The first students graduated from the orientation training held for the “Engineers of Watch” qualification, which was started by Arkas and Dokuz Eylül University Maritime Operations and Management School, with support from the Ministry of Transportation and the Undersecretariat of Maritime.

The first half has been completed on the internship program for marine engineers, which Arkas started together with the Dokuz Eylül University Maritime Operations and Management School (DİYYO) to fill the need for qualified ship officers with support from the Arkas Education and Culture Foundation, the Ministry of Transportation and the Office of the Undersecretariat of Maritime. Fifteen mechanical engineers received theoretical training for three and a half months and graduated on June 27th. Arkas’ goal for this project is to create a solution for the lack of sufficient marine engineers, a need which is felt by all ship operators in Turkey.

The graduation ceremony for the fifteen mariners was attended by DİYYO President Prof. Dr. Güldem Cerit, Engineering Department Chairman Asst. Dr. Ender Asyalı, DİYYO Assistant Director Selçuk Nas, Arkas Marine Fleet Manager İbrahim Kontaytekin, Human Resources Manager Alaattin Kurt, Maintenance Support Superintendent Ömür Karataş and Arkas Holding Quality Manager Uğur Esmer.

Fifteen graduates will work on Arkas vessels in 2009
Graduates from mechanical engineering departments in universities all over Turkey applied to participate in this project, which began in February. Out of 300 applicants, fifteen students were chosen to have Arkas pay for all of their education, which consisted of 560 hours of classes over 14 weeks starting in March. The students received training in many subjects including maritime customs and traditions, dress regulations, ship discipline and maritime life as well as a course on STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping). Students who successfully completed their training and qualified to graduate will go on to the second half of the program, which consists of an open sea apprenticeship for six months on Arkas’ fleet of 23 Turkish-flag vessels. Students who complete their onboard training and pass a skill test held at the Sailor Test Center (GASM) will become certified Long Distance Engineers in February of 2009.