Technology is driving maritime skills requirements

Maritime skills must advance with technology

SOUTH AFRICA: It is critical that skills training and development keep pace with the speed of technological evolution in the maritime sector, or the sector will be handicapped. This was the message from several speakers during a dedicated Maritime Session at the Southern African Transport Conference held last week. 

“There is a risk of focusing on technology and forgetting that seafarers are critical in the movement of ships and cargo,” said Tebogo Mojafi, senior manager: maritime research at the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). “Without seafarers, world trade will be negatively impacted. We must develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed in the current and the future seafarers’ profession.”

 Mojafi delivered a presentation outlining how the role of seafarers is changing due to technology impacts on global industries. He urged maritime education and training institutions to continue developing the customised training that seafarers need to function in the sector.

This requires capacity building in terms of attracting non-seafarers and seafarers to assist in teaching and training future seafarers, and getting business to support the training, he said.

Mvuyisi Dlakavu, national seafarer development programme manager at the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), highlighted the work being undertaken by the entity to address these needs.

These include accessing cadet berths for South Africans to provide them with seagoing experience, under the guidance of industry professionals. In the past year, 57 cadets have been enrolled in the programme at partner organisations including Maersk, BSM, CSM and V-Ships.

A panel discussion featuring Maputo Port COO, Marla Calado, and SAMSA COO, Sobantu Tilayi, emphasised that maritime training must translate into employment opportunities by ensuring that stakeholders work together to ensure that graduates gain relevant industry skills.  

There are also major opportunities to advance maritime policymaking through science and research. Prof Priscilla Baker of the University of the Western Cape shared her research into quantitative reporting of sulfates in seawater. This research can help gain valuable insights into ocean pollutant levels, and how to regulate them.

Capacity building also needs to address entrepreneurial development. According to Unathi Sonti, executive chairman of the Eastern Cape Maritime Business Chamber, maritime entrepreneurs face significant barriers to entry. “The maritime chamber exists specifically to provide a strong support network and advocacy so that small businesses can establish themselves in the maritime sector,” he said.

PHOTO SOURCE: Adobe Photostock

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