This week’s maritime roundup tracks escalating attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, confirmation that 24 Indian seafarers are safe, DGMA’s Sarawak deployment ban, India’s One Nation One Port reforms, record inland waterway cargo, dramatic rescues at sea, and new training and retrofit tools shaping seafarer safety.
Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA) has launched SMA LearnAI, an innovative AI platform designed to transform education through personalized learning experiences. Fully integrated with the Academy’s LMS, it offers interactive tools like virtual professors and AI-generated study aids, enhancing academic support while maintaining high content quality and academic integrity.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA, announced plans to revise the STCW 2017 curriculum for Nigerian Maritime Training Institutions. This update, discussed with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria’s Governing Board, aims to align training standards with global benchmarks, enhancing the credibility of Nigerian seafarers’ certifications and improving their competitiveness.
Onwuka Igwe, former Director of Cabotage at NIMASA, underscores the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) as vital for enhancing local maritime skills. By training nearly 2,500 Nigerians, the initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign seafarers, promoting local capacity in Nigeria’s coastal shipping and addressing workforce shortages effectively.
The United Marine Training Center (UMTC) in Manila recently broke ground on its Green Energy Center, aimed at equipping Filipino seafarers with skills for the maritime industry’s transition to alternative fuels. President Antonio Galvez emphasized the center’s role in fostering competence, safety, and sustainability in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape.
This summer, sixty young individuals are beginning their careers with Hapag-Lloyd, Germany’s largest maritime training company. The apprenticeship programs provide pathways to long-term careers, both at sea and on land. With initiatives like the Shefarer Program, Hapag-Lloyd is also committed to enhancing female representation in maritime roles.
TAFE Queensland invites the community to name its new 8-meter rigid inflatable training vessel, enhancing maritime education in South East Queensland. This vessel will provide hands-on training for students, supporting the growing marine industry. The naming competition closes on August 16, with winners receiving a whale-watching experience.
The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) has welcomed a second group of 24 trainees for the GP Rating and Certificate Course in Maritime Catering onboard the MV Swaraj Dweep. This initiative, part of the Structured Onboard Training Programme by the Ministry of Ports, aims to enhance maritime training and employability.
Vanuatu’s maritime authorities are addressing the shortage of qualified Ni-Vanuatu seafarers by enhancing training programs and creating new career pathways. The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority and Maritime College are appointing a new CEO to drive reforms, ensuring local seafarers meet international standards and secure employment on various vessels.
The Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE), managed by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, has received international certification from the UK Nautical Institute. This milestone enhances Nigeria’s maritime training capabilities, elevating the employability of its seafarers and reducing reliance on foreign institutions, while fostering local development and safety in the sector.
IRCLASS Academy has partnered with AMET University through a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance maritime education and research. This collaboration focuses on integrating academic programs with industry needs, offering joint initiatives like curriculum development, internships, and hands-on learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for successful careers in the maritime sector.
The Directorate General of Shipping in India has launched Circular No. 53 of 2025, enhancing crew welfare and safety at sea. This includes a new training module addressing workplace violence, to be integrated into Basic Safety Training. Mandatory for all seafarers by January 2026, it promotes a respectful maritime environment.
The Albanese Government has launched the Maritime Skills and Training Initiative (MSTI) with a $13.8 million investment to provide sea time access for 20 trainee seafarers. This program aims to tackle skill shortages and enhance workforce capabilities in the maritime sector, supporting the next generation of certified seafarers.
ABS has signed an agreement to acquire MetaSHIP intellectual property and vessel simulator software from Orka Informatics, pending Turkish regulatory approval. This move aims to enhance ABS’s maritime training solutions, offering accessible digital training on board, in ports, or from home, while improving fleet safety and compliance in a rapidly evolving industry.
Danish Shipping has launched a program to enhance maritime skills among African cadets, focusing on West Africa. Collaborating with major Danish shipowners like Maersk and Norden, the initiative aims to provide world-class training. Since 2019, 18 students have been sponsored, with more set to join in the coming years.
