Cristal e-College receives Japanese approval for seafarer education scheme

"K" LINE has announced that Cristal e-College, which delivers maritime education, has received approval from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism under a new certification programme for seafarers.

Under the programme, it is possible for graduates from the college, located in a country where the Japanese government recognises the Certificate of Competency, to work on Japanese-flagged vessels as officers without taking the designated exams.

Japanese officials examined the curriculum of Cristal e-College's courses for operating vessels and engines in mid-March 2012 to confirm that the college has been providing adequate education before government approval was given.

The new certification programme is being applied after the first batch of "K" Line students graduated from the college in April 2012. The students take lectures at the college for three years and conduct on board training for one year.