By Audrey Raymonda John
In a significant stride towards maritime excellence, Sierra Leone’s Maritime Administration has conferred Standard of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) certifications upon 51 seafarers. The ceremony, held at Maritime House in Freetown on Wednesday, marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s maritime industry.
Rajiv Gidwani, the STCW Coordinator at the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, elucidated the purpose behind the ceremony. Highlighting the importance of the STCW Convention established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Gidwani emphasized its role in setting international standards for the training, certification, and watchkeeping of seafarers. This convention, integrated into Sierra Leonean law in July 2021, delineates fundamental requirements that nations must adhere to regarding seafarers’ certifications and training.
Gidwani underscored the collaborative efforts between Sierra Leone and the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Ghana, which culminated in the commencement of five basic mandatory courses in Sierra Leone. These courses, initiated in April 2024, were facilitated by RMU tutors and covered essential safety and security training in compliance with IMO standards.
The Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, Paul Sobba Massaquio, articulated the government’s commitment to fortifying its presence in the STCW industry. Massaquio elucidated plans to establish a comprehensive range of maritime courses and educational programs domestically. He emphasized the potential benefits of Sierra Leone attaining STCW white list status, including the issuance of its own certificates and the establishment of maritime training centers and universities.
Furthermore, Massaquio highlighted the economic significance of bolstering Sierra Leone’s maritime sector, citing the potential for job creation and revenue generation. He expressed aspirations for the establishment of a maritime university and an admiralty court, envisioning a future where maritime affairs are recognized as a standalone ministry.
Hon. Ambrose Maada Lebbie, Chairman of the Aviation Parliamentary Committee, reaffirmed Parliament’s support for transforming the Transport and Aviation Ministry. He commended the initiative to revitalize Sierra Leone’s seafaring sector, underscoring its potential to harness the country’s blue economy.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Rex Bona, lauded the ceremony as a step in the right direction towards fostering collaboration between ministries. He congratulated the participants and articulated aspirations for their seamless integration into vessel operations.
The issuance of STCW certifications signifies Sierra Leone’s commitment to maritime excellence and underscores its aspirations for industry advancement and economic growth. With concerted efforts and strategic partnerships, Sierra Leone aims to carve a prominent niche in the global maritime arena, fostering a prosperous future for its citizens and the nation at large.
