TMTA

Time for another Myth or Fact [Seafarer Edition] and today we’re tackling more misconceptions about life at sea!

Think seafarers can’t communicate with the world, spend all their free time in their cabins and are always seasick? That’s actually untrue.

Ships today are equipped with communication systems that let the crew stay in touch with loved ones. Off-duty time doesn’t mean isolation either. Many seafarers relax, socialise or join onboard activities and as for seasickness, it’s usually temporary and most adapt as they get used to life at sea.

Stay tuned for our next Myth or Fact as we uncover more truths about seafaring life!

May the sea be your next move!

At the SkillsFuture@NS Fair at SAFRA Toa Payoh (25–26 May 2026), we met NSFs exploring what their next chapter could be.

Between insights from Kevin Loh (Wavelink Maritime Institute) and stories from TMTA alumni Rahmat and Melvin, they saw a side of maritime that goes beyond the usual.

For some, it might just be the start of something new.

Missed us? You can still register your interest here: https://forms.office.com/r/5KuYC3STQ1

Choose your starter: Deck or Engine!

Every journey begins with a first choice, the path you train for.

In Phase 1 of the TMTA programme, both Deck and Engine cadets begin their classroom training before heading out to sea.

Deck cadets specialise in navigation, ship operations and maritime safety.
Engine cadets focus on marine engineering, machinery systems and technical operations onboard.

Different abilities. Different stats. Same goal: Life at Sea

So... which path will you choose 🫵🏻?

Myth or Fact [Seafarer Edition]: time to debunk more myths!

Think ships stop working during bad weather, seafarers wear uniforms all the time and don’t get holidays? Not true.

Ships are built to operate in various weather conditions with safety as the top priority. Uniforms depend on the job at hand so attire onboard varies by role. Seafarers also get leave between contracts to rest and spend time with family.

Stay tuned for our next Myth or Fact as we uncover more truths about life at sea!

Were you able to catch us at Singapore Maritime Week (SMW)?

From 21 to 23 April at Suntec Convention Centre, we connected with the maritime community across different days, from industry professionals to students. The energy all week was unreal!

Our TMTA alumni brought life at sea to you by sharing their real experiences and insights firsthand, giving visitors a closer look at what life and training at sea is really like.

Huge thanks to everyone who stopped by and to the organisers for bringing the community together :)
Missed us? You can still register your interest here: https://forms.office.com/r/5KuYC3STQ1

Myth or Fact [Seafarer Edition] is back and this time, we’re debunking myths about the environment at sea!

Some people think ships can simply dump waste into the ocean and that seafarers don’t care about the environment. False.

The truth is that ships follow strict rules to manage waste and prevent pollution. Every crew member is trained to keep the ocean safe.

Stay tuned for our next Myth or Fact where we debunk more misconceptions about life at sea!

Ever wondered what life at sea is really like?

On 17 March 2026, during SMOU’s 75th Anniversary Mega Cruise, our TMTA second‑cohort cadets, alumni and maritime tripartite partners came together for a Fireside Chat sharing real stories about learning, life on board and growing in the maritime world.

Here’s what they took away:
• Technology helps, but people still make the calls
• Learning happens every day
• Character and teamwork matter
• Safety and mental well‑being come first
• And you’re never alone at sea

A big thank you to Mr Cheah Aun Aun, Director of Marine and Shipping at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Mr T. S. Teo, President of the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), and Mr Thomas Tay, Emeritus General Secretary of SMOU, for sharing their perspectives and experiences, alongside our TMTA alumni.

Thinking about this path? With the support of Maritime Singapore, fret not! There's always a community ready to support you.