Introduced by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Maritime Cluster Fund (MCF) facilitates the growth of Singapore's maritime cluster by supporting the industry's manpower and business development efforts as well as its drive for productivity improvements. The MCF-Manpower Development, one of the three key components under MCF, is available for the development of manpower, training initiatives and capabilities within the maritime industry. Accessible to companies, company-supported or self-sponsored individuals within the maritime sector, the fund focuses on developing and enhancing the pertinent skills of employees.

MCF-Manpower Development consists of:

• Training@MaritimeSingapore: To upgrade knowledge and expertise of local maritime personnel through attending MPA-approved training programmes.

• Talent@MaritimeSingapore: To encourage companies to invest in the development of expertise through attachments and career development programmes.

• InvestManpower@MaritimeSingapore: To encourage maritime enterprises and industry associations to adopt well-structured HR and training infrastructure, tools and processes so as to attract, train and develop their talent pool.

• Other Short-term Maritime Manpower Schemes: In April 2016, MPA announced that it will be setting aside S$12 million under MCF-Manpower Development to attract, develop and retain local talent (Singaporeans and Permanent Residents) in the maritime sector.