MARITIME AGREEMENT

THE International Maritime Employers Council (IMEC) will commence with a South African Cadet Training Programme in 2023. The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) stated that an extensive consultation process and audit of the country’s maritime capabilities and capacity led to a final agreement being reached in Manila, Philippines on Friday. It is envisaged that the recruitment of the first cohort of cadets will commence during the second half of 2023 and the first sea-going appointments are planned for the beginning of 2024. The trial group of 50 men and women cadets will join foreign trading vessels in order to complete their on-board seagoing experience. Cadets who have passed their competency examinations will have an opportunity at gainful seagoing employment with the partner shipping companies.

Pictured in Manila from left are Pieter Coetzer (South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA), Francesco Gargiulo (IMEC), Mvuyisi Dlakavu (SAIMI), Azwimbavhi Nelwamondo (South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Adam Lewis (IMEC), Chloe Esdaile (IMEC), Yvette de Klerk (SA Maritime Advocate), and Tshepo Mokoena from the National Skills Fund (NSF).