Welcome to SAIMI

The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) is facilitating the development of the skills and knowledge base required to ensure the success of “Blue Economy” maritime economic development initiatives such as Operation Phakisa and the African Union’s African Integrated Maritime Strategy.

SAIMI serves South Africa and the African continent by promoting skills development, education, training and research that supports growth of the blue economy.

Where Maritime Matters

There is a proven need to strengthen maritime and marine education in South Africa in order to realise the growth potential of the maritime economy. Although various post-school educational institutions offer programmes in marine and maritime fields of study, there is a need for promotion of maritime education, training and research, and facilitation of greater collaboration and co-operation amongst role players in the sector.

The 2011 Maritime Skills Development Study and subsequent Maritime Skills Summit, facilitated by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), in collaboration with strategic partners, identified the skills needed to grow the maritime sector and ensure South Africa’s effective participation in the “Blue Economy”.

The summit further recommended an investigation into the possibility of establishing an independent maritime university or institute that would promote collaboration and cooperation amongst role-players in the sector, intensify research, promote skills development, produce independent thought leaders, and respond to inadequate access to maritime education through FET colleges.

SAIMI’s purpose, structure and programmes are based on extensive stakeholder consultation together with the findings of a detailed feasibility study and business plan commissioned by SAMSA in collaboration with the Department of Transport and Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

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