The Vanuatu Government is taking significant steps to improve the Vanuatu Maritime College (VMC) and transform it into a fully government-owned institution in the future. According to Director General of Education, Bergman Iati, the government is currently reviewing the college’s governing act, which will also include the integration of fisheries studies and an overhaul of the administration.
Founded in 1998 as a private entity, the Vanuatu Maritime College was established with the aim of training seafarers. It previously operated under the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) set by the International Maritime Organization. However, a recent report by a private consultancy firm, Sustainable Solutions, revealed a significant decline in the quality of training at the institution, particularly in the preparation of seafarers and captains, suggesting that the college is no longer meeting international standards.
In an interview, Director General Iati acknowledged that the college has faced several management issues. However, the government is actively addressing these challenges through a Commission of Inquiry to implement leadership changes at the college. “We anticipate reviewing the Maritime Act and the Council of Ministers is considering the establishment of a fully government-owned institution, with plans to rename it the ‘School of Maritime and Fisheries- Maritime Fisheries Institute,'” Iati said.
Despite the challenges, Iati emphasized that the government remains committed to supporting the institution. “While the college faces issues with its current standards, we are taking steps to help it improve,” he stated.
Currently, the CEO position at the college remains vacant, but there are plans to eventually transition the Vanuatu Maritime College to full government ownership. DG Iati also noted that the college is a part of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), offering various courses. However, to meet the requirements of the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority (VQA), improvements in infrastructure are needed. The government is working to meet these standards, with the eventual goal of placing the college under the National University of Vanuatu.
As part of these reforms, the government is focused on ensuring that the Vanuatu Maritime College meets national and international standards for maritime and fisheries education, with the intention of improving the institution’s quality and sustainability for the future.
