V-Ships revisits SMET; materializes qualifying exams

NASIPIT, Agusan del Norte- V-Ships crewing agency together with its top client, the International Seaways (INSW) revisited Saint Joseph Institute of Technology Maritime Education and Training (SMET) campus to conduct a qualifying examination on selected cadets last Thursday, February 13. 

Captain Edric C. Aspilla, Dean of Maritime Academy (MA) together with the faculty and staff welcomed Captain Dante C. Bo, Regional Training Head for V-ships management together with Chief Engineer Cesar Rubio, Owner Representative of International Seaways. 

Twelve cadets were chosen to take the said exam where ten of which are currently third-year cadets of SMET and two are graduates - one from SMET while the other was from another school. 

The qualifying exam was divided into three parts namely: the aptitude exam, Maritime English and the technical deck exam. 

In an interview, the cadets who took the qualifying exam also expressed their thoughts and plans if they pass. 

"I will be very happy, and it will give a big impact especially to my family because I will give them what they have invested in me." D/C Anastacio Paller said. "I really wish that I can pass this exam." 

D/C Renzo John Magbanua stated, "If I will pass the qualifying exam in this shipping company, it is honorable. It will give the best opportunity to serve the company and work to their company as a cadet." 

Prior to the examination which was held at the Audio-Visual Room (AVR) of the said campus, they had a quick tour of all the facilities at SMET. 

According to Capt. Bo, he was impressed with all the facilities of the school and he highly recommended SMET to the public being a competent maritime school in the Philippines. 

Another notable informal audit was the interaction between visitors and cadets - leaving an additional good impression.