SMT Renews Cadet Program with University in Trinidad

Since October 2019, SMT Shipping has welcomed a total of 8 engine and deck cadets from the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT)’s maritime education program – renewing a partnership with the University that began over 11 years ago.

SMT works with a great team at UTT, including Ms. Sarita Mahabir-Lee, Mrs. Vivian Rambarath-Parasram, and Captain Sukhjit Singh

The most recent class of cadets have sailed on both the handy size bulker fleet and MV Warsaw, which is engaged in a lightering operation in Trinidad. According to UTT Senior Instructor Sarita Mahabir-Lee, programs like this serve a vital need in the skill development and education of Trinidad’s future seafarers. “Companies like SMT play a vital role in the development and education of cadets, as it allows them to gain the sea service required to attain their professional qualifications. This period of sea service also allows the cadets to practice skills and develop competency in a variety of onboard tasks which are required of a professional Officer of the Watch”.

These include critical shipboard operations such as safety, maintenance, engine room or bridge watch keeping, navigation, and mooring. According to Ms. Mahabir-Lee, the training nurtures high standards of professionalism and character that will be vital throughout the students’ maritime careers.
The program is greatly enhanced by the close partnership that SMT has developed with Ms. Mahabir-Lee and the team at University of Trinidad and Tobago. Thanks in large part to the thorough training and comprehensive students receive at UTT, SMT has found its Trinidadian cadets to be personable, competent, and ready to work and learn.

Ms. Mahabir-Lee is equally pleased with the ways in which SMT enriches their overall program. As she explains, “SMT operates both locally and globally and as such provides a range of experiences to our cadets…The multicultural crews allow the cadets to build personal and professional skills which are transferrable through the shipping sector. Further, SMT is an attractive employer for our students because SMT invests in their training and development in order to retain them long term”. SMT looks forward to our continued cooperation to further the education of the next generation of Trinidadian mariners. Continue on next page.

MV Johanna C transporting wind turbine blades