The Transport General Authority (TGA) marked the Day of the Seafarer by honoring more than 3,000 Saudi seafarers, in observance of the annual event designated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on 25 June, in recognition of their essential contribution as the backbone of the maritime sector and to highlight the importance of enforcing maritime safety and security standards that support safe and sustainable navigation.
However, the Kingdom has adopted a leading approach to supporting and qualifying national maritime talent while promoting maritime safety and environmental sustainability. Leveraging its strategic location, Saudi Arabia has strengthened its position as a global logistics hub and a key center for maritime transport and trade. This year’s celebration is held under the theme “My Harassment-Free Ship”? Wait, no. The theme is “My Harassment-Free Ship”? Actually user provided: “My Harassment-Free Ship”? No. The Arabic theme is “It Carries Global Trade… and Bears the Risks”, highlighting the essential role seafarers play in sustaining global trade and supply chains, as well as the responsibilities and challenges they undertake to ensure the smooth flow of maritime transport worldwide.
As part of its efforts to empower national maritime talent, TGA continues to develop the maritime ecosystem and enhance the capabilities of its workforce, supporting the growth and competitiveness of the maritime sector while reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia has also supported the qualification of national maritime professionals through the accreditation of specialized maritime education and training institutions, offering more than 60 approved training programs in navigation, marine engineering, and basic and advanced maritime courses. These programs contribute to preparing national talent and enhancing their readiness to work across various maritime activities in accordance with the highest international standards.
The Kingdom has further strengthened its international maritime presence by signing 17 mutual recognition agreements for seafarers’ certificates with a number of countries, helping expand employment opportunities for Saudi seafarers and enhance their competitiveness globally.
In support of practical maritime training for national talent, the first cohort of Saudi seafarers was trained aboard the Aroya Cruises vessel, comprising eight trainee seafarers. This initiative forms part of TGA’s efforts to qualify and empower national maritime professionals by providing them with the practical experience required for diverse maritime activities.
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