This cooperation between SAL and CMI follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the institute and Kingston Wharves Limited, the parent company of SAL, one year ago.

The MOU lays the basis for the development of two security courses, the Bachelor of Science Degree in Security Administration and Manage-ment and an advanced port facility security officer course. The aim is to develop human resources in the maritime sector by equipping them with the academic and practical skills needed in the multimodal land, sea and air trade.

This programme is a first its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, attracting 17 registered students to date. This initiative is yet another example of the CMI's Blue Ocean Strategy at work. As the Caribbean region's centre of excellence for tertiary maritime education, training, research and consultancy, the CMI is mandated to produce industry-ready leaders, through innovation and borderless strategic partnerships, research and application.

The programme integrates security training in multimodal operations and, as such, is relevant to all persons involved in security administration. Additionally, the programme will give security professionals a chance to upgrade themselves and to add greater value to their port environment.

SAL, which is the main provider of maritime security and related services at the Port of Kingston, is an accredited security organisation of the International Maritime Organisation. Kingston Wharves Limited is the leading multi-purpose port in the Caribbean and the second-largest independently managed sub-regional container hub, according to Containerisation International's 2006 statistics.