OREANDA-NEWS. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced the 20th anniversary of its seafarer training arm in the Philippines, the Magsaysay Institute of Shipping (MIS) at ceremonies attended by Senator Loren Legarda, Atty. Nicasio Conti - administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), MOL Chairman Akimitsu Ashida, and others.

They also celebrated the graduation of 133 second-batch cadets of their "Third Year Program," which is known and approved by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Academe-Industry Linkage Program (AILP).

"Safe operation is the single most important factor for seafarers themselves, and also in earning the trust of our customers and all other stakeholders. I believe one of the most valuable skills cadets develop during their time at MIS is a 'Can Do' attitude. We look forward to cadets who will perform their duties with a 'Can Do' spirit and help lead efforts to make MOL a world leader in safe operation," said MOL Chairman Ashida in his remarks at the ceremony.

MOL, with its local partner, established MIS in 1993 to train seafarers who will help ensure the safe and efficient operation of their fleet. Since then, MIS has provided not only hands-on training for seafarers, but also rule-based and practical education for cadets who graduated from maritime schools in the Philippines. And since 2007, in collaboration with designated maritime schools in the Philippines, MIS has contributed to the development and enhancement of maritime education programs, improving students' skills through supplementary lessons, technical support to instructors, and upgrading of maritime curriculum.

In 2011, MOL introduced the Third Year Program, which provides education to selected third-year students of their partner maritime schools. Selected students will have education in MIS and spend the second half of their four-year maritime education with MIS and MOL. The program is accredited as an Academe-Industry Linkage Program promoted by collaboration of industry and the Philippine government to upgrade education and enhance employment opportunities for high-achieving students.