University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) The 2006/7 Academic year witnessed the forging of a number of linkages both within and outside the Institute. Among the most noteworthy, was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) on Friday, August 3, 2007 designated to boost programmes in Engineering and Technology education for the mutual benefit of both institutions. The historic signing took place at the CMI’s auditorium to a capacity audience of representatives of UTech, CMI, the Shipping Association of Jamaica, PAJ, MAJ, JEP, Ministers of Youth and Education, Technology, Energy and Commerce and the Ministry of Housing, Transport, Water and Works. The partnership with UTech is consistent with the blue ocean strategic plan chosen by the new administration. This novel strategy is anchored on discovering and exploring untapped markets and on collaborating with other reputable institutions and organizations locally, regionally and internationally. Areas of collaborative ventures between CMI and UTech in the context of the MOU include the validation of some of CMI’s programmes by UTech, the offerings of joint degree programmes by both institutions, collaborative research and technology intiatives, resource sharing, staff development and training and joint hosting of seminars and conferences. The keynote address was delivered by Honourable Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, who welcomed the partnership. De Ruyters Training Institute (Formerly Dutch Caribbean Training Centre) At the Caribbean Shipping Association Conference held in Puerto Rico earlier this year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with the Dutch Caribbean Training Institute (DCTC), in Curacao and De Ruyters Training Institute in Holland. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Caribbean Maritime Institute of Jamaica (CMI); De Ruyters Training & Consultancy (DRTC); and Dutch Caribbean Training Centre, Curacao, is designed to meet the training needs of the regional shipping and allied industries by facilitating professional development and technical assistance. It will also facilitate exchange and transfer of relevant technology and expertise for the development of maritime training and consultancy throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America. Harren & Partners Shipping The CMI has been in partnership with Harren and Partners since 2004 for the placement of cadets on their vessel. The partnership continues to be beneficial to both organizations. Worthy of note is that Harren and Partners have increased their CFS fleet from nine to twelve vessels which have resulted in cadet intake from 18 to 23 in the rotation programme. A major breakthrough that the Institute has made with this company is the hiring of female cadets aboard their vessel. The “Pafilia” vessel now has three cadets, (two engines- male and female and one deck- male). Harren and Partners own and operate over 40 ships with 18 new vessels on order. This company requires over 300 officers over the next five years. Exmar Ship Management Company Exmar Ship Management, the largest ammonia carrier globally, carrying in excess of fifty percent of the global ammonia by sea, and the second largest gas carrier worldwide, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Institute offering us 16 cadets berths onboard their vessels for our Phase II deck and engine students. In addition to a generous stipend package, they will be offering US$3,000 per student for those going back to the Class III programme to offset tuition fees. The Institute is optimistic that other berths will open up as our working relationship with the company improves and as our students continue to be good ambassadors of CMI. Luxury Yacht Company Another major achievement was the partnership established with Luxury Yacht Club group. They have expressed interest in recruiting a number of our cadets and officers to work onboard these vessels. Two officers have already obtained placement with them and they are more than impressed with their performance. Five other officers were interviewed September 07 at the Institute using the video conferencing unit which they have donated to the Institute. Port Managers Association of the Caribbean (PMAC) The Institute has now formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC) for which is their official training and research arm. This covers the Eastern Caribbean ports inclusive of Barbados, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Dominica. The Maritime Authority of Jamaica The MAJ was established under the shipping Act of 1998 with the principal object to pursue the development of shipping and to regulate matters relating to merchant shipping and seafarers. As the maritime administration of the country the MAJ has the responsibility to: a) Administer the registration of ships b) Regulate the certification of seafarers c) Regulate the safety of shipping as regards to the construction of ships, and navigation d) Administer policy for the development of shipping in general e) Inspect ships for the purpose of maritime safety, and prevention of marine pollution f) Establish maritime training and safety standards g) Make enquiries into shipwrecks or other casualties affecting ships. read more... The Port Authority of Jamaica The Port Authority of Jamaica is a statutory corporation established by the Port Authority Act of 1972. It is the principal maritime agency responsible for the regulation and development of Jamaica’s port and shipping industry. The Port Authority is responsible for the safety of all vessels navigating the ports of entry and regulation of the tariffs charged on goods passing through the public wharves. read more... The Shipping Association of Jamaica As a 68-year-old organization, the Shipping Association of Jamaica, (SAJ) has charted the developments in the Maritime Sector in Jamaica since the late 1930s, and has been an active participant in ensuring that Jamaica's Shipping Industry remains competitive and viable for the long haul. With registered offices close to the Port of Kingston, the Association has recorded steady growth in its membership (which now number 73), spanning shipping agents, terminal operators, stevedoring companies, hauliers, NVOCCs, ship owners and operators, and providers of business support services to the Port Community.