A new maritime training opportunity could open the door for unemployed seafarers who need real workplace exposure, structured mentoring, and a monthly stipend while building practical skills. The SAMSA Work Integrated Learning programme offers 24 months of training under the Small Vessel Regime, with placements linked to key maritime environments across South Africa.
SAMSA and the Department of Transport are inviting unemployed seafarers and qualifying maritime graduates to join a 24-month Work Integrated Learning programme under the Small Vessel Regime. The opportunity includes practical training, mentorship, maritime safety exposure, and a monthly stipend of R10,000. Applications close on 06 May 2026.
For young maritime candidates trying to move from qualification to real industry experience, this opportunity matters.
The programme is designed to place successful applicants inside practical maritime environments where they can support inspections, compliance monitoring, safety awareness, and operational duties under professional guidance.
It is not a permanent job offer — but it is valuable workplace exposure in a highly specialised sector.
What Is The SAMSA Work Integrated Learning Programme About?
The South African Maritime Safety Authority, in partnership with the Department of Transport, is offering a Maritime Training Programme for the Small Vessel Regime.
The programme is formally listed as:
Work Integrated Learning: Small Vessel Regime x 10
Reference Number: SAMSA-MTP-2026-001
Successful candidates will participate in a fixed-term training programme for 24 months.
This opportunity is aimed at unemployed seafarers and candidates with relevant maritime qualifications who need structured workplace learning to strengthen their practical experience.
Who Should Consider This Maritime Training Opportunity?
This programme is suitable for candidates who already have a maritime background and want hands-on exposure in vessel inspection, surveying, compliance, and maritime safety operations.
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
They must also be unemployed seafarers or hold a maritime-related qualification.
This is a strong fit for candidates who want to build practical confidence beyond the classroom.
What Will Successful Candidates Do During The Programme?
Participants will work under the guidance of a mentor or surveyor while supporting real maritime safety functions.
Key duties may include:
- Assisting with the inspection and surveying of small vessels
- Taking part in scheduled training and skills development activities
- Supporting maritime compliance monitoring
- Participating in safety awareness and outreach initiatives
- Compiling basic inspection and compliance reports
- Supporting operational duties in port, coastal, and inland water environments
The work may include exposure to recreational dams, ports, and coastal areas.
That means candidates must be comfortable working in varied maritime environments, not only office-based settings.
How Long Does The Programme Run?
The SAMSA Maritime Training Programme runs for 24 months.
It is offered as a fixed-term contract / training programme.
Participants will receive structured workplace exposure during this period, but SAMSA clearly states that the programme does not guarantee permanent employment after completion.
How Much Is The Monthly Stipend?
Participants will receive a monthly stipend of R10,000 for the duration of the programme.
This stipend is intended to support participants while they complete the training and workplace learning requirements.
The stipend makes the opportunity more accessible for unemployed candidates who need income while gaining experience.
Where Will Successful Candidates Be Placed?
Successful applicants may be placed at one of the following locations:
- Richards Bay
- Durban
- East London
- Gqeberha
- Mossel Bay
The listing also shows the job location as Port Elizabeth, which is now officially known as Gqeberha.
Candidates should be prepared to work in maritime environments linked to the placement area assigned to them.
What Are The Minimum Requirements?
Applicants must meet the full minimum requirements before submitting an application.
To qualify, candidates must have one of the following:
- Certificate of Proficiency
- Diploma in Maritime Studies
- Related maritime qualification
A BSc in Nautical Science will be an advantage.
Applicants must also:
- Be an unemployed seafarer or have a maritime-related qualification
- Be aged between 18 and 35
- Meet applicable maritime medical fitness requirements
- Have basic knowledge of maritime safety legislation and regulations
- Have good communication and report-writing skills
- Be able to work in inland waters, port, and coastal environments
Preference will be given to suitably qualified unemployed seafarers.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: This is the kind of programme where your CV should clearly show your maritime qualification, sea-going exposure if you have any, safety knowledge, and report-writing ability. Do not submit a generic CV. Make it easy for SAMSA to see that you understand the maritime environment.
Which Documents Must Applicants Submit?
Applicants who meet the requirements should prepare the following documents:
- Detailed CV
- Recently certified copy of Identity Document
- Recently certified copies of qualifications and certificates
Make sure the certified copies are recent and clear.
Incomplete documents can weaken an application, especially for structured training programmes where many candidates may meet the basic requirements.
How Can Candidates Submit Their Applications?
Applications must be submitted through the official SAMSA online application portal.
Applicants should use the reference number SAMSA-MTP-2026-001 when checking or completing the application.
Late applications will not be considered.
When Is The Closing Date?
The closing date for the SAMSA Work Integrated Learning: Small Vessel Regime programme is:
06 May 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues on the application portal.
What Happens After Applications Close?
Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
If applicants are not contacted within one month after the closing date, they should regard their application as unsuccessful.
SAMSA and the Department of Transport may conduct psychometric and other assessments as part of the selection process.
Shortlisted candidates must be available to participate in the required assessments.
Who Can Applicants Contact For Enquiries?
For more information about the training programme, applicants may contact:
Mr Kgabo Phadu
OD and Training Officer
Telephone: 012 366 2600
This contact should be used for programme-related queries only.
Why Is This Opportunity Worth Noticing?
Maritime career pathways can be difficult to enter without workplace exposure.
This programme gives selected candidates a chance to gain practical experience in inspection, surveying support, compliance, reporting, and safety awareness.
For unemployed seafarers, that kind of exposure can make a CV much stronger.
The combination of mentorship, a 24-month training period, and a monthly stipend makes this a valuable opportunity for candidates who are serious about building a future in maritime safety.
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Final Thoughts
The SAMSA Maritime Training Programme 2026 is a practical opportunity for unemployed seafarers and maritime-qualified candidates who want structured workplace exposure under the Small Vessel Regime.
With 10 available positions, a 24-month training period, and a monthly stipend of R10,000, this programme is worth serious attention.
Candidates who meet the requirements should prepare certified documents early and submit their applications before 06 May 2026.
