On 8 April 2026, the Seychelles Maritime Academy received an unofficial visit from a Russian delegation comprising senior diplomatic and naval representatives.

The delegation was accompanied by the Russian Ambassador to the Republic of Seychelles, Artem Kozhin, along with Counsellor Aleksandr Odoevskii. The delegation was headed by Rear Admiral Vladimir Zemskov, who was accompanied by senior staff from both the Russian Embassy and the Russian Navy.

Following a brief introduction, the delegation was taken on a guided tour of the Academy. During the visit, they explored the newly installed simulators, several classrooms, and the recently upgraded computer laboratory. Rear Admiral Zemskov expressed particular interest in the simulators, remarking that the Academy’s level of order, neatness, and organization resembled that of a well-maintained naval vessel.

Counsellor Odoevskii, who has visited the Academy on several previous occasions, commented positively on the significant improvements made to the facilities since his last visit.

The delegation was also given demonstrations of training sessions, including an elementary first aid class conducted under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), as well as a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS ROC) session led by the Head of Safety and Survival. The Head of Programmes for Nautical Science, Lee Tirant, highlighted the importance of simulators in enhancing the Academy’s training capabilities.

Visitors were further taken on board the training vessel Virgo, where Sir Hubert Poiret, together with SMA learners, demonstrated the vessel’s operational use and onboard training activities.

The visit concluded with an invitation extended to the Academy to visit the Admiral Kuznetsov Naval Academy, a military educational and scientific center based in Saint Petersburg.