Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has announced that, in a remarkable maritime undertaking between Japan and the Philippines, MOL Maritex Co., Ltd. (MOLMAT; President & CEO: Kazuhiko Kikuchi)(Note1) of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP; President: VADM Eduardo Santos)(Note2), and Magsaysay Training Center (MTC: President: Captain Alex M. Enriquez)(Note3) of the Magsaysay Group has opened Dynamic Positioning (DP) Training Center in the Philippines signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on July 29, 2025, at the MAAP Campus in Mariveles, Bataan. The first training course is scheduled to commence on September 1, 2025 and the center will service training courses widely open to whoever seafarers or engineers would like.

The DP simulator used at the training center is the same model installed on MOL’s special vessels. This enables trainees to undergo training in an environment that closely replicates real ship operations.

From left: MOLMAT President & CEO Kazuhiko Kikuchi, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific President VADM Eduardo Santos, Magsaysay Training Center President Alex M. Enriquez and Chairman Marlon Roño

The DP Training Center will provide operation training for seafarers and engineers to meet the requirements for offshore wind power generation and for special vessels involved in offshore and ocean development.

The courses – all accredited by the Nautical Institute (NI) – offered at the new DP Training Center include:

• DP Induction Course: This is the basic course for becoming a Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO). It covers the theoretical foundations of DP systems, including basic concepts, operating principles, system components, and risk management during DP operations.
• DP Simulator Course: This is an advanced course using DP simulators to train participants in the operation of DP systems. It develops practical skills such as real-time DP operation and troubleshooting. The course is available after completing the Induction Course and the required sea service onboard DP vessels.
• DP Sea Time Reduction Course: This simulator-based course is designed to reduce part of the required DP sea time. It serves as a substitute for onboard experience and helps participants strengthen and validate their DP skills.
• DP Revalidation / DP Refresher and Competency Assessment Course: This course is intended for DPOs renewing or revalidating their certification, especially those who have been away from DP operations for an extended period. It helps refresh and reassess their knowledge and competencies.
• DP Vessel Maintainer Course: This course is intended for technical personnel responsible for the maintenance of DP systems. It covers the structure and functions of DP equipment, sensors, and control systems, as well as procedures for inspection, maintenance, and fault diagnosis.

As the demand for DP operators continues to grow in the Philippines and the wider Asian region, providing essential skills to Filipino and other Asian seafarers and technicians is crucial for developing the human resources needed to support the growth of the offshore renewable energy sector. This initiative also aligns with MOL’s active commitment to the offshore wind power business.

This partnership plays a vital role in shaping the future of Filipino seafarers in offshore operations. Through the expansion of access to DP training, MOLMAT, MAAP, and MTC will continue to develop highly skilled seafarers and continue to play a key role in meeting the evolving needs of the maritime industry in the Philippines.
Source: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines