It is envisaged that the recruitment of the first cohort of Cadets will commence in September 2023 and the first seagoing appointments are planned for January 2024. The pilot group of 50 male and female Cadets will join foreign going trading vessels to complete their onboard seagoing experience with an IMEC Member. Cadets who have passed their competency examinations and performed satisfactorily will have access to gainful on-board employment opportunities as “Officer of the Watch”.

There is an unprecedented demand for South African Officers and Cadets at present, which follows onto years of advocacy and positioning via the SA National Seafarer Development Program. 

The parties representing the South African delegation in Manila were SAIMI, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA) and the National Skills Fund (NSF).  

IMEC currently operates highly successful Cadet and Rating Training programs in the Philippines. 

This partnership bodes well for South African Seafarers, especially after the recent SAMSA announcement that the South African IMO White List accreditation status has been maintained

In the photo Left to Right: Mr Pieter Coetzer (SAMTRA), Mr Francesco Gargiulo (IMEC CEO), Mr Mvuyisi Dlakavu (SAIMI), Mr Azwimbavhi Nelwamondo (SAMSA), Mr Adam Lewis (IMEC),  Mrs Chloe Esdaile (IMEC),  Ms Yvette de Klerk and Mr Tshepo Mokoena (NSF).