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| Sunday, 29 June 2003 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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CINEC - a beacon for aspiring seafarers by Pelham Juriansz The Colombo International Nautical and Engineering College (CINEC) is celebrating its 14th anniversary this year. Relocation and advancement has been the theme of the Campus, as it is called. A brand new campus awaits the visitor at the picturesque Information Technology Park at Malabe. The new premises is spread over five acres of arid land which is being rapidly developed. A block of residential flats, a modern cafeteria, gymnasium and swimming-pool have been built for students. Another new addition is the simulator centre. This is the latest Manoeuvring Simulator and creates a real engine room effect. The past 13 years of improvement and development of CINEC is the result of the efforts of the faculty of about 60. CINEC, which has received the ISO 9001:2000 award for quality assurance standards, also has the ISO 14001 environmental standard. It claims to be the only maritime college in Asia to receive these accolades. Situated earlier at Mattakkuliya and now at Malabe, the CINEC Maritime Campus ranks among the best maritime education and training institutions in Asia. Bombay-trained Captain Darrel Silva, who is Director (Maritime Operations), explained that there are courses on bridge management, ship handling and manoeuvring, port pilots training, tugs and mooring operations, search and rescue operations and naval manoeuvring exercises. Navigational aids and VTS operations complete the courses. Capt Silva explained that in maritime education and training, simulators have long been recognised as an essential tool to enhance the competency of ship's officers. "This is why the CINEC Maritime Campus established a modern simulator centre, encompassing the latest technological advancements. This is a Full Mission Bridge Manoeuvring Simulator. The equipment, which cost an astronomical sum, meets with the regulations laid down by the International Maritime Organisation and STCW conventions and is extensively used for enhancing the competency of senior navigation officers in ship handling as well as watch keeping for junior navigation officers. J.L.A.C. Motha, Head of the Department of Marine Engineering said the engine simulator combined with the engine control room, electrical system and auxiliary machinery provides training for marine engineers in the operation and maintenance of engine room machinery. Gamini Lokuketagoda, Director Engineering, explained the automation and control systems operative at the campus. CINEC has been approved by the Directorate of Merchant Shipping in Sri Lanka. The idea of setting up this campus was to provide a professional seat of learning for seafarers. The Department of Navigation at CINEC primarily focuses on training of navigation cadets and conducting preparatory courses for certificate of competency examinations for watch-keeping officers, chief mates and masters. Sunil Ranatunga, Head of the Department of Safety and Survival, who is in charge of the firefighting equipment said that firefighting is a very important aspect of seafaring and both personal survival techniques and proficiency in survival craft courses are conducted by experienced seafarers. There are about 60 residential students, but the short courses attract more people because they are cheaper and easier to complete. Most of the students are males. The basic entry requirements are a pass in Physics and Maths at the Advanced Levels. |
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