Liberia Marine Training Institute (LMTI)
Currently, there is a shortage of trained seafarers in the global marketplace. As Liberia transitions into a leading maritime nation, its Bureau of Maritime Affairs (BMA) is working to respond to the needs of its customers and the international marketplace by helping to fill this gap in human capacity. The BMA is therefore re-establishing the Liberia Marine Training Institute (LMTI), which will provide a “Best in Class,” high-quality program that produces seafarers with the requisite knowledge, skills, ability, and discipline needed worldwide.
Located in Marshall City, Margibi County, Liberia, the LMTI was initially established in 1979 bearing the name Union Marine Training Institute. It originally operated under the auspices of the Mano River Union comprising Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, until 1988 when the Liberian Government acquired its full ownership, management and operation. A two-decade long civil war forced the closure of LMTI, consequently leading to the deterioration of the Institute’s infrastructure and training equipment.
Although LMTI’s campus has not been operational, several courses have been organized by the Institute. For instance, in 2007 a fire fighting course was held with support from the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Ghana to upgrade the capacity of 33 Liberian seafarers.
Completion of the rehabilitation and renovation of the LMTI along with the launch of classes is targeted for 2009. The Institute will provide an opportunity for the Bureau of Maritime Affairs to help develop a national maritime workforce of highly qualified Liberian seafarers, and to respond to the demand for trained seafarers on board Liberian-flagged and other foreign-flagged vessels in the international shipping industry.
Links
The Liberian Registry certifies and documents officers and rating that sail aboard Liberian registered ships. For issuance of Seafarer Identification and Record Books, special qualification certificates, and all officer certificates, click here.