In response to the growing need for a more diverse global maritime work force, IMEC have partnered with the South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA) and the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) to provide training berths to aspiring South African seafarers. The programme is part of the National Seafarer Development Programme, a government backed training initiative managed by SAIMI and is available for all South African nationals who need to fulfil their shipboard training as part of working towards obtaining a Deck or Engineering officer qualification.

Cadets under the IMEC sponsorship scheme will be partnered with one of IMEC’s participating members, who will provide a minimum of 12 months shipboard training. Sponsorship includes travel and subsistence when joining the vessel, as well as a contribution to a monthly stipend when serving onboard. The 12 months sea time will be split into a minimum of 2 contracts between 6 or 7 months, with a shoreside training period provided by SAMTRA in between.

 

Upon completing the shipboard training period, SAMTRA will prepare all IMEC candidates to complete the final examinations to obtain a Certificate of Competency. After graduation, you shall then be endorsed to your sponsoring member for potential employment.

 

By becoming an IMEC Scholar you will become a part of an international collective of maritime employers who are focused on promoting sustainable and responsible companies who are committed to supporting the next generation of seafarers.

To be considered for the programme, each candidate must have completed the tertiary education of the Officer of the Watch before applying to the IMEC programme. All expressions of interest for the programme are to contact the following SAMTRA representatives.

If you are someone who is interested in taking part in the programme as a cadet or would like to know more about the cadet opportunities available, please see below the contact details for the South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA) who will be able to provide further details for you about this exciting opportunity.