Good news for South African cadets

Maersk commits to sourcing cadets from South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA: In welcome news, Maersk has made a commitment to source South African crew for its fleet of 280 vessels that currently employ 12,500 seafarers.

According to a press release issued by the global shipping line, South African cadets could be afforded the opportunity to join Maersk vessels from as early as June this year.

South Africa is considered a high potential crew sourcing area for several reasons: the country’s proven track record in providing quality ships Officers, its favourable geographical location, the existing maritime infrastructure, vast population, and English language capabilities. South Africa’s socio-demographic profile and living cost index also lends itself to offshore employment.

As a programme established in 2003 by the AP Moller- Maersk Foundation, the South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA) will manage the Maersk South African Cadet Program.

SAMTRA is a leading provider of talent for the South African National Seafarer Development Program (NSDP), a programme sponsored by the South African Government via the National Skills Fund and the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI).

The STS Lawhill Maritime Centre (www.lawhill.org), offers three specialist maritime subjects (Nautical Science, Maritime Economics and Marine Science), as well as boarding facilities for the grade 10-12 learners. Maersk has been an anchor sponsor at Lawhill over the last 28 years and through the strong foundation provided, this institution is a natural feeder to the SAMTRA Cadet Programs.