The SBO Maritime Assistant Course level 1 that set out last year September with 14 students was finalized this week. Nine students were able to complete the course of which 6 with diplomas and 3 with certificates. Of the 5 that did not complete the course 1 student was hired by a marine business during the course and 2 decided to look for a higher level of education in the maritime sector.
The course consisted of subjects such as basic mechanics, painting, social skills, English, swimming and sailing. Students went to school for about 1, 5 days per week since the main focus was on practical training in the various marine activities: e.g. maintaining boats, assisting tourists on water taxis and boat trips around the island and helping out at the big marinas.
A lot of persistence and a good professional attitude were asked from the students during this hands-on training, but wonderful opportunities were presented as well. Two students were invited to work on tall ships. Furthermore, four students participated in sailing races on SXM, which resulted in 2 youths winning a STCW95 course. The marine industry has declared to be very happy with the outcome of the course since 10 local youngsters chose to pursue their careers in this sector.
SBDF, this year executing the first block of the course, took care of the mentoring aspect and made it possible that the students could receive their First Aid Certificate and Certificate of Competence, which allows the students to drive dinghies in local waters. Milton Peters College organized the rest of the course and coached the students towards successful completion. MPC will provide a next 1-year Maritime Assistant Course from September onwards. Interested students can register at MPC this week or after August 10. More information about this course or other SBO courses can be obtained at SBO Service Center (5430498 Next to Labor Department/ Above Carl’s &Sons)
For more information please call Saskia Kliphuis 5430498/cell 5549554, Project Manager of SBO Service Center.
