TCCS Marine launches institute to strengthen Malaysia’s maritime training

SIBU (Jan 22): The opening of TCCS Marine Sdn Bhd maritime training institute marks a significant step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s maritime training ecosystem, said Marine Department director-general Dickson Dollah.

He said the institute reflects the importance of the private sector acting as a strategic partner to the government in building a sustainable, high-quality and competitive maritime training environment.

“In today’s increasingly complex and high-risk shipping industry landscape, navigational safety, operational efficiency and compliance with international regulations rely heavily on the quality of training received by seafarers.

“The establishment of training institutes equipped with modern facilities and experienced instructors is no longer optional but a necessary,” he said at the TCCS Marine course completion ceremony here on Wednesday.

About 50 trainees successfully completed courses for Engineering Watchkeeping Officer (750kW and above) for Near Coastal Voyages, Navigation Watchkeeping Officer (500 GT and above) for Near Coastal Voyages, as well as Master and Chief Mate courses for vessels of 3,000 GT and above for Near Coastal Voyages.

Dickson commended the trainees’ achievements, noting that their qualifications carry significant responsibilities.

“As officers and masters, you are not only accountable for ship operations but also for the safety of lives, protection of the marine environment, legal compliance, and the reputation of Malaysia’s shipping industry,” he said.

At the same event, Dickson also launched the TCCS Marine Simulator Centre, describing it as a strategic initiative to enhance the effectiveness of maritime training.

Simulator-based training allows trainees to experience real operational scenarios in a controlled environment, sharpening decision-making, risk management, leadership, communication, and on-board resource management skills.

“Our department fully supports and encourages the use of modern training technologies such as simulators to ensure Malaysian seafarers are not only certified but competent, disciplined and prepared to face real challenges at sea,” he added.

The department will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with training institutions and industry players to ensure training programmes remain relevant, competency standards are upheld, and Malaysian seafarers are recognised both nationally and internationally.

TCCS Marine Sdn Bhd is a maritime training institution approved by the Marine Department, compliant with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), and certified under ISO 9001:2015.

Established on Oct 30, 2023, the institution aims to produce competent, disciplined and internationally recognised seafarers and marine officers.

To date, it has received approval for 23 courses, conducted 129 training programmes, and trained nearly 1,090 participants, reflecting its commitment to quality training and industry development.

Among those present were TCCS Marine managing director James Ho, Marine Department Maritime Industry Control Division director Mohammad Marzuki Berahim, Sarawak Marine Department director Bianus Muyou and Sarawak Rivers Board controller Lt Col Ding Tiew Wong.