The Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) has assured its aspiring students that there are job opportunities on foreign shipping companies.

On this note, the Academy has encouraged its students they must work hard, sacrifice and pursue higher education in the maritime field of studies.

FMA chief executive officer, Captain Suren Gurusinghe said the goal of the Academy is to  become one of the finest maritime training institutions in the world – renowned not only for its world class training quality but also for providing the best employment opportunity to its students on the world stage.

Last week, the FMA advertised its courses in the Fiji Sun, encouraging students to apply.

Speaking from experience, Captain Gurusinghe who was employed with Wilhelmsen Ship Management in Norway for nearly 25 years and specialised on oil, chemical and gas tankers said that there is a global demand for seafarers.

He said our local graduates have the opportunity to also try out foreign vessels as the packages are very good.

This means that there is always a job opportunity for those who complete the training programmes.

Captain Gurusinghe said with the updated curriculum and improved learning resources for the students, the Academy is sure to produce competent students who will compete in the global market.

With support from the CINEC Campus that is an internationally-respected institution and their expertise and input into FNU’s programme, he said they will greatly improve the quality and standards of our maritime training courses.

The Academy will also help secure berths on ships for recruits following the navigation and marine engineering cadet training programmes.

“We are here to groom these students to be competent in their field of work so that they become marketable not only locally but on foreign vessels.

“Gone are the days when seafaring was labeled a negative profession. These days while you are out at sea, you can still contact your family via the internet and phone. It is more like your home on the ship away from home.”

“As a captain on these foreign vessels, nobody calls you from the office to check on you but you are still in touch with your family and at the end of the day, you will be getting paid like a film star.

“What I’m saying is that on an average today, on a normal ship, a captain’s salary for a month is about $US12,000 minimum, second mate gets about $US4000-5000, for a chief mate, he gets about $US8000 and above, especially on tankers.

“We trying to promote to these students to work hard and try to reach that goal. All they have to do is get that qualification and apply to other countries that are offering jobs.

“We can’t wait for the government to do everything – be qualified, the job is out there,” he added.