LOCALISATION of maritime jobs in the sultanate's petroleum industry achieved another milestone yesterday.

Nine young marine officers received their honours in a convocation ceremony at the Songket Hall, Rizqun International Hotel, yesterday.

The guest of honour at the event was the Minister of Energy, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, who is also the chairman of the board of directors of both Brunei Shell Tankers and Brunei Gas Carriers.

In his remarks, the minister called for a change in mindset of the public with regards to a career in the marine industry.

The minister said that a maritime career is not a 'last resort' and called for more Bruneians to compete in the challenging industry in a bid to break the monopoly of overseas workers.

Pehin Dato Hj Yahya also commended the Bruneianisation Programme taken up by Brunei Shell Tankers Sdn Bhd, for their effort intaking in more locals to fill in jobs in the maritime sector.

"The programme is a step towards the vision of His Majesty's government's where efforts in the promotion of local citizens employment in the private sector are realised," said the minister.

According to the organising committee, four marine officers and five marine engineers, graduated from a three year cadetship course at the Warsash Maritime Academy, United Kingdom.

The statement also said that one of the new officers received a special commendation from the academy.

Shalhamdulillah Zulhajji Sidi received the Best NVQ Portfolio Award in recognition of his excellent achievement in the course. This is the third time a Bruneian has received the award.

Currently there are 324 locals seafarers of which 55 are marine officers. Forty-two marine cadets are steadily progressing into officers rank over the next few years.

The Bruneianisation Programme is targeting five LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) vessels to be completely manned by Bruneians by the end of 2007.

Both Brunei Shell Tankers Sdn Bhd and Brunei Gas Carriers operate eight vessels for the purpose of delivering LNG cargoes to Japan and South Korea.

LNG is a recognised environmentally acceptable alternative fuel to crude oil or coal, another major source of income other than crude oil for Brunei.

The Brunei Times