Department of Transport, in partnership with South African Maritime Safety Authority, invites applications from suitably qualified unemployed seafarers to participate in the Maritime Training Programme (MTP): Work Integrated Learning (WIL) – Small Vessel Regime.
This structured 24-month Work Integrated Learning Programme provides practical maritime compliance exposure, vessel inspection support experience, and participation in maritime safety initiatives across multiple coastal locations in South Africa. The programme is designed to strengthen technical competence within the small vessel regulatory environment while improving employability within the maritime sector.
Successful applicants will receive supervised workplace training under experienced mentors and surveyors and gain practical exposure to maritime safety operations aligned with national regulatory standards.
Programme Overview
- Position: Work Integrated Learning – Small Vessel Regime
- Reference Number: SAMSA-MTP-2026-001
- Number of Positions: 10
- Programme Duration: 24 Months (Fixed-Term Training Contract)
- Monthly Stipend: R10 000
- Employment Type: Contract / Training Programme
- Work Level: Student / Graduate
- Employment Equity: Applicable
- Primary Location: Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
- Additional Placement Locations: Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Mossel Bay
- Closing Date: 06 May 2026
This programme serves as a structured workplace learning pathway and does not guarantee permanent employment after completion.
Programme Purpose
The Work Integrated Learning Programme supports skills development within the Small Vessel Regime regulatory environment, focusing on maritime inspection support, compliance monitoring, and operational assistance aligned with national maritime safety legislation.
Participants receive structured exposure to:
- Small vessel inspection procedures
- Maritime compliance monitoring systems
- Safety awareness campaigns
- Reporting and documentation standards
- Operational mentorship from qualified surveyors
The programme contributes toward strengthening regulatory capacity in South Africa’s inland waters, ports, and coastal maritime environments.
Key Performance Areas
Selected participants will be expected to perform duties including:
- Assisting with inspection and surveying of small vessels
- Supporting compliance monitoring aligned with maritime safety regulations
- Participating in structured training and technical skills development activities
- Assisting with maritime safety awareness programmes and outreach initiatives
- Compiling and submitting inspection support documentation and compliance reports
- Performing operational support duties under supervision of assigned mentors or surveyors
- Participating in scheduled workplace learning activities throughout the programme duration
Exposure will include both theoretical and practical regulatory maritime environments.
Placement Locations
Successful applicants will be placed at one of the following operational sites:
- Richards Bay
- Durban
- East London
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- Mossel Bay
Placement allocation will depend on operational requirements and programme capacity.
Stipend Information
Participants will receive:
- Monthly stipend: R10 000
- Paid for the full 24-month programme duration
This stipend supports participation during training and workplace exposure activities and does not constitute permanent employment remuneration.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Certificate of Proficiency (COP), Diploma in Maritime Studies, or related maritime qualification
- Qualification within a recognised maritime-related field
- Status as an unemployed seafarer or maritime graduate
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Compliance with applicable maritime medical fitness requirements
- Basic knowledge of maritime safety legislation and regulatory frameworks
- Strong communication skills
- Basic report writing ability
- Ability to work in inland waters, ports, and coastal maritime environments
Preference will be given to suitably qualified unemployed seafarers.
Added Advantage
The following qualification will strengthen an application:
- BSc in Nautical Science
Skills and Competencies Required
Suitable candidates should demonstrate:
- Understanding of maritime operational environments
- Ability to work under supervision in compliance-based roles
- Attention to procedural detail
- Willingness to participate in field inspections
- Administrative documentation capability
- Teamwork and adaptability within technical environments
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Recently certified copy of Identity Document
- Recently certified copies of qualifications and certificates
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Selection Process
The selection process may include:
- Shortlisting based on minimum requirements
- Psychometric assessments
- Additional competency-based evaluations
- Participation in structured assessment activities where required
Only shortlisted candidates will receive communication regarding the next stage of the process.
Applicants not contacted within one month after the closing date should consider the application unsuccessful.
Late applications will not be considered.
Employment Equity
Appointments will be made in accordance with Employment Equity objectives aligned with applicable legislation. Preference may be given to candidates whose appointment supports transformation targets within the maritime sector.
Important Programme Conditions
- Participation is limited to shortlisted candidates meeting eligibility criteria
- Programme participation does not guarantee permanent employment
- Assessment participation may be compulsory for shortlisted candidates
- Placement locations are determined by programme operational needs
- The right not to appoint is reserved
Closing Date: 06 May 2026
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements should prepare and submit a comprehensive application consisting of a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), a recently certified copy of an Identity Document, and recently certified copies of all relevant qualifications and certificates in maritime-related fields. Applications must clearly demonstrate compliance with the eligibility criteria, including maritime training background, age requirements, and readiness to participate in inland water, port, and coastal operational environments under structured mentorship.
Applications must be submitted before the closing date of 06 May 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding further assessments or selection procedures. If no communication is received within one month after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Apply Here: Work Integrated Learning – Small Vessel Regime