Accredited to provide senior officer training

SAMTRA secures SAMSA accreditation for Mates and Masters academic programme

SOUTH AFRICA: The South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA) has received accreditation from the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) for its Mates and Masters Academic Programme (STCW Code Table A-II/2), enabling senior deck officers to obtain internationally recognised management level certification.

This accreditation strengthens South Africa’s capacity to train maritime leadership skills and positions SAMTRA as a growing hub for advanced maritime education in Africa.

The programme was developed over a two-year period by a team of experts, including the SAMTRA Academic Head Cdr Wayne Beattie, Capt. Lauren Lawson (candidate PhD), Capt Roger Pawley, Professor Dr Capt Ed Snyders and other subject matter experts.

The 10-month Management Level programme, aligned with STCW Code Table A-II/2, prepares senior deck officers for command and management responsibilities at sea. Training will take place from March to December at the Academy’s campus in Simon's Town and combines academic instruction with practical simulation training.

This new accreditation creates a comprehensive training pathway from operational to management level certification as it builds on SAMTRA’s Deck Officer Operational Programme (STCW Code Table A-II/1), accredited in 2023.

The Mates and Masters Academic Programme is open to candidates of all nationalities, with a particular focus on developing maritime skills across the African continent.  The modular programme is designed to be vocationally oriented, compatible with COC certification requirements and is a cost-effective alternative to traditional university programmes.

With this milestone, SAMTRA continues to demonstrate its dedication to quality training, compliance with international maritime standards and the advancement of professional seafaring careers.

In addition to the SAMSA accreditations, SAMTRA is in the process of registering as a private higher education institution with South Africa’s Department of Higher Education & Training and the Council for Higher Education. Planned qualifications include:

1. 1 Yr Advanced Certificate in Marine Engineering/NQF Level 6 (130 Credits)
2. 1 Yr Higher Certificate in Maritime Studies/NQF Level 5 (120 Credits)
3. 2 Yr Diploma in Maritime Studies/NQF Level 6 (240 Credits)

The diploma qualifications articulate into the BSc Maritime Business Top Up (one or two years online) and subsequently into the MSc programmes once the appropriate work experience and Masters (STCW Code Table A – II/2) or Chief Engineer (STCW Code Table A – III/2) COCs are obtained.  

1. MSc in Ship Management (2 -3 years online)
2. MSc Marine Engineering Management (2 -3 years online)
3. MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management (2 – 3 years online)

These BSc and MSc degree programmes are offered in partnership with the Business College of Athens (BCA est. 1971) and are awarded by the University of West London.

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