The International Maritime Employers Council (Imec) and the South African International Maritime Institute (Saimi) have announced the start of an Imec South African cadet training programme this year.
The announcement was made after the ‘Crew Connect Global Conference’ in Manila, following an extensive consultation process and inspection of the country's maritime capabilities and capacity.
Saimi said in a statement that it was envisaged that the recruitment of the first cohort of cadets would commence in September and the first seagoing appointments are planned for January 2024. The pilot group of 50 male and female cadets will join foreign-going trading vessels to complete their onboard seagoing experience with an Imec member. Cadets who have passed their competency examinations and performed satisfactorily will have access to gainful onboard employment opportunities as “Officer of the Watch”.
“There is an unprecedented demand for South African officers and cadets at present, which follows years of advocacy and positioning via the SA National Seafarer Development Programme,” Saimi said.
The parties representing the South African delegation in Manila were Saimi, the Samtra - South African Maritime Training Academy, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) and the National Skills Fund (NSF).
Imec currently operates successful cadet and rating training programmes in the Philippines.
“This partnership bodes well for South African seafarers, especially after the recent Samsa announcement that the South African IMO White List accreditation status has been maintained,” Saimi said.
