Seychelles Maritime Academy Celebrates Graduation of 2024–2025 Cohort
Mahé, Seychelles – 30 April 2026 — The Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) proudly celebrated the graduation of its 2024–2025 cohort during a ceremony held at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) on Thursday, 30 April 2026.
A total of 100 learners successfully completed their programmes across various maritime disciplines, including:
- Certificate in Fishing Technology (56 graduates)
- Advanced Certificate in Fisheries and Fishing Technology – Option 1 (9 graduates)
- Advanced Certificate in Fisheries and Fishing Technology – Option 2 (8 graduates)
- Advanced Certificate in Nautical Science (19 graduates)
- Advanced Certificate in Marine Mechanics (8 graduates)
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Vice President Sebastien Pillay, Principal Minister and Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy Wallace Cosgrow, and Minister for Education and Human Resource Development David Pierre, along with other dignitaries.
The prestigious Outstanding Performer Award (President’s Cup) was presented to Lisa Gappy from the Advanced Certificate in Fisheries and Fishing Technology – Option 2 programme.
Awards for best performers in each programme were presented to:
- Amalia Payet – Certificate in Fishing Technology (Apprenticeship)
- Joshua Sinon – Advanced Certificate in Fisheries and Fishing Technology – Option 1
- Leonard Azemia – Advanced Certificate in Nautical Science
- Jean Yves Joubert – Advanced Certificate in Marine Mechanics
The Best Effort Awards were awarded to Ruud Bristol, Lisa Dubois, Shana Malbrook, Hafez Mouhoussoune, and Gaul Denis in recognition of their perseverance and commitment.
In a significant milestone, SMA also awarded, for the first time, coxswain licences to 10 graduates from the Nautical Science programme, marking a major advancement in practical maritime training at the academy.
In his address, SMA Director Abeynayake Mahesa highlighted the unique opportunities experienced by this cohort, stating:
“The 2024–2025 cohort was fortunate to witness and participate in key developments at the Academy, including the inauguration of our new jetty, the commissioning of an upgraded GMDSS simulator, and access to a state-of-the-art ICT laboratory.”
He further emphasized the academy’s distinctive training capabilities, noting that few maritime institutions offer students the opportunity to conduct berthing operations within an academy environment. The use of SMA’s training vessel also enabled graduates to obtain their coxswain licences, enhancing their readiness for the maritime industry.
The Director encouraged graduates to remain connected with the academy and to return to experience the newly commissioned simulators in May 2026.
The ceremony was enriched by cultural performances from current SMA learners, including dance presentations choreographed by lecturer Camila Labonte, as well as an inspiring musical performance by members of the 2026 cohort.
The Seychelles Maritime Academy continues to play a vital role in developing skilled maritime professionals, contributing to the growth of Seychelles’ blue economy.
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