The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) on Friday, 17th April 2026, successfully concluded a five-day Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Basic Safety Training programme, with 37 participants drawn from various maritime and related organisations.
The training, jointly organised by SLMA and the Regional Maritime University (RMU) headquartered in Accra, Ghana, was held in Freetown.
It covered the five mandatory STCW basic safety modules: Personal Survival Techniques (PST), Basic Firefighting, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, and Proficiency in Security Awareness.
Participants included twenty-three personnel from Global Mercy Ships, seven from SLMA, three from the National Mineral Agency (NMA), two from Stewards, and one from Conex Petroleum Ltd.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Emmanuel Pius Richards, Director of Research, Maritime Education and Training at SLMA, underscored the importance of the programme and reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to aligning with international maritime standards.
“This training is essential for building the capacity of maritime professionals and ensuring safety at sea,” Mr. Richards stated. “SLMA remains committed to domesticating STCW courses in Sierra Leone through our partnership with the Regional Maritime University, so that our seafarers and maritime workers can obtain internationally recognised certifications locally, reducing costs and enhancing opportunities.”
The programme is aligned with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) STCW Convention and is accredited through collaboration with RMU, enabling participants to receive certifications that meet global standards required for service onboard vessels.
This latest cohort reflects SLMA’s continued efforts to strengthen the national maritime sector, enhance safety compliance, and expand employment opportunities within the blue economy, including partnerships with humanitarian organisations such as Global Mercy Ships and other industry stakeholders.
All 37 participants successfully completed both the practical and theoretical training sessions and will be awarded certificates upon meeting the required assessment standards.
SLMA continues to expand access to STCW training programmes as part of its broader commitment to developing a skilled and competitive maritime workforce in Sierra Leone.
Captain Joshua Addo, Team Lead from RMU, stated that the expectation is for participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training by strictly adhering to safety protocols and prioritising established safety standards.
