- Indonesia approves $1.3 million maritime training scholarship for MOWCA to enhance seafarer skills and certification.
- Program offers Training of Trainers (TOT) and Assessment, Examination & Certification courses, covering all costs for 96 participants.
- Training spans four batches from October to November 2025, benefiting both individual seafarers and MOWCA-affiliated maritime institutions.
The government of Indonesia has approved a $1.3 million maritime training scholarship for MOWCA to help the region develop better skills and higher certification of seafarers. The agreement signed between MOWCA's Secretary General, Dr. Paul Adalikwu, and the Indonesian authorities provided 96 fully funded training slots distributed among member states.
The initiative offers two different programs: a Training of Trainers (TOT) course, utilizing the International Maritime Organization's Model Course 6.09, designed to prepare maritime instructors; Assessment, Examination, and Certification of Seafarers, based on IMO Model Course 3.12, addressed to personnel of maritime administrations, training institutions with responsibilities for certification, and officers designated to conduct onboard assessments.
Training will be provided in four batches comprising 24 participants each. The first batch of the TOT course will run from 11 to 26 October 2025, while the second batch will take place from 1 to 16 November. In parallel, the assessment and certification course batches will take place from 18 October-2 November and 15-30 November, respectively.
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Dr. Adalikwu said the ultimate goal of the program is to have Certificates of Competence issued to seafarers of the MOWCA region to be at the level that conforms to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. He also said the scholarships will cover all related costs, including airfare, accommodation, tuition, and daily allowances.
In addition to the individual training, scholarship benefits accrue to MOWCA affiliated institutions, such as the Regional Maritime University in Ghana; the Regional Academy of Science & Technology of the Seas (ARSTM) based in Cote d'Ivoire; and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria at Oron.
Applicants from MOWCA member states are encouraged to apply; eligibility requirements as established by the respective national maritime ministries - also drug-free confirmation test - should be met. Applications close on 15 September 2025.
Through this capacity-building scheme, Indonesia is supporting maritime education in West and Central Africa, while consolidating its diplomatic outreach and international position in this field.
