The Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo Operations (ATOTCO) course was developed in accordance with IMO Model Course 1.02 and approved by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. The course was developed due to the increase of oil tankers in the Maldives shipping fleet thereby creating the need to develop shipboard personnel for the cargo operations of oil tankers.
The course was first offered in April 2025, marking a significant milestone in the Maldives by establishing local training for shipboard personnel directly responsible for cargo operations on oil tankers (generally ships officers and engineers).
Previously, this specialised training was not available in the country, requiring students to travel overseas to obtain certification. The introduction of this course has improved accessibility, reduced financial barriers, and strengthened national capacity in maritime training. The programme comprised 46 hours of classroom instruction and 14 hours of practical training, with the practical component conducted through supervised shipboard visits to complete the learning outcomes stated in the IMO Model course 1.02.