A union overseeing the interests of seamen will give local shipping companies $1.2 million over two years to encourage them to continue training seafaring cadets.

The Singapore Maritime Officers' Union will give companies $5,000 for each Singaporean trainee they employ under two training programmes to produce nautical deck officers and marine engineers for commercial ships.

The move is to overcome any reluctance by the shipping industry to train staff as the economy is pummelled by strong headwinds.

In announcing the training grant yesterday, Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung said the best time for companies to invest in human capital is often when economic conditions are tough, so that they are prepared when the economy picks up.

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