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A five-day intensive maritime safety training aimed at strengthening professional capacity and promoting international safety standards at sea has concluded in Freetown, with government and regional partners reaffirming their commitment to safer maritime operations.
The training, held at the Country Lodge Hotel, was jointly organised by the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) in collaboration with a team from the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Ghana. It focused on the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), a globally recognised framework for maritime safety and competency.
Participants were trained across five mandatory STCW modules, including Personal Survival Techniques, Basic Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility, and Proficiency in Security Awareness. The sessions combined classroom instruction with practical exercises to ensure a comprehensive understanding of safety procedures.
A total of 37 participants attended the training, drawn from various institutions. These included 23 participants from Mercy Ships, one from the National Minerals Agency, one from Conex Petroleum Ltd., two stewards, and seven staff members from SLMA’s Maritime Safety and Security department.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Director of Research, Maritime Education and Training at SLMA, Emmanuel Pius Richards, highlighted the significance of the initiative in strengthening the country’s maritime sector.
“This training is essential for building the capacity of maritime professionals and ensuring safety at sea,” Richards said. “SLMA remains committed to domesticating STCW courses in Sierra Leone through our partnership with RMU, so that our seafarers and maritime workers can obtain internationally recognised certifications locally, reducing costs and enhancing opportunities.”
Also addressing participants, RMU Team Lead, Joshua Addo, urged trainees to apply the knowledge acquired during the programme in their professional duties. He stressed the importance of adhering strictly to established safety protocols and maintaining high standards in maritime operations.
The training marks a continued effort by the government and its partners to enhance maritime safety, expand access to internationally recognised certification, and build a skilled workforce capable of meeting global standards within Sierra Leone’s maritime industry.
