THE country’s efforts to modernize shipbuilding could get a big boost if the educational system can turn out more naval architecture and marine engineering graduates.
Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SONAME) president engineer Sammuel Lim appealed to President Benigno Aquino III to support courses for such professionals.
SONAME, which recently concluded a design contest for local passenger and cargo vessels, is advocating the use of Filipino technology for the shipbuilding sector.
Only four Philippine schools currently offer naval architecture — the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAMEI) Institute, University of Perpetual Help in Las Piñas, the Mariners Polytechnic in Bicol and University of Cebu.
Of the 67 who took the latest board exam, a little more than 20 passed, by far the most to do so.
“(The course for naval architects and marine engineers) should be taught at the state university like the University of the Philippines to attract more Filipino students to take up naval architecture and marine engineering as this will serve as a springboard for the development of the country’s shipbuilding industry,” Lim said.
SONAME is dedicated to the professionalization of naval architects and marine engineers. It recently helped develop a new curriculum. It also offers free board exam reviews and this has resulted in the board passing rate going up to 40% from 20% in recent years.
