The Papua New Guinea Maritime College is not operating as it should be although its principal, Captain Richard Teo rejects the claim.
In a letter to the college’s board, disgruntled lecturers said the college’s current state did not reflect its status as the country’s only internationally accredited maritime college.
Their letter stated that some of the equipment that were not operational, non-functional or faulty were the college’s training boat which was unseaworthy, the survival training boat, the engine room training complex which has not been functional since 2009, an outdated library (the new one opened a month ago but its shelves remained empty), the ship simulator which is faulty and computer facilities which are not functioning.
They said that a close observer and general manager of Steamships Shipping, Andy Cummins, made these observations last month in a newspaper report, saying that ‘there was a decline in standards by seafarers in the country’.
Cummings indicated that students had become the victims of a college that was mismanaged by the administration.
The letter claims that their concerns regarding the facilities at the college were rejected by Teo.
This is a reflection of the management and administration of this college.
“With the sinking of mv Rabaul Queen, the masters’ training and qualifications was questioned. This undeniably will point towards the PNG Maritime College”, the lecturers said.
The Rabaul Queen passenger ferry sank off the coast of Finshaffen in Morobe province in heavy weather on Feb 2, claiming over 100 lives.
The lecturers are now calling on Chief Engineer Cummins, Captains Andy Proud and Lem Keith, and the acting board chairwoman, Lady Roslyn Morauta, and relevant government bodies to look into the plight of the college.
Via – The National.
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