Sibu, the renowned and favored centre for shipbuilding because of its location at the confluence at the Igan and Rejang Rivers finally has its own maritime training academy.

The UCS - School of Maritime Studies (SMS)

The long-awaited Sarawak Maritime Academy is now officially called The UCS - School of Maritime Studies (SMS) would be the second in the country, after the Malaysian Maritime Academy in Melaka.

Soft Opening on 8-8-2008
On the RM25 million School of Maritime Studies, State Second Finance Minister and Environment & Public Health Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said during soft opening on 8-8-2008, it was a far-sighted effort to increase manpower in the industry by proving training for cadet officers and maritime engineers. He said the state government had set aside RM5 million for its development while businessman Datuk Ling Chiong Ho has supported the balance.

Tour of Campus
Well, let’s take a tour around the campus.

SMS - Administration Building view from the main road. Do you notice the shit ship?

SMS - Administration Building

Closer view of the ship-like building.

SMS - Ship of the Administration Building

Another view from different angle.  That pretty obvious sending you a message - this is a Maritime Academy!

SMS - Design feature of the Administration Building

Okay, time to go inside the Administration Building. Modern looking reception counter. Welcome On Board!

SMS - Reception Counter

Double storey library.

SMS - Library

Staff room. Got any beautiful lecturers or not?

SMS - Staff Room

This could be the Computer Laboratory or English Laboratory.

SMS - Computer Laboratory

This is one of the classroom.

SMS - Classroom

If I’m not mistaken, this is what they call Poseidon Borealis Full Ship’s Bridge Simulator. Unfortunately, I didn’t have change to test drive on it as the simulator is not ready yet. Anyway, can you recognize the ministers inside the photo?

SMS - Simulator Room

SMS provides hostel for outstation students. The hostel is just next to Administration Building.

SMS - Hostel

I managed to peek into one of the hostel room.

SMS - Hostel Room

You could find a workshop next to a swimming pool. No swimming pool photo because it is still under construction. The swimming pool will be ready by the end of 2008.

SMS - Workshop

To my understanding, there are other facilities such as UNITEST (Software Version) Medium Speed Engines room Simulator MED3D, Poseidon Borealis GMDSS / GOC Simulator, Building for smoke & fire drills and Fire protected-lifeboat house in a set of gravity davits.

Courses
The UCS – School of Maritime Studies is currently offering Diploma in Nautical Studies (DNS), and Marine Engineering (DME).

SMS - Open for intake

The diploma is awarded by United College Sarawak (Kolej Bersatu Sarawak) and professional certificate of competency is issued by The Malaysia Marine Department after meeting their requirements.

Cost
The estimated cost for the entire course is RM 39,000,00 excluding Modular courses and living costs.

Enquiries
If you want to be one of the Pirates of the Caribbean like Captain Jack Sparrow or new Popeye the Sailorman, you may consider to to enrol yourself into The UCS – School of Maritime Studies. For further information, please refer to:

UCS – School of Maritime Studies
No. 2, Upper Lanang Road, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia

Tel: +6084 216799
Fax: +6084 217179
Email: sms@ucs.edu.my
Website: www.ucs.edu.my