CINEC Campus and Centrum Marine Consultancy proudly announce the inauguration of the first-ever Female Merchant Navy Cadet Cohort in Sri Lanka. This landmark collaboration between the leading maritime education institution, CINEC Campus, and renowned maritime consultancy, Centrum Marine, is a significant step towards inclusivity and gender equality in the country’s seafaring industry.

The introduction of female cadets in Maritime Sciences and Marine Engineering is a testament to the progressive vision of both CINEC Campus and Centrum Marine Consultancy and underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to breaking barriers and promoting diversity within the maritime sector. In a grand ceremony attended by esteemed officials, industry leaders, and scholars, the inauguration event showcased the indomitable spirit and dedication of the first-ever female cadets. These Officer Cadets, with their steadfast commitment, will spearhead a powerful transformation, paving the way for more gender inclusivity in the traditionally male-dominated field.

CINEC Campus (pvt) Ltd established in 1990 is Sr Lanka’s pioneer and the largest Maritime Educational Training Institute approved by the Directorate of Merchant shipping in Sri Lanka and recognised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and foreign Maritime Administrations such as European Maritime Safety Authority (EMSA), Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)UK, and Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). CINEC is the only institution that offers Management Level training to Captaincy and Chief Engineer Levels in Sri Lanka. CINEC has been engaged in training of female seafarers in Fiji and Seychelles where CINEC manages the Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) and Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) and therefore, familiar with the specific training requirements of the female cadre.

With its proud history of over three decades, CINEC has been able to establish itself as the most prestigious option for those who desire a career in the Maritime Industry. Being the leader in maritime training and education in Sri Lanka and the Asia Pacific Region, CINEC Campus continuously aspire to redefine the Sri Lankan maritime industry through creating a more inclusive maritime workforce to build the next generation of female seafarers. It is to be noted that, there is a surge in female seafarer numbers globally, with the introduction of new policies (on creating a safe and secure workplace for female seafarers onboard vessels), and Sri Lanka needs to forge ahead and be a force to be reckoned with.

Centrum Marine Consultancy is a dynamic maritime company founded by seasoned experts with nearly six decades of experience. Centrum Marine champions “Recruitment without Guilt” and actively promotes gender equality in the maritime sector. Centrum supports aspiring female seafarers through sponsorships, providing access to maritime careers as Navigation and Marine Engineering Cadets. These young women progress to attain the prestigious “Certificate of Competency – COC,” securing onboard training and guaranteed employment as officers onboard ships of reputed ship owners/ principals.

This historic collaboration between CINEC Campus and Centrum Marine Consultancy has been endorsed by industry stakeholders, Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA), Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association - Sri Lanka (WISTA), YoungShip Sri Lanka, and this cohesive effort sets a precedent for future generations, encouraging more women to pursue careers at sea in the maritime domain.