradle of maritime education.
“While we continue to celebrate moments like these, we will continue to explore innovative ways to enhance this institution’s growth,” Zaidenberg asserted.
“We will not rest on our laurels. We will continue to work hard to produce men and women who will make this nation proud,” Zaidenberg assured.
In his remarks, General Manager of LMTI, Mr. Tal Hendler, applauded the graduates for successfully completing their training at the Institution.
“You have made it today because of your grit and determination,” Hendler noted.
“We are extremely confident that you will go out there and make us even prouder,” he added.
“These cadets are going to do their best and achieve the success they desire because we have professionals committed to their duties,” Hendler concluded.
The cadets will now proceed with their training onboard vessels or seek onshore jobs.
