10 November 2021 Apia Samoa. This morning saw the commencement of a training program for seafarers and port engineers of the Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC) held at the National University of Samoa’s Maritime Computer Lab at Mulinuu.
The focus of the training is to upskill seafarers to use modern technology to scan and upload data in order to keep information safe and protected.
Chief Executive Officer of SSC, Leiataua Captain Samuel Phineas attended to officially open the programme and started with leading the group in prayer. He welcomed his staff members from various vessels and stressed the importance of being upskilled.
In an interview with Samoa Global News, Leiataua said the purpose is to encourage those who have the skills and ability to work on ships to expand their knowledge of current technology, and learn ways to work more efficiently.
The program was based on an identified skill shortage within the organisation, and Leiataua said the SSC’s partnership with the School of Maritime has allowed them to conduct the training in a fully equipped computer lab. He said the trainers are internally sourced, and the qualified trainers are from the IT and communications teams of SSC.
The three day training will be run by SSC IT Support Officer Seumanu Lave Iatua, Senior Communications Officer Jasmine Iose, and Training Development Officers, Simeti Solomona and Adi Tamanikaiyaroi.
Leiataua said written data was no longer the best practice used on vessels, and the course aims to upskill seafarers on the Samoa Shipping Corporation’s current IT systems so vessels can send information to head office more efficiently and effectively.
“Records and data can be damaged by prolonged or wet storage, and this can corrupt important records that need to be kept secure. This will teach our seafarers to effectively save data in the workplace..
“SSC values accurate reporting and by this training, we hope to move the staff to use technology for quick scanning, storage and retrieval of data,” said the CEO.
One of the trainers of the program, Jasmine Iose, said it was important to not leave anyone behind in terms of the continuous advances in technology.
“This course will allow all seafarers and port staff to be able to utilise and capitalise on the new technology being offered in the workplace today.”
The program runs for three days until Friday 12th November, with participants being a mixture of seafarers, vessel engineers and technicians based on various vessels as well as staff from Salelologa and Mulifanua ports.
List of Participants
Samuelu Auia – Reservation & Ticket Officer at Salelologa Office
Luulau Malaefono – Second Officer
Tafeaga Ah Kee- Bosun
Pio Luamanuvae – Second Engineer, MV Samoa Express 2
Talavou Niko – Ablebody Seaman at MV Express
Vaipou Mauola – Chief Engineer Lady Samoa
Vaefaga Konelio – Chief Officer Lady Samoa
Faofua Lotu – Second Engineer Lady Samoa
Neli Sauileone – Second Engineer Lady Samoa
Sasa Pilitati – Motorman at MV Lady samoa
Faafolau MalaeSaili Latu – Electrician at MV Lady Samoa 3
Taulauniu Tupito – Bosun Lady Samoa
