Students graduate from maritime academy

By Yolanda Lavata’i 08 February 2019, 12:00AM

A total of 142 students have graduated from the Samoa Shipping Maritime Academy (SSMA).

The graduates were presented with certificates of completition and a selected few with special awards yesterday, witnessed by families and friends in a ceremony held at the E.F.K.S Hall Tupulaga, Sogi. 

Samoa Shipping Corporation Limited Minister Papaliitele Niko Lee Hang gave the key note address and congratulated the 2019 graduates. 

This year a total of $141,500 in funding was given by the Samoa Qualifications Authority, and the Samoa Shipping Maritime Academy for 15 scholarships, tools and refresher courses for school principals and five teachers. Nine students graduated with a Certificate of Achievement in Onnboard Deck Rating and eight graduated with a Certificate of Achievement in Onboard Engine Rating. 

Pia Vaiola collected the top award sponsored by Federal Pacific Insurance for top student for Onboard Deck Rating. While Talalelei Seleni got an award from Samoa Stationary and Books for being the top student for Onboard Engine Rating. 

Ten students were also presented Certificate Level II in Electro Technical Rating while four others received Certicate Level III in Marine Engineering (able-bodied seafarer) and Marine Engineering Store Keeper. 

Four students received Competency Onboard Deck Bosun certificates and another fours received Certificate Level IV in Marine Engineering Class five. The Level IV in Master Class five certificates were awarded to five students. 

The awarding staff certificates from New Zealand Maritime School of Manukau Institute of Technology was awarded to Vaisigano Ioapo for High Voltage Training Management, Sau Schwalger (Certified of Proficiency in charge of medical care onboard ship and Certificate Generic ECDIS Navigation), Pese Tofaeono (Certificate Crowd Management and Certificate of Human Elements Leadership and management), and certificates for both Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, Advanced Fire Fisting and Medical First Aid went to Karl Sakai and Ilalegagana Moananu. 

In an interview 24 year old top engine student Talalelei Seleni from Vaimea he expressed his gratitude for going another step closer to achieving his dreams to become an engineer. 

“I am grateful to our SSMA principal for everything and my family for being my supporters from the beginning of the semester. I hope to continue my studies to become an engineer so that I can help my family and take care of my son,” he added.

By Yolanda Lavata’i 08 February 2019, 12:00AM
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