Investing in our future

Events, News / 7 October 2018

This weekend we hosted a camp for a group of students who have shown interest in a career in Maritime.  The group included a 2nd year student at Durban University of Technology; four Sea Cadets from TS Woltemade and twelve learners from Lawhill Maritime Centre, seven of whom hold bursaries from the General Botha Old Boys Association. The camp was generously sponsored by SAIMI (South African International Maritime Institute) and we based ourselves at the Felix Unite venue on the banks of the Breede River.

The programme started on the Wednesday and on Saturday mentors and sponsors were invited to observe the final session, a rescue scenario, and then join the students for the closing dinner.

Each lecture was followed by an opportunity to practice what they had learnt.   The material is part of the curriculum for our rescue crew and includes modules ranging from capsize training and swift water rescue to managing stress and dealing with conflict.

Thank you to our course facilitators, Rico and Mark, for training these young men and women – they leave with new skills and great memories.

Andy MacLennan, SAIMI, talks to the group about the opportunities in the maritime sector
Buren van Wyk is awarded the plaque for determination and overall positive attitude during the camp, by Captain Tony Nicholas
Captain Keith Burchell, Chairman of GBOBABF
Mark Benecke, Rico Menezies and Captain Blackie Swart with : Buren van Wyk, Sabelo Mthumkhulu, Ludwe Ntshete, Shukri Kaffoor, Smangaliso Dlamini, Lutho Thomas, Tyrick Herwel, Moegammat Abrahams, Ngabelwa Nikwe, Dillon Davids, Mpilo Mthethwa, Nerissa Sucram, Nikita Adams, Owami Zulu, Rachma Hendricks and Anga Manakaza
Practicing the huddle to preserve body heat.
The students show determination during the huddle exercise
Preparing for the capsize training drill
Practical session with throw bags
Mastering the crocs
Safety first
Swimming exercise
Mentors and sponsors arrive to observe the scenario
Encouragement and team work
Students faced their fears and overcame personal challenges
Briefing the team
Lie on your back and float
Attitude over altitude
Dillon Davids with Mark and Rico
Rachma Hendricks with Mark and Rico

Tyrick Herwel, Moegammat Abrahams, Dillon Davids and Rachma Hendricks

The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) serves South Africa and the African continent by promoting skills development, education, training and research that supports growth of the blue economy.