seafarer training

Shipping Arabia, October 3, 2026 – Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) has accredited 14 maritime training programs for industry personnel following audit and compliance reviews at the AZDA Maritime Training Institute in Ras Tanura and the International Maritime Training Center at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah.

The audits formed part of the authority’s efforts to raise the quality of maritime training, strengthen training outcomes and develop the capabilities of personnel working across Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector. The reviews assessed compliance with approved standards and requirements covering quality, safety, training facilities and educational programs.

AZDA Maritime Training Institute Meets Quality and Safety Requirements

At the AZDA Maritime Training Institute in Ras Tanura, the audit found that the institute had fulfilled applicable quality and safety requirements.

The review also confirmed the availability of training equipment and tools required for its programs. In addition, the institute had updated its educational programs in line with international best practices.

The audit was conducted as part of the Transport General Authority’s wider oversight of maritime training providers and its efforts to ensure that training institutions maintain required standards.

14 Maritime Training Programs Accredited in Jeddah

At the International Maritime Training Center at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, the audit confirmed compliance with quality and safety requirements as well as the readiness of training equipment and tools.

Following the review, the Transport General Authority accredited 14 maritime training programs for personnel working in the maritime sector.

The authority said the programs are intended to develop participants’ professional skills and capabilities while helping provide the maritime transport industry with qualified personnel capable of meeting sector requirements.

Supporting Saudi Maritime Workforce Development

The Transport General Authority said it will continue its development efforts to raise the efficiency of personnel working across the maritime sector.

These efforts form part of the authority’s work to support development of Saudi Arabia’s maritime transport system and contribute to the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

The authority also linked its maritime workforce development initiatives with the Kingdom’s wider objective of strengthening its position as a global logistics hub.

Source: Sabq

Shipping Arabia, October 3, 2026 – Aqaba maritime training programs at Al-Balqa Applied University are recording graduate employment rates approaching 90%, according to Dr. Hassan Rafea Shaheen, director of the Aqaba Maritime Education and Training Center. The center combines academic study with practical maritime training and serves students as well as working seafarers seeking professional qualifications and certificate renewals.

Maritime Programs Linked to Industry Demand

The center currently has 112 students in Maritime Transport Technology and 114 in Marine Engineering. Since the programs were introduced, 336 students have graduated in Maritime Transport Technology and 155 in Marine Engineering. Marine Engineering runs for three years and comprises 105 credit hours, while graduates must also complete practical cadet training aboard ships before obtaining the required maritime certification.

Simulators and Safety Training

Training facilities include a 3D ship-engine simulator and a high-voltage systems simulator, each capable of accommodating about 12 students. Construction of a semi-Olympic swimming pool for rescue and lifeboat training has reached about 90%, while the center also operates shipboard firefighting training facilities.

The center has trained participants from 35 nationalities and maintains agreements with maritime companies and academies. Aqaba University College is also preparing a bachelor’s program in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Source: Hala News / Petra