Detail

From 23 Countries to One Shared Goal: SPI and SMA Partner for Safer Seas

Thirty maritime professionals from 23 countries came together at Singapore Polytechnic (SP) from 14 to 18 September 2026 with one shared purpose - to strengthen maritime safety through learning, collaboration and practical action.

The five-day Maritime Safety Management Programme, conducted under the Japan-Singapore Partnership Programme for the 21st Century (JSPP21), was organised under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Singapore Polytechnic International (SPI) played a key role in coordinating and supporting the programme, working closely with the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA), which provided maritime subject-matter expertise and trainers for the programme. Trainers from the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) also contributed their expertise and perspectives, adding an important international dimension to the learning experience.

Over the five days, participants explored topics ranging from maritime safety governance, human factors and enforcement to vessel traffic services, emergency preparedness, safety culture, operational risk management and emerging maritime safety challenges.

Learning extended beyond the classroom through interactive exercises, country presentations, group discussions and learning journeys to key maritime facilities, including SP's Integrated Simulation Centre and Centre of Excellence in Maritime Safety, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's (MPA) Port Operations Control Centre (POCC) and the PSA Innovation Centre. These visits provided participants with valuable first-hand insights into Singapore's approach to maritime traffic management, port operations, innovation and the application of technology in enhancing maritime safety and operational efficiency.

A key feature of the programme was the opportunity for participants to learn from one another. Representing diverse maritime administrations and operating environments, they exchanged experiences, challenges and good practices while considering how lessons from Singapore, Japan and fellow participants could be adapted to their own national contexts.

The programme culminated in a Maritime Safety Improvement Action Plan exercise, where multinational groups identified priority safety challenges and developed practical actions, stakeholder responsibilities and measures for implementation back home.

The successful programme showcased the strength of SPI-SMA collaboration in supporting SP's international engagement and capacity-building efforts, while reinforcing the value of partnerships between MFA, JICA, JCG and SP in advancing maritime safety.

Different countries ▪ Shared challenges ▪ One commitment towards safer seas