TMTA - Tripartite Maritime Training Award

The Tripartite Maritime Training Award (TMTA) is a structured training programme designed to equip mid-career individuals with the necessary skills and certifications to serve as 3rd Officers and 5th Engineers on foreign-going ships.

Established in 2009 by the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), the TMTA is a collaboration between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), with support from the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA).

The newly enhanced TMTA programme, relaunched in 2025, offers shorter training duration, increased financial support, and a structured mentorship programme to better prepare cadets for their careers.

Programme Outline

The programme consists of three phases. Both programme consist of three phases, with a total duration of 22 months in training.  It may take longer to complete the programme, depending on various factors such as the deployment schedule of ships, the start of the next programme phase and examination dates, etc.

 

  • Phase 1 focuses on the fundamental maritime subjects.
  • Phase 2 is practical on-the-job training, where students sail up to 9 months per voyage on board ocean-going vessels. During this time, students participate in a Distance Learning Programme and must complete Assignments based on the Training and Assessment Record Book (TARB).
  • Phase 3 builds on the knowledge acquired in the first two Phases, and focuses on preparing for the Certificate of Competency (CoC) examinations administered by the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

 

TMTA Engine – Career as Marine Engineer

TMTA Deck – Career as Deck Officer

- Responsible for safe operation of ship engines, electrical systems and various deck equipment

- Keeps engine room watch and communicates mainly with onboard crew members

- Regular maintenance and repair of machinery

- Oversees bunkering (refuelling) operations

- Complies with international and local safety and environmental regulations

- Highest rank onboard: Chief Engineer

- Responsible for safe navigation and safety of life, ship, cargo and marine environment

- Keeps navigational watch and communicates with other ships, ports and shore personnel

- Oversees loading and discharging of cargo

- Complies with international and local safety and environmental regulations

- Highest rank onboard: Captain
 
 For website TMTA v3.png
 

Register your interest today!

Receive course fee subsidies of up to 90%. Training allowance of $2,200 will be provided for the duration of the programme to support you while you are actively enrolled.

Plus, through the Sail Milestone Achievement Programme (SailMAP), eligible seafarers can receive awards of up to S$50,000 as they advance in their seafaring careers.

 

Fill out the form to register your interest by clicking the link here: https://forms.office.com/r/5KuYC3STQ1

 

Or scan the QR code below:

QRCode for TMTA Registration of Interest.png

The TMTA programme is conducted by the Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI), the training arm of SMOU.

For any enquiries regarding the programme, please call 6796 9657.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the TMTA programme?

The TMTA (Tripartite Maritime Training Award) is a programme by SMOU (Singapore Maritime Officers' Union).

It offers training and career opportunities for those interested in the maritime industry.

There are two courses:

  • TMTA (Deck): Trains participants to become Navigational Officers.
  • TMTA (Engine): Trains participants in engine room operations to become Marine Engineers.

Both courses prepare participants for sea-going careers.

 

Who is this programme suitable for and what are the career prospects?

This programme is ideal for individuals interested in a career at sea. Graduates would be sailing as officers onboard ocean-going vessels for periods of 6 – 12 months per deployment.

They would start as a 4th Officer or 5th Engineer, gradually promoted up the ranks to Captain or Chief Engineer. The career progression can span up to 10 years or more, depending on individual competencies.

Thereafter should they decide to transit to an onshore position, they can take on the roles of Technical Superintendent, Ship Surveyor, Marine Consultant, etc. 

 

How can I register?

Indicate your interest now; or visit our website and social media platforms regularly for the latest programme updates and launch announcements.

An invitation to the Introductory Briefing and registration process will be sent to you.

 

Is my application guaranteed after submitting my application?

No, all applicants must go through a selection process by Wavelink Maritime Institute and the shipping company to be offered a place. Re-applications are welcome if the first attempt is unsuccessful.

 

Do I need to leave my current employment if I’m selected?

Yes, this is a full-time training programme. However, please do not submit a resignation at this time. You can do so after you have secured a placement with the shipping company. As much as practicable, you will be informed at least one month before the start of the course.

 

Can I switch between the Deck and Engineering programmes halfway?

It is not possible to switch between courses as the curriculum are very different. Each course leads to different certifications and career paths.

What is the TMTA Engine programme?

The TMTA Engine programme is a relaunched initiative by Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI) designed to provide career transition opportunities for working adults seeking to enter the maritime industry as Maritime Engineers.

 

What are the components of the TMTA Engine programme?

*Phase 1: (4 Months in WMI) 

  • Orientation/Induction Course for Cadet Engineers 
  • Engine Room Simulator I 
  • Instrumentation 
  • Marine Engineering I 
  • Marine Engineering II 
  • Internal & External Communications 
  • Maritime English 
  • Electrotechnology I 
  • Basic Workshop Practice I(Mechanical) 
  • Basic Workshop Practice III(Electrical) 
  • Engineering Drawing 
  • Ship Stability 
  • MLC/Maritime Legislation I 
  • Engineering Mathematics 

Phase 2: (12 Months Sea-Time)

  • 2 months sea service (on job training onboard ship) 
  • Distance Learning Programme 
  • Training & Assessment Record Book (TARB) 

*Phase 3: (6 Months in WMI) 

  • Internal Combustion Engines & Boilers 
  • Auxiliary Machinery 
  • Engine Room Simulator II 
  • Simulator Enhancement 
  • Simulator-Methanol Bunkering 
  • Engine Room Watchkeeping, Safety and Emergency Procedures 
  • Integrated Control 
  • Electrotechnology II 
  • Interpretation Of Shipboard Drawings 
  • Basic Workshop Practice II(Welding) 
  • Ship Powering & Construction 
  • MLC/Maritime legislation II 
  • Engineering Science 
  • Engineering Mechanics 
  • Engineering Thermodynamics 
  • Industrial Chemistry

 

*Do note that some of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Short Courses will be run externally subjected to availability.

* Additional STCW courses to be taken by cadet during different phases (conducted by WMI or SMA), to be paid by cadet, but funded by MCF. 

 

The MPA requirements are accessible here: https://digitalport.mpa.gov.sg/online-forms

  • Application for Certificate of Competency as Deck Officer (COCD)
  • Application for Certificate of Competency as Marine Engineer Officer (COCE)
 

Will a Certificate of Competency be issued after the programme?

Yes, a Certificate of Competency is issued after passing the required examinations and completing all required STCW Short Courses.

What is the TMTA Deck programme about?

Similar to the TMTA Engine programme, TMTA Deck will provide career transition opportunities and enhanced training for individuals aiming for a career as a deck officer on vessels. We are currently finalising the programme details and will announce the launch date soon.

 

What are the components of the TMTA Deck programme?

*Phase 1: (4 Months in WMI)

  • Maritime English 

  • Mathematics 

  • Seamanship 

  • Ship Construction & Stability

  • Collision Regulations 

  • Terrestrial and Coastal 

  • Navigation 

  • Electronic Navigation Aids 

  • Legislative Requirements 

  • Meteorology 

  • Celestial Navigation 

  • Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) 

  • Physical Science

Phase 2: (12 Months Sea Time)

  • 2 months sea service (on job training onboard ship) 
  • Distance Learning Programme 
  • Training & Assessment Record Book (TARB) 

*Phase 3: (6 Months in WMI)

  • Cargo Work 
  • Celestial Navigation 
  • Ship Operations & Collision Regulations 
  • Coastal Navigation 
  • Maritime Communication 
  • Maritime Legislation 
  • Meteorology 
  • Ship Construction 
  • Stability 
  • Mathematics 
  • Physical Science

 

*Do note that some of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Short Courses will be run externally subjected to availability.

*Additional STCW courses will be undertaken by the cadet at various training phases. These courses, conducted by WMI or SMA, are to be initially paid by the cadet but are eligible for funding support through MCF.

 

The MPA requirements are accessible here: https://digitalport.mpa.gov.sg/online-forms

  • Application for Certificate of Competency as Deck Officer (COCD)
  • Application for Certificate of Competency as Marine Engineer Officer (COCE)
 

 

Will a Certificate of Competency be issued after the programme?

Yes, a Certificate of Competency is issued after passing the required examinations and completing all required STCW Short Courses.

 

Membership e-card only v4.png

Be an SMOU member today

Join as a member today and access exclusive deals, events, and privileges.
Be a member

Join SMOU

Protect your life and work rights, develop your career, and enjoy a variety of benefits and deals
Join us
Copyright © 2025 NTUC. All rights reserved