Saudi Arabia And International Maritime Organization Launch NextWave Seafarers Project To Enhance Maritime Training Opportunities

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the Transport General Authority (TGA) and Bahri, has initiated the NextWave Seafarers pilot project in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This initiative, launched at the IMO headquarters in London, aims to train maritime academy cadets from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It also supports advanced research and fosters international cooperation in the maritime sector.

Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the IMO, Eng. Kamal Al-Junaidi, along with Dr. Jose Matheickal, Director of the IMO’s Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, signed the agreement during the IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training, and Watchkeeping (HTW) meeting. The project is set to run between 2025 and 2026 with a budget of approximately $700,000 (SAR2,625,000), focusing on capacity building.

The primary goal is to address the underrepresentation of seafarers from SIDS and LDCs in global shipping by offering hands-on training aboard Saudi vessels. In its initial phase, 20 cadets from these regions will receive onboard training between 2025 and 2026. This experience will equip them with practical skills essential for launching their maritime careers.

Additionally, an international study will be conducted to examine barriers faced by maritime students from SIDS and LDCs. These challenges include limited access to sea-time training and difficulties meeting required service time for certification. The project aims to identify these obstacles and propose solutions.

The initiative seeks to enhance collaboration between IMO member states and shipping companies. It encourages further international participation in similar programs. By doing so, it hopes to strengthen global maritime standards and promote sustainable career pathways for maritime academy cadets.

Saudi Arabia envisions this project as a catalyst for positive change in the maritime sector. It aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to improve safety regulations and develop sustainable career opportunities for seafarers from LDCs and SIDS.

Commitment to Maritime Workforce Development

The NextWave Seafarers project highlights Saudi Arabia’s dedication to supporting the maritime workforce through expanded training opportunities. By investing in such programs and fostering international partnerships, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to building a resilient future for the shipping industry.

This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia's role in enhancing global maritime standards while ensuring continued growth in this vital sector. By addressing challenges faced by seafarers from underrepresented regions, it supports a more inclusive global shipping workforce.

With inputs from SPA