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SAIMI Stretches Beyond our Borders

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The internationalisation of South Africa’s maritime education and training will take a huge
leap forward as closer ties are being formed with universities across the globe.
During a two-day visit by delegates from the International Association of Maritime
Universities (IAMU) to the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) in Nelson
Mandela Bay this week, great progress was made in finding practical ways of collaboration
between the IAMU and SAIMI.

An MOU between SAIMI and IAMU will be concluded next month at a signing ceremony in
Batumi, Georgia. The IAMU is a global network of 68 leading maritime universities providing
maritime education and training of seafarers for the global shipping industry.

IAMU Executive Director Dr Takeshi Nakazawa, who visited South Africa for the first time,
described the visit to SAIMI as fruitful. “We have set up a working group that will draft an
action plan of collaboration between IAMU and SAIMI. While we have identified many areas
of potential partnerships, an exchange between our member universities and South African
students, researchers and lecturers will provide valuable opportunities for growth and
specialisation,” said Nakazawa.

Another IAMU delegate, Batumi State Maritime Academy Head of International Relations,
Teona Dzneladze, will head up the working group to identify areas of synergy between IAMU
and SAIMI.

“We look forward to enhancing the qualifications of seafarers through internationalisation.
The working group will investigate possibilities of student exchange and new research
opportunities,” said Dzneladze.

SAIMI CEO Odwa Mtati said it is important for South Africa not to “operate as an island” and
to strengthen our maritime educational and training capabilities by collaborating with
universities across the world.

SAIMI supports various higher education institutions across South Africa to enhance and
grow maritime qualifications and research, including Nelson Mandela University, Cape
Peninsula University of Technology and more recently Durban University of Technology.
Apart from discussions with various representatives from the academic institutions and
maritime industry representatives, the delegation also went on a yacht cruise with the Bay
Sailing Academy and were entertained with traditional South African cuisine.

SAIMI Delegation
IAMU Executive Director Dr Takeshi Nakazawa, IAMU South African working
group head Teona Dzneladze and SAIM CEO Odwa Mtati.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.