SHM Shipcare Sdn. Bhd. recently hosted students from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) at its Kemaman branch to deliver practical exposure to Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) and liferaft handling. The visit combined facility tours, live demonstrations and technical briefings designed to deepen students’ understanding of maritime safety equipment and maintenance procedures.
SHM Shipcare LSA training boosts practical maritime skills
Participants were taken through the company’s production and service areas, where technicians demonstrated liferaft maintenance routines and the correct handling of lifejackets, release systems and other marine safety devices. Datuk Huzefa Zainuddin, Executive Director of SHM Shipcare, said the objective was to give students an up-close view of industry standards and the operational disciplines required in commercial shipping and offshore sectors.
“Throughout the visit we showed the full cycle of servicing and reconditioning liferafts and other LSAs, and discussed safe handling protocols,” Datuk Huzefa said. The hands-on demonstrations emphasised inspection checkpoints, inflation systems, servicing intervals and compliance with international safety codes.
The practical training aligns with the requirements of international maritime safety regulations and helps bridge the gap between classroom theory and on-the-job expectations. For students pursuing maritime studies, exposure to certified maintenance practices and real-world equipment familiarises them with the terminology, tools and procedures they will encounter in their careers.
Beyond technical skills, the visit highlighted the broader safety culture demanded by shipowners, flag administrations and classification societies. SHM Shipcare staff outlined quality-control measures, record-keeping practices and the importance of regular drills to ensure equipment reliability. These operational insights are increasingly valued by employers seeking graduates who can contribute immediately to safety and compliance programmes on board vessels and at shore-based facilities.
Representatives from SHM Shipcare also spoke about career pathways within the marine services industry, from technical servicing roles to supervisory and quality assurance positions. The company expressed interest in continuing collaborative activities with universities to support curriculum relevance and to offer internship opportunities that provide supervised, industry-based experience.
Academics and students welcomed the initiative as a timely intervention to enhance employability. The practical session allowed students to practise standard procedures under supervision, ask detailed technical questions and observe how troubleshooting and preventive maintenance are carried out in a certified environment.
As the maritime sector adapts to evolving safety standards and new technologies, such partnerships between industry and higher education institutions play a key role in preparing a skilled workforce. SHM Shipcare’s programme with UMT exemplifies how focused, hands-on training can reinforce regulatory compliance and improve operational readiness across the maritime supply chain.
The Kemaman visit is expected to form part of ongoing engagement between SHM Shipcare and academic partners, with further workshops and training sessions planned to broaden access to professional development for maritime students.
Key Takeaways:
- SHM Shipcare LSA training gave UMT students hands-on experience with liferaft maintenance and marine safety equipment.
- Participants visited SHM Shipcare’s Kemaman production and service facilities to observe operational procedures and safety checks.
- The programme strengthens industry-academia ties and enhances students’ employability in the maritime sector.
