-As LMTI trains more marine engineer officers for the job market
Now leading at the top most spot in global maritime flagship holding, Liberia has been a voiceless and an underdog party but things appear to gradually be taking shape with the country investing in the training of more marine officers and seafarers in general.
On Thursday, November 28, 2024, another batch of marine officers was qualified by the Liberia Maritime Institute (LMTI) after rigorous and intensive long training.
The recent graduation of 13 young, and energetic team, comprised of all males, made it Class-3 following two separate successful graduations in the previous years since the inception of the training program in the country in 2019.
Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Commissioner, and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) expressed delight in the workings of Liberia Maritime Institute, more so that it continues to pave way for possible employment opportunities for those it trains.
"Our gathering here today genuinely demonstrates our commitment to making seafaring and other sea going activities a viable sub sector of the economy of Liberia. Maritime education is unique, and one of its very unique features is that it places emphasis on the acquisition of certificates of competence, certificates of proficiency, and licenses by officers and celebrates those who work or intend to work on ships. This is the direction in which we are sailing as an organization and as a nation," Lighe underscored.
He expressed optimism that in no distant future, Liberia will have more capacity to supply well trained minds with the skills demanded in the maritime industry.
"In addition to being the leading flag state, it is indeed pleasing to note that for the very first time, the Liberia international ship and corporate registry (LSCR) and by extension, the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) have granted approval to the LMTI as an accredited institution for maritime training and education the opportunity that all certificates issued by it (LMTI) will be fully accepted and recognized.
Lighe added that the gathering was also "a major milestone, and it is in accordance with the International Maritime Authority (IMO)'s International Convention on standard of training, certification, watch keeping for seafarers which requires that the training and assessment of seafarers be administered and supervised by institutions approved by the Maritime Administration in each member state."
Avi Zaidenberg is the chairman of the Board of Directors of Liberia Maritime Institute and in his remarks, he highlighted the Institute's achievements, and vision for the future. He underscored the importance of the day:
"Today is a momentous occasion as it marks the very first graduation of Officers from the LMTI. This has always been our strategy and the goal of our institute, beginning from September of 2019 when we brought in our first cadets."
Mr. Zaidenberg also announced plans to expand the LMTI's capacity in the coming years, stating:
"We are pleased and excited to announce that we are concluding arrangements to double the number of our cadets at LMTI within the next two years. It is our goal to commence constructing additional dormitories, instructional facilities, and instructors' residences by the second quarter of 2025."
He further revealed the institute's long term ambitions, noting ongoing feasibility studies to potentially elevate LMTI to a full four year degree granting college.
Zaidenberg also introduced Mr. Salvatore d' Amico, owner of D' Amico Shipping Group, who graciously committed to absorbing several of the graduating officers onto his vessels.
"Thank you ever so much, Mr. d'Amico, for giving our officers this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity of walking directly from LMTI to a vessel as officers."
The Maritime Engineer Officer Class 3 program addresses a gap in Liberia's maritime sector, preparing graduates to excel both onshore and offshore. Zaidenberg praised the graduates for embracing proud traditions of the maritime profession and reminded them of their pivotal role:
"As you step into this proud tradition, you are inheriting a legacy of excellence. Go out and continue to make us proud."
According to Zaidenberg, Liberia is now the world's largest flagship bearer in the global maritime industry and it is a great feat that efforts to rise to higher expectations remain achievable.
For many years, Panama has been the world leading flag giver to ships sailing major seas and oceans, but Liberia has come a long way and is now at the first spot.
For Tal Hendler, General Manager of LMTI, resilience is the hallmark of LMTI's successful candidates each time there is graduation. He said, resilience has always been and continues to be the benchmark for achieving excellence in marine engineering training.
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"Today, we not only celebrate your accomplishments but also a groundbreaking milestone for our beloved nation. This program represents a new direction for the sector, proving that we are capable of producing world-class professionals ready to lead on the global maritime stage."
The graduation ceremony which was earlier expected to be graced by the Vice President, Jeremiah K. Koung following President Joseph Nyumah Boakai's engagement elsewhere, became a much more of a low key due to the death of Senator Prince Y. Johnson.
VP Koung did not show up as he had to rush to the scene bearing the remains of his political godfather.
Johnson, a former notorious warlord who later entered politics and became Senator in 2005 and eventually established his own Church, had immense control over his home county of Nimba, each time there was a Presidential election. His support for Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, George Weah and now Joseph Boakai made him a kingmaker who was never underestimated as he succeeded in finding himself on the winning side through a vigorous campaign.
