Familiarisation
- STAGE 01
- Early familiarisation within the vessel traffic control tower environment.
Vessel Traffic Management
APM Terminals Bahrain and Port & Maritime Affairs sign a Memorandum of Understanding to develop Bahraini talent in vessel traffic management — at Khalifa Bin Salman Port.
- Signed 6 May 2026
- In partnership with Port & Maritime Affairs
- Aligned with Vision 2030
A partnership, signed.
APM Terminals Bahrain — operator of Khalifa Bin Salman Port — and Port & Maritime Affairs (PMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch the Vessel Traffic Management Systems National Employment Programme. The two-year programme formalises a strategic partnership to develop Bahraini talent in the maritime sector, aligned with Bahrain Vision 2030 and the National Employment Programme.
Six Bahraini nationals. One global certification.
Six Bahraini nationals will undertake specialist training and operational development in vessel traffic management — leading to the internationally recognised IALA VTS Operator C0103 certification.
THE PATHWAY
From the tower to certification.
A structured journey that blends real operational exposure with internationally accredited training.
THE FIRST COHORT
Meet the trainees.
Six Bahraini nationals beginning their journey to becoming certified vessel traffic management operators.
[Participant name]
“My first shift in the control tower was unforgettable — watching every vessel move felt like a whole new world.”
VTMS Trainee
[Participant name]
“The first thing that struck me was how calm and focused the team stays. I want to operate like that.”
VTMS Trainee
[Participant name]
“From my very first day in the tower, I felt part of something that keeps the whole port moving.”
VTMS Trainee
[Participant name]
“Stepping into the tower for the first time, I realised how much there is to learn — and I can’t wait.”
VTMS Trainee
[Participant name]
“Seeing the live traffic on the screens on day one made everything click. This is real.”
VTMS Trainee
[Participant name]
“It’s early days, but every hour in the control tower teaches me something new.”
VTMS Trainee
WHY IT MATTERS
Building long-term maritime careers.
The initiative supports sustainable employment, strengthens public–private collaboration, and builds long-term career pathways in advanced maritime operations across the Kingdom.
Charting careers in advanced maritime operations.