Africa-Press – Mauritius. A first batch of eight Trainees (Deck and Engine) from an initial group of 14 selected candidates of the Mauritius Shipping Corporation Limited (MSCL) are now set to begin their mandatory sea-time training. The trainees officially received their employment contracts, along with safety helmets and reflective vests, during an official ceremony held today on board the MV Mauritius Trochetia in Port Louis.
The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell; the Junior Minister, Mr Gilles Fabrice David; the Managing Director of MSCL, Dr Sanjaye Dabydoyal; the Chairman of MSCL, Mr Vinayeghen Govindasami; Captain Mahendra Babooa; and other personalities were present on the occasion.
In his address, Minister Boolell highlighted that the blue economy and Artificial Intelligence sectors are currently experiencing significant growth, positioning Mauritius to become a ‘big oceanic small State’. He emphasised that as Government places strong focus on the development of the Blue Economy, the availability of adequately trained human resources remains essential. The eight trainees embarking on their sea-time training stand as clear evidence of the country’s commitment to strengthening local capacity, he underlined.
Dr Boolell further pointed out that the trainees will subsequently benefit from additional training in international institutions to further deepen their knowledge. He also emphasised the necessity of continuously developing the port in order to enhance competitiveness at the regional level. The Minister underlined that the country’s youth remain at the heart of this economic and social development process.
For his part, Junior Minister David commended the MSCL for its investment in structured training programmes aimed at building local maritime capacity and nurturing the next generation of Mauritian seafarers. He observed that maritime transport in the region is poised to emerge as a new pillar of the national economy. Mauritius must invest not only in vessels and modern equipment, but above all in its human capital, he stated.
As for Captain Babooa, he underscored that the initiative reflects MSCL’s continued commitment to empowering Mauritian youth, strengthening national maritime expertise and ensuring the sustainability of the country’s shipping industry through discipline and teamwork. He expressed the wish that more young Mauritians will aspire to pursue careers as seafarers. At present, he pointed out, only around 10% of crew members on board the MV Mauritius Trochetia and the MV Peros Banhos are local citizens.
The eight trainees embarking on their mandatory sea-time training on board the MV Mauritius Trochetia will acquire valuable hands-on experience under the close supervision of experienced officers and crew members. They will be called upon to uphold values such as discipline, responsibility, integrity, hard work, professionalism, collaboration and dedication.
