MMA OFFSHORE & CONOCOPHILLIPS SUPPORT CRISTOVAO LOPES MENDONCA, WINNER OF THE “BEST IN ACADEMIC” CERTIFICATE IN ENGINE RATINGS AT THE MALAYSIAN MARITIME ACADEMY (ALAM)
We are delighted to advise that Cristovao Lopes Mendonca, a Timorese national, has recently been awarded ‘Best in Academic for Engine Ratings’ at the Malaysian Maritime Academy (ALAM). The award was presented for academic excellence together with other attributes of a well-rounded personality. Cristovao was recruited by MMA Offshore as part of its commitment to providing a marine career pathway to Timorese nationals in conjunction with ConocoPhillips’ operated Bayu Undan project.
Cristovao’s remarkable story proves, that success is no accident. It is the result of hard work, perseverance, learning, studying and sacrifice.
Based in the Maliana District,Timor-Leste, Cristovao is a 39-year-old husband and father of four. After his father had passed away when he was only twelve years old, he struggled to find the right path. Born as the eleventh child in a family of 12, his family didn’t have the financial resources to allow him an expensive education. After struggling his entire life, in 2018, he decided to make a change for the sake of his children.
Cristovao always had a passion for the maritime industry and found that ALAM was his gateway to enter the industry. After a successful application to MMA Offshore for their cadet recruitment intake in late February 2018, he was due to start his training at ALAM in Malaysia in May 2018. After a number of delays to the course start date, he eventually commenced the course in October 2018 and successfully graduated in April 2019.
He faced many challenges during his studies and needed to put extra effort as he had left school many years prior.
The course at ALAM trained Cristovao to become a Certified Rating who forms part of a watch in a manned engine room. The course also enabled him to gain the relevant knowledge and skillset to effectively perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine room.
Cristovao will be employed as Engine Cadet / Trainee within MMA Offshore’s international fleet in order to get his sea time, before going back to the training school. His final step will be to get his certificates and sea time endorsed to obtain his full Rating Certification which enables him to be employed as an Engine Rating.
MMA Offshore wishes Cristovao all the best for this future career, we are sure he has a bright career in the Maritime Industry ahead.