Centre asked to require those in offshore O&G industry undergo maritime skills training

KUCHING (July 27): The Marine Department’s training centre in Kuala Baram here has been asked to require those engaged in maritime activities in the offshore oil and gas (O&G) industry to undergo maritime skills training.

Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin voiced this out during a recent visit to the centre, according to a press release issued by his ministry.

During the visit, he was briefed on the training setup and types of training conducted for the target group, as well as on the recent approved allocations from the federal Transport Minister for improvement of facilities.

Lee also visited the nearby Kuala Baram Lighthouse, which was built more than 30 years ago, and was briefed on several improvement works completed as suggested by him during his visit in March 2022.

“The minister’s suggestion of having a new lighthouse to complement the new Kuala Baram channel was currently being implemented,” said the ministry’s statement.

“The proposed new lighthouse will have to comply with the international standards and requirements in accordance with the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities.

“There is also a need to look into the requirements of assistance for the navigation along the 6km dredged channel, which will be constructed.”

Lee and his entourage also visited the nearby work-site of the channel dredging and associated works.

The visit meant to the relevant department and agencies under his ministry to facilitate and work closely with Miri Port to ensure that the project would be carried out smoothly and on schedule.

“The minister also called upon the head of the nearby village to seek cooperation from the villagers concerned to work together in facilitating the implementation of the project,” said the statement.