FAX machines are still chirping and buzzing in communications between ship and shore.

The reason: Internet and e-mail are restricted on board vessels because satellite connection is expensive.

But SingTel's broadband satellite technologies, introduced in the last year, aim to bring costs down and make communicating efficient.

A $500,000 satellite communication centre has thus opened here to train people for the labour-starved but growing maritime sector.

Called SatCom@SMA, the facility is a joint investment by SingTel, Singapore Polytechnic and engineering firm Globe Wireless.

The centre simulates actual communications between ship and shore using the latest technology from SingTel and Globe Wireless, so Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) students at the Singapore Polytechnic have hands-on experience of offshore operations.

Such initiatives will keep SMA at the forefront of maritime training, said Transport Minister Raymond Lim at the SMA's 50th anniversary dinner yesterday.

Unlike industries such as banking and manufacturing, the maritime sector has not progressed in technology use.

'Allowing seafarers to stay connected with family and friends is key to attracting and retaining talent,' said Mr Titus Yong, vice-president of SingTel Satellite.

Users of SingTel's broadband satellite technologies can expect to pay 20 per cent less than they would for older techniques, he noted.

The local maritime sector received another leg-up yesterday, in the form of nine scholarships worth $260,000 for Singapore Polytechnic graduates to pursue degrees in maritime studies.

The scholarships, tenable for three years from next year, are funded by SMA's teaching staff from their having provided consultancy services to companies.

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