Cape Town’s latest ‘newbuild’ unveiled

Precise charting resulted in last week’s keenly awaited ‘newbuild’ arrival, albeit onto solid ground rather than lapping waters, of the Lawhill Maritime Centre at Simons Town High School. What is thought to be the only facility of its kind for secondary school students in southern Africa and possibly the continent, the centre provides maritime-related education and accommodation to 41 boarders, many from other parts of South Africa, as well as to 69 day students. It teaches maritime economics and nautical science to Grade 10-12 learners. The original structure was built from 47 decommissioned containers donated by Safmarine in 1997, but time took its toll on the ageing metal structures and the result is a new, permanent facility sponsored by the Bahamas-based TK Foundation, associated with the Teekay Corporation, whose interests include major global tanker operations. The demand for skilled maritime personnel of all nationalities persists globally but South Africa has earned an enviable reputation for turning out high-calibre officers, says Brian Ingpen, who heads up the Lawhill Maritime Centre.