SWEDEN: The World Maritime University’s graduating class of 2023 included 283 graduates from 71 countries and set a record with 35 percent of the class comprising of women. The graduation ceremony was held over the weekend in Malmö, Sweden.

SOUTH AFRICA: Having taken a long term approach to saving the endangered African penguin, campaigners are not taken aback by the shown decline in the penguin population over the last year.

INTERNATIONAL: Ukraine has asked Member States of the International Maritime Organisation not to re-elect the Russian Federation to the Council when they vote in December this year.

INSIGHT: Offshore drilling rig utilisation is on the increase with availability beginning to tighten as new contracts become lengthier amidst a marked increase in tender opportunities.

The Liberian Registry has opened a new office in Miami, USA to serve as the primary centre for Registration, Mortgage, and Deletion Services (RM&D). The Miami office will also provide technical and commercial services to clients. 

SOUTH AFRICA: In a bid to streamline the process of applying for recreational fishing permits, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)’s has launched an online Recreational Fishing Permit Application solution, which is currently open for applications.

SOUTH AFRICA: Three adults and a young child died when the small speed boat that were in capsized in the wake of a larger barge on the Vaal River over the weekend.

Stepping down after a two year term as the Chair of the International Salvage Union this month, Captain Nicholas Sloane will continue as a member of the ISU Executive Committee. He is succeeded by John Witte of Donjon Marine, USA.