The Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) today (June 2) officially unveiled an upgraded suite of simulators and an alternative energy system to facilitate training at the institution.

The project was undertaken at a cost of $162 million, with $135 million provided by the Universal Service Fund (USF).

It includes special simulators, 60 computers, communication infrastructure and a 125-kilowatt solar energy system.

The energy system, which accounts for $43 million of the project cost, will support the simulation centre, and meet 20 per cent of the Institute’s power needs.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the CMI’s Palisadoes headquarters, Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, lauded the institution for its role in producing highly skilled graduates.

He noted that with large investments set to come on stream, from the expansion of the Panama Canal, the CMI “is positioning itself to embrace the future.”

“It is taking steps to satisfy the demands of niche market, and is now boasting nearly 100 per cent employment for its graduates,” he said.

Minister Paulwell noted that the funding provided by the USF has enabled the Institute to upgrade its facilities and become the simulator centre of the Caribbean.

The undertaking will ensure that the Institute can continue to deliver international level certification for seafarers and other professionals in Jamaica and the wider region.

CMI is the only institution in the Caribbean with ISO: 9001: 2008 certification and International Maritime Organization (IMO) white listed status, which means that it is endorsed to train and certify graduates at an international standard.

This status is heavily dependent on the use of state-of-the-art simulators in training, without which the Institute will be unable to secure its international certification and endorsement.

In 1998, CARICOM recognised the Institute as the preferred centre for regional maritime education and training. In that same year, a Diploma in International Shipping and Logistics obtained academic recognition from the World Maritime University (WMU) enabling graduates of the course to matriculate into its degree programmes.

By Garfield L. Angus
Photo by: JIS Photographer