In a bold move to bolster youth empowerment and expand Sierra Leone’s footprint in the global maritime arena, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), in partnership with the National Youth Commission (NAYCOM) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has announced the rollout of a comprehensive training initiative aimed at 500 young seafarers across the country.
The training program, centered on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW), will provide participants with internationally recognized maritime skills and certifications. The STCW Convention, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), sets the global benchmark for the training and certification of seafarers, ensuring safety, professionalism, and competency in the maritime industry.
This initiative is not just a training program—it is a transformative pathway designed to open doors for Sierra Leonean youth in the highly competitive global maritime labor market. By equipping young men and women with the necessary technical know-how, practical experience, and globally recognized certifications, the program seeks to make them eligible for employment on international vessels, thereby boosting employment, income generation, and national pride.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, representatives from SLMA emphasized the program’s alignment with the government’s broader vision of youth development and economic diversification. “This partnership represents a crucial step forward in preparing our young people to compete on the international stage. With the maritime sector offering countless opportunities globally, this training ensures Sierra Leonean youth are not left behind,” noted a senior SLMA official.
The National Youth Commission, which plays a pivotal role in youth policy formulation and empowerment strategies, hailed the initiative as a game-changer in the quest to address youth unemployment and underemployment. “This is about more than skills training—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and economic opportunities for young people across the country,” said a representative from NAYCOM.
IOM, which brings a wealth of international experience in migration and labor mobility, is providing technical support and expertise to ensure the training meets global standards. The organization’s involvement also ensures that the program integrates best practices in ethical recruitment and labor migration, giving participants a competitive edge in the international labor market.
With maritime trade forming a significant pillar of global commerce, Sierra Leone stands to gain immensely by developing a pool of well-trained, certified, and globally competitive seafarers. The program is also expected to improve the country’s ranking in maritime compliance, enhance its human resource base in the sector, and create linkages with global shipping companies seeking qualified personnel.
The first phase of training is expected to commence in the coming weeks, with participants selected through a competitive and transparent process, targeting regions across the country to ensure inclusivity and national representation.
As Sierra Leone charts a new course toward economic transformation, initiatives like this are timely reminders that investing in the youth is not just a development strategy—it is a national imperative. Through collaboration, vision, and strategic investment in human capital, the nation is taking decisive steps to ensure its youth are not only prepared for the future but are key architects of it.
