The aim is to encourage maritime firms, which until recently had been battling a staff shortage, to retain their employees and get them ready for when the economy turns around.

'After years of concerted efforts to attract talent into our maritime industry, it would be a pity for us to lose them now through retrenchment,' said Mr Teo Siong Seng, president of the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), a large industry body.

The SSA plans to train more than 1,100 workers next year under its Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur).

This recently launched $600 million government programme was developed by the Workforce Development Agency and aims to encourage companies to upgrade the capabilities of their workers during the economic slump.

So far, seven firms - Hong Lam Marine, 'K' Line Singapore, Ocean Tankers, Neptune Orient Lines, Pacific International Lines, Regional Container Lines and Winstonnage Agencies - have committed to the plan. They will send 375 staff for retraining under the scheme.

'The labour movement is pleased to support the SSA's efforts to build industry capabilities in the midst of a very challenging environment,' said NTUC assistant secretary-general Josephine Teo.

It shows unions and employers can collaborate actively to turn challenges into opportunities, she added.

As part of the initiative, the SSA was deemed an official Continuing Education and Training centre yesterday. This means it will offer its shipping-related courses, which it has been conducting since 1991, under the Spur scheme.

These courses range from shipping operations and documentation to more specialised programmes, such as marine insurance and shipping law, which will serve as a stepping stone for those interested in obtaining a diploma.

To accommodate the large numbers, the SSA plans to secure more training facilities and hire additional trainers with relevant industry experience.

Besides training, it will help to facilitate career and job search services for people interested in joining the maritime industry.

The SSA, which represents more than 350 companies, including ship owners, brokers, liners and financiers, urged the sector to tap Spur as a means to cut costs and stave off layoffs.

Early this year, the shortage of qualified professionals in the specialised maritime field was one of the biggest growth constraints of the booming industry.

The talent shortage prompted the launch of the Maritime Outreach Network last year to raise awareness of the industry and attract quality personnel.

But a slump in global trade over recent months has sent shipping rates plummeting by as much as 90 per cent, leaving many firms with excess capacity.

'We shouldn't lose sight of the need to retrain and retain staff so we can be better prepared when the economy recovers,' said Mr Teo, adding that the relevant skills would be needed in the future, and that companies can tighten their belts through other ways.

Singaporeans and permanent residents can enjoy course fee subsidies of up to 90 per cent, while companies can get reimbursements of up to $6.80 per hour.

'It is a win-win situation for both employees and companies,' said Ocean Tankers chief operating officer Aloysius Seow, who is also an SSA council member. 'We can look forward to enhancing our training schemes in view of the anticipated savings to our training budget.'

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore chief executive Tay Lim Heng added: 'We strongly encourage maritime companies to make use of these programmes to train and further develop their staff, so that companies will emerge stronger when the economy picks up.'

yanghw@sph.com.sg