By Alfred Zacharia
The Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) has urged secondary school students to consider building careers in the maritime industry, describing it as a fast-growing and high-paying sector with global opportunities.
This call was made during the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DTIF), where TASAC hosted a session for students participating in the Sabasaba Urithi Wetu programme, an initiative by the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) aimed at exposing young learners to real-world industries.
Speaking during the session, Eng. Said Issa Mkwawa, TASAC’s Chief Marine Vessel Inspector and Registrar, said maritime transport supports around 90 percent of global trade.
He explained that Tanzania is part of this global movement, and the country needs professionals who are well-trained to work in areas such as marine engineering, navigation, and shipping logistics.
“This sector is no longer what people used to think. In the past, seafarers were seen as people without direction. Today, they are respected professionals who are well paid and highly trained,” he said.
Eng. Mkwawa told the students that institutions such as the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI) offer certified programmes in seafaring and ship engineering.
He said students can start their maritime education journey from Form Four or Form Six, and progress to college and university levels.
TASAC also evaluates training curricula to make sure they meet international standards. These approved programmes are then listed in global databases to ensure Tanzanian graduates are recognised worldwide.
Adding to the session, TASAC’s Marine and Mechanical Engineer, Eng. Groly Mrema, explained the two main career paths in the maritime sector: navigation and engineering.
“The ship’s captain is responsible for steering and leading the vessel, while the engineer ensures everything runs smoothly, from engines to fuel and power systems,” she said.
She advised students to take science subjects seriously, especially Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Geography, if they want to qualify for maritime careers.
“Working at sea pays well. We are paid in dollars. We travel to many countries. I work on a ship based in the United States that sails through Europe. I am 24 years old and have already visited more than 10 countries,” she noted.
Students were also informed about scholarship opportunities.
Joyce Kamala, a representative from the Maritime Education and Training Fund (MET Fund), said government loans and grants are available for students who join DMI’s degree programmes.
“The fund covers tuition and living expenses. After graduation, the students repay the loans to support others who come after them,” she explained.
One of the participating students, Masudi Nicolus from Tumekuja Secondary School in Zanzibar, said the visit opened his eyes to the opportunities available in the maritime sector.
“Living in Zanzibar, the sea is a big part of my life. This session has helped me see that the ocean can also shape my future,” he said.
Ms. Bertha Ntanda, a teacher from Mlole Secondary School in Kigoma who accompanied the group, said the programme provides both students and teachers with valuable insights.
“This exposure gives our students a chance to connect academic subjects with career paths. It also helps us as educators to guide them more effectively based on industry expectations,” she said.
The Sabasaba Urithi Wetu programme brought together 50 students and 11 teachers from five regions: Unguja, Pemba, Kigoma, Pwani, and Mbeya. According to TanTrade, the programme aims to help students connect their academic learning with future career possibilities, especially in key economic sectors like trade, logistics, and manufacturing.