MatPal Marine Institute (MatPal) celebrated its nineteen (19) Anniversary on Friday (5th October, 2018) as the ONLY Maritime Institute in Guyana.
The journey of the institute started on October 5, 1999 when Founders- Garry Palmer (deceased) and Orin Matthis – both Ship Officers within the Transport and Harbour Department felt compelled to give back to the Maritime Industry, of their time, experience and knowledge. MatPal Marine Institute began offering Survival at Sea, Firefighting and First Aid Modular training to local seafarers. Over the years, other courses were added as International Certification was approved for those courses in an effort to allow Guyanese Seaman to take advantage of the opportunities to work on foreign going vessels.
In the future the Institute envisions itself offering courses that cater to other specialized areas of the Oil and Gas Industry, as well as to acquire Deck and Engine Room Simulators to further aid in the delivery of training. It also looks forward to increasing Partnerships and collaborations and similarly seek to enter into Public-Private Partnerships.
Although along the journey there were a number of challenges these were also balanced with a great number of accomplishments as well. Nevertheless, through the high and low tides, the Institute proudly celebrates its 19th Anniversary. Although over the years the company has evolved and continues to do so, it has remain committed to ‘Promoting Excellence Through Maritime Training’.