By: Saidu Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), in collaboration with the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Ghana, has concluded a five-day intensive training on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) at the Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown. The programme aimed to strengthen maritime safety and build professional capacity in Sierra Leone.
The training brought together 37 participants from key institutions, including Mercy Ships, the National Minerals Agency, Conex Petroleum Ltd., Stewards, and SLMA’s Maritime Safety and Security Department. Sessions covered core STCW modules such as Personal Survival Techniques (PST), Basic Fire Fighting (BFF), Elementary First Aid (EFA), Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR), and Proficiency in Security Awareness.
Facilitators delivered a combination of practical and theoretical instruction, emphasizing hands-on skills essential for emergency preparedness and compliance with international safety standards at sea.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, SLMA’s Director of Research, Maritime Education and Training, Emmanuel Pius Richards, underscored the importance of the programme. He described the training as “essential for building the capacity of maritime professionals and ensuring safety at sea,” adding that SLMA is committed to localizing STCW courses in Sierra Leone.
He further explained that the partnership with RMU is intended to enable local seafarers and maritime workers to access internationally recognized certifications within the country, thereby reducing training costs and expanding employment opportunities.
Captain Joshua Addo, Team Lead from RMU, urged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their daily operations. He emphasized strict adherence to safety protocols and the importance of upholding always established maritime standards.
The training forms part of ongoing efforts by SLMA and its partners to enhance maritime governance, improve safety standards, and develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting global shipping requirements.