The Pacific Maritime Training College (PMTC) is working together with YWAM Medical Ships Australia & Papua New Guinea (YWAM MS) to support the development of future maritime professionals by waiving tuition fees for YWAM MS’ dedicated volunteer crew.
Last month, four YWAM MS volunteer crew members completed a 12-week General Purpose Hand course, following a two-week Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) certification. The SOLAS training covered key areas such as Sea Survival, First Aid, Basic Firefighting, Personal Safety & Social Responsibility, and Security Awareness. The General Purpose Hand course further provided six weeks of deck operations and six weeks of engineering instruction, offering broad training on all major shipboard systems.
Collectively, the four crew members have contributed over nine years of service and training in Papua New Guinea, both aboard the MV YWAM PNG medical ship and at YWAM MS’ Port Moresby Campus.
PMTC Registrar, Hayley Kana, expressed gratitude in the collaboration with YWAM MS, stating, “YWAM MS is not only delivering vital healthcare and training to remote communities, but they are also strengthening PNG’s maritime industry by providing valuable sea time and experience to both trained and aspiring seafarers. We’re proud to help YWAM MS’ volunteer crew gain the skills and qualifications they need to continue their impactful service,”
MV YWAM PNG Captain, Captain Jeremy Schierer, said there is mutual benefit for the collaboration.
“We are deeply grateful for PMTC’s generous donation, which has allowed our committed volunteers to gain formal education and qualifications to complement the practical skills they’ve developed while serving on our ship. This training not only enhances their abilities but also acknowledges their dedication in helping to keep the ship operational.
“To upskill our crew and help equip more seafarers for service in PNG is a win-win,” Captain Schierer said.
Shortly after graduation, one of the crew members, Peter Dabu, flew to Western Province to assist YWAM MS’ medical patrol teams, operating the small boat that transported teams to remote villages for five weeks.
Additionally, four more crew members have now enrolled in courses at PMTC.
YWAM MS and PMTC have been working together for the past two years, with the MV YWAM PNG hosting the survival-at-sea component of the SOLAS course aboard the ship and from their ocean-side campus at Gabutu.
The MV YWAM PNG and her crew are preparing for their next deployment to Western Province next month.
YWAM MS crew currently undertaking training with PMTC (picture taken in front of the MV YWAM PNG) from L-R: Loi Vele, Victor Baijah, Iava Moses and Gima Loi
Sea survival training happening from the ship.
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