A $500,000 satellite communication centre has opened in Singapore to attract and train students for the labour-short maritime sector as the volume of trade and shipping grows.

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

The centre simulates actual communications between ship and shore using the latest ware from SingTel and Globe, providing Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) students at Singapore Polytechnic with hands-on lessons in offshore operations.

'Initiatives like this will keep SMA at the forefront of maritime training,' said Mr Raymond Lim, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs at the SMA's 50th anniversary dinner at the Goodwood Park Hotel on Friday night.

The investment is timely as the maritime sector has not moved in tandem with other industries like banking and manufacturing in its use of technology.

For instance, the fax machine is still the dominant ship-to-shore communication tool.

Use of the internet and email is restricted on-board vessels because satellite connection is expensive.

Such restrictions have put off many potential hires.

'Allowing seafarers to stay connected with their families and friends is key to attracting and retaining talent in the maritime industry,' said Mr Titus Yong, vice president of SingTel Satellite.

SingTel's broadband satellite technologies, introduced in the last 12 months, make offshore communications more affordable, and also allow more data such as text or voice messages to be transmitted faster.

As such, users pay 20 per cent less, said Mr Yong. Broadband satellite systems have been in use by the military for years but are only available for commercial purposes recently.

In another boost to the local maritime sector, nine scholarships worth a total of S$260,000 will awarded to deserving Singapore Polytechnic graduates to pursue a degree in maritime studies, starting from next year.