By Our Correspondent, Kigoma
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI) in expanding maritime education and training opportunities, as part of broader efforts to develop a competitive workforce capable of driving Tanzania’s blue economy.
Minister for Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, said the government would continue backing DMI’s initiative to introduce a maritime foundation course aimed at enabling more Tanzanian youths to pursue careers in the maritime sector.
Speaking after visiting the institute’s exhibition booth during the climax of the 16th International Day of the Seafarer celebrations in Kigoma, Prof. Mbarawa said the proposed programme would offer a pathway for young people who aspire to become seafarers but were unable to study science subjects required for direct entry into maritime training.
He noted that the course had been specifically designed to equip such students with the foundational knowledge needed to progress into professional maritime studies and eventually join the growing labour market in the maritime transport industry.
“DMI is doing commendable work in creating opportunities for more young people to access maritime education. This foundation programme will help those who did not study science subjects acquire the necessary background and eventually enrol in maritime training,” he said.
According to the minister, the initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to increase the number of qualified seafarers with nationally and internationally recognised certifications.
The move is expected to enhance the participation of Tanzanians in global maritime employment opportunities.
Prof. Mbarawa also commended DMI Rector, Prof. Tumaini Gurumo, for spearheading innovative training programmes aimed at preparing Tanzanian seafarers to meet international standards.
“We appreciate DMI’s efforts in designing and advancing training programmes that enable our seafarers to attain globally recognised qualifications. Seafarers work across different parts of the world, and therefore they must be trained to standards that meet the demands of the international maritime industry,” he said.
For his part, Prof. Gurumo thanked the government, through the Ministry of Transport, for its continued support in strengthening the institute’s capacity to produce highly skilled professionals capable of competing in both domestic and international labour markets.
He said the nature of maritime work requires seafarers to operate and travel across different countries, making internationally recognised education and skills essential for success in the global job market.
“As a training institution, we are committed to continuously improving and expanding maritime education programmes to ensure more young Tanzanians acquire the knowledge and skills needed to benefit from opportunities emerging in the blue economy and maritime transport sector,” Prof. Gurumo said.
The 16th International Day of the Seafarer celebrations brought together stakeholders from across the maritime and shipping industries to recognise and appreciate the critical role seafarers play in facilitating global trade, economic growth and social development.
