Educational and Institutional Mission — Seychelles Maritime Academy
1st – 7th July 2026
Following an invitation from the Russian Embassy in Seychelles, a delegation from the Seychelles Maritime Academy undertook an official visit to St. Petersburg from 1st–7th July 2026.
The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation between Seychelles and Russia in five areas:
- Maritime education
- Technical and vocational training
- Research and innovation
- Institutional partnerships
- Student and staff mobility
The programme also provided an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of Russia’s internationally recognised maritime education system.
Following an invitation from the Russian Embassy in Seychelles, a delegation from the Seychelles Maritime Academy undertook an official visit to St. Petersburg from 1st–7th July 2026.
The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation between Seychelles and Russia in five areas:
- Maritime education
- Technical and vocational training
- Research and innovation
- Institutional partnerships
- Student and staff mobility
The programme also provided an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of Russia’s internationally recognised maritime education system.
Delegation from the Seychelles Maritime Academy
- Mr Mahesa Abeynayake — Director
- Ms Angelique Reddy — Registrar
- Mr Michael Barbe — Head of Programme, Fisheries Science & Fishing Technology
- Mr Lee Tirant — Head of Programme, Nautical Science
The delegation was warmly welcomed by all host institutions and received exceptional hospitality throughout the visit.
Setting the Terms of a New Partnership
The visit opened with formal proceedings between the Seychelles delegation and Russian representatives, establishing the shared framework for the week’s meetings — from maritime education to research cooperation and student mobility.
Signing ceremony between Seychelles and Russian representatives
Formal document signing between the two delegations
Where Tradition Meets Modern Instruction
The delegation received an official welcome from senior naval officers and academy leadership. Presentations covered:
- History of the academy
- Organisational structure
- Academic programmes
- Military education system
- Naval officer development
- Role of the academy within the Russian Navy
The academy demonstrated how traditional naval values are successfully combined with modern education and technology.
Official welcome from senior naval officers and academy leadership
Naval Education and Training — Competency-Based Learning
Cadets receive both academic and military training through classroom instruction, leadership development, seamanship, engineering practice, operational exercises and progressive rank advancement. Graduates leave fully prepared to serve as commissioned naval officers.
Briefing on the academy’s competency-based training model
Modern Training Facilities — Advanced Infrastructure
The delegation toured navigation simulators, marine engineering laboratories, technical workshops, practical training facilities and specialist classrooms. These facilities provide realistic operational experiences before cadets work onboard naval vessels. The academy also maintains historical monuments that preserve the traditions of the Russian Navy.
Navigation simulator demonstration during the facilities tour
Delegation touring a specialist training facility
Developing Global Naval Officers
One of the most interesting aspects was the academy’s international student programme. Students from numerous countries study alongside Russian cadets. Key features include:
- Intensive Russian language training
- Full academic integration
- Military discipline
- Leadership development
- Cultural immersion
Discussing the academy’s international student programme
Language Learning Strategy — A Unique Approach
The academy deliberately houses students from the same country in different dormitories, encouraging them to communicate primarily in Russian. As a result:
- Language proficiency is normally achieved within ten months
- Students integrate more quickly
- Communication skills improve significantly
The delegation was impressed by the organisation, cleanliness and discipline within the accommodation facilities.
Productive Discussions
The delegation discussed admission procedures, scholarship opportunities, student welfare, military training, language preparation and international cooperation. Russian representatives confirmed that Seychellois students would be welcome to study at the academy, through arrangements coordinated with the Russian Embassy.
Delegation examining an exhibit during the Q&A session
Higher Education Excellence
The delegation spent nearly half a day visiting one of St. Petersburg’s leading universities. Highlights included a modern campus, research centres, innovation laboratories, advanced technology facilities and international partnerships. Both institutions presented their academic programmes and strategic priorities.
Group photo at the St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University
Potential Areas of Collaboration — Shared Academic Interests
Several disciplines closely align with the Academy’s strategic objectives. Potential collaboration includes:
- Maritime education and marine engineering
- Fisheries science and technical education
- Robotics, automation and digital technologies
- 3D technologies
- Research, innovation and professional development
Delegation walking through the university campus
Delegation touring university laboratories
Scholarship Opportunities — Investing in Human Capital
One of the most encouraging outcomes was the willingness of the university to receive students from Seychelles. Potential benefits include undergraduate and postgraduate studies, international qualifications, academic exchanges, capacity building and future academic cooperation.
Presentation on scholarship pathways for Seychellois students
Supporting the Blue Economy
The delegation was introduced to an innovative electric-powered boat. Potential advantages for Seychelles include:
- Environmentally friendly transport
- Reduced emissions
- Lower operating costs
- Quiet operation
- Sustainable marine tourism
- Maritime research applications
- Training opportunities
Further technical assessment will determine its suitability for Seychelles
Delegation with academy staff during the technology showcase
Exchange of mementos following the innovation showcase
Naval History Museum — Preserving Maritime Heritage
The museum illustrated the evolution of naval vessels, maritime navigation, naval warfare, engineering development, technological innovation and maritime traditions. The visit demonstrated how understanding history contributes to future innovation.
Major Achievements
The visit resulted in:
- Stronger institutional relationships
- Scholarship opportunities
- Student exchange prospects
- Research partnerships
- Collaboration in robotics and automation
- Technology transfer opportunities
- Knowledge sharing
- Expanded professional networks
Next Steps
The Academy will engage with:
- Russian Embassy
- Seychelles Coast Guard
- National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation (NISTI)
Discussions will focus on:
- Scholarships
- Joint research
- Maritime education
- Fisheries
- Robotics
- Technical education
- Institutional agreements
National Impact
Successful collaboration could contribute to:
- Improved maritime education
- Skilled workforce development
- International partnerships
- Enhanced research capability
- Technology transfer
- Innovation in maritime transport
- Strengthened Blue Economy initiatives
A Successful Mission
The visit exceeded expectations and strengthened relations between the Seychelles Maritime Academy and Russian institutions. It provided valuable exposure to:
- World-class maritime education
- Advanced technologies
- Modern teaching methods
- International cooperation
- Future scholarship opportunities
The Academy is committed to transforming these discussions into practical collaborations that will benefit both countries.
With Sincere Appreciation
The Seychelles Maritime Academy extends sincere appreciation to:
- The Russian Embassy in Seychelles
- The Naval Academy, St. Petersburg
- The St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University
- All host institutions and organisers