19 November 2025
Seychelles Institute for Teacher Education Auditorium, Mont Fleuri
The Seychelles Maritime Academy held the graduation ceremony for the Certificate in Basic Maritime Studies on 19 November 2025 at the Seychelles Institute for Teacher Education auditorium in Mont Fleuri.
The Chief Guest at the ceremony was Principal Minister Mr. Wallace Cosgrove, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Blue Economy. Among the invited guests were former Minister Jean-François Ferrari, PS Roy Clarisse of the Fisheries Department, PS John Lesperance, and PS Merna Eulentin from the Ministry of Education.
Funded primarily through the Department of Fisheries under the EU–Seychelles Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, this unique programme targets young Seychellois who are eager to build a career in the maritime sector but were unable to gain entry into the mainstream SMA programmes. Now in its third year, the course continues to evolve, and this year a new component was added focusing on outboard engine maintenance and servicing.
While at the Academy, learners engaged in a range of practical activities including net mending, trap making, and basic navigation principles. Learners specialising in mechanics were primarily involved in the operation, servicing, and maintenance of outboard motors. A selected group also completed the GMDSS ROC course, which proved challenging due to its theoretical requirements but provided valuable exposure to maritime communication systems.
All graduates also undertook work-based experience placements with partner organisations, gaining hands-on industry exposure. Additionally, every learner had the opportunity to sail on the SMA training vessel Virgo II during sea practice trips, where they gained first-hand experience in fisheries-related operations.
A total of 42 learners graduated this year. They will now either pursue employment opportunities within the maritime and fisheries sectors or progress to SMA’s higher-level programmes, provided they achieve the required IGCSE results.
