Engineer receives first bursary in maritime education partnership

Online MSc will help further seafarer’s career

SOUTH AFRICA: A Second Engineer from the Eastern Cape has been chosen as the first bursary student to study for an MSc in Marine Engineering Management through a partnership initiated last year between Business College of Athens (BCA) and the South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA).

Currently serving on board the Laura Maersk, the first container ship running on green methanol, Sivuyile Fisa, began his maritime career as a SAMTRA Engine Cadet in 2008. His love for engineering began when he was an apprentice mechanical fitter at PetroSA where he was introduced to maritime engineering. This led him to pursue a career in this field, joining Safmarine as a cadet in 2008.

“I am thrilled to have been accepted to study for my MSc in Marine Engineering Management through BCA and SAMTRA, which I will be doing over two years, while at sea. Even better news is that I met the criteria and was awarded a bursary,” he says.

“I know this internationally recognised qualification will open more doors and present new opportunities for me. It will allow me to extend and develop my knowledge and expertise in this specialised area,” he says adding that he hopes that it will prepare him for more advanced work in the marine engineering field.

Partnership

The partnership between BCA and SAMTRA aims to connect African maritime professionals with the opportunity to study online towards internationally recognised qualifications. The first cohort began their studies last month and represent applicants from South Africa, Namibia and Angola.

The online courses include inductions, video interactions with professors, modules, 24-hour online support, reviews and case studies. Students are mentored throughout the process until their degree is jointly awarded by the University of West London and BCA College.

”The advantage of studying online is that you can adjust the duration of the programme according to your work duties,” explains Pieter Coetzer of SAMTRA who explains that the way the courses are structured makes them equally suitable for professionals from other industries who keen to break into the maritime sector.

“The final qualification, issued by the University of West London and BCA, is highly sought after and internationally recognised. It’s an incredible opportunity for South Africans to further showcase their maritime expertise globally,” he continues.